Rotating Level Vial Locking Assembly for Stable Custom Angles

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional levels with fixed vial angles are inadequate for tasks requiring leveling at non-standard angles, and existing rotating vial designs fail to securely lock the vial in place, leading to unintended rotation during use.

Innovation Solution

A level with a rotating vial and a locking mechanism that includes a threaded channel, screw, and a brake component with a spring element, allowing the vial to be securely locked at custom angles and preventing unintended rotation by applying variable force to restrain the vial support.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a fixed vial angle is used in traditional levels, then the structure is simple and reliable, but the adaptability for non-standard angles is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability for non-standard anglesVSAvoidstructure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The vial is made rotatable within the level body, allowing it to dynamically adjust to various angular positions rather than being fixed at predetermined angles. This enables the level to adapt to non-standard angles while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The rotating vial mechanism allows a single level device to perform multiple functions by accommodating various angular positions, making it universally applicable to different leveling tasks including non-standard angles, eliminating the need for multiple specialized levels.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a rotating vial design is implemented to enable custom angles, then the adaptability improves, but the reliability for securing the vial in place deteriorates due to unintended rotation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecustom angle adjustmentVSAvoidvial locking stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A brake component is introduced as an intermediary element between the vial support and the external environment. This brake component applies frictional force to the vial support, effectively mediating between the need for rotation during adjustment and the need for stability during measurement, preventing unintended rotation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The traditional mechanical locking mechanism (screw threads engaging with slots) is replaced with a friction-based brake system. The brake component applies continuous frictional force to the vial support, providing more reliable and smooth locking across all angular positions without the discrete step limitations of threaded mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If a brake component with friction is used to prevent rotation, then the reliability of locking improves, but the ease of operation for rotation during adjustment worsens due to friction resistance

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocking stabilityVSAvoidrotation smoothness during adjustment

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The brake component is designed to be periodically engaged and disengaged during operation. During adjustment, the brake is disengaged allowing frictionless rotation; during measurement, the brake is engaged providing stable locking. This periodic action resolves the contradiction by separating the rotation and locking functions in time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The friction parameter of the brake component is carefully controlled and adjustable. The brake applies just enough friction to prevent unintended rotation during measurement, but allows easy rotation during adjustment when the locking force is temporarily reduced or disengaged, optimizing both reliability and ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enables reliable, reversible locking of the rotating vial at selected angles, reducing the chance of accidental rotation and allowing 360-degree adjustment, thus enhancing usability for non-standard leveling tasks.

Implementation Method 1

the first surface of the brake component engages the vial support with a force sufficient to restrain rotation of the vial support

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 2

a spring element located between the actuator and the brake such that the actuator compresses the spring element when the actuator is moved from an unlocked position to a locked position

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS11686580B2Level with rotating vial and locking assembly

Publication Date: 2023.06.27 MILWAUKEE ELECTRIC TOOL CORP

AI summary

A level including a rotating level vial is provided. The level includes a locking mechanism that utilizes an actuator that engages a brake to lock the rotating vial into the desired position. The locking mechanism may include a spring element that is compressed by the actuator during locking, and the spring element in turn pushes against the brake facilitating control of the normal force that the brake applies to the vial surround of the rotating vial. The rotating level vial may engage the level body such that the rotating level vial is permitted to rotate 360 degrees in both the clockwise and counter clockwise directions.