Rotating Wheel Length Measuring Device for Straight and Curved Surfaces

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional measuring tapes are limited in measuring both straight and curved lengths accurately, tend to bend when measuring long lengths, and require manual reading and writing of measurements, leading to potential errors and inconvenience.

Innovation Solution

A length measuring device with rotating portions and a controller that converts rotation into length measurements, allowing for accurate measurement of both straight and curved lengths, and featuring a communication portion for direct data transmission, reducing the need for manual recording.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a conventional measuring tape is used to measure straight lengths, then the measurement can be obtained, but it cannot measure curved lengths accurately

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement capability for different shapesVSAvoidaccuracy of measurement

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the traditional mechanical flexible tape with a rotating wheel mechanism coupled to an electronic sensor system. The wheel rotates along the object's surface (straight or curved), and sensors detect the rotation amount to calculate length, eliminating the need for a physical flexible tape while maintaining measurement capability for both straight and curved surfaces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a flexible measuring tape is used to measure curved lengths, then both straight and curved lengths can be measured, but the tape bends when measuring long lengths reducing accuracy

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecapability to measure both straight and curved lengthsVSAvoidaccuracy for long length measurements

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes the flexible tape with a rigid rotating wheel mechanism that maintains its shape during rotation. The wheel rotates along the measurement path while its rotational position is tracked by electronic sensors, preventing the bending and deformation issues that plague flexible tapes during long measurements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a rotating wheel as an intermediary between the measurement surface and the sensing system. The wheel converts linear motion along the surface into rotational motion, which is then detected by optical or magnetic sensors to calculate the measured length accurately.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If manual reading and writing of measurements is performed, then the measurement process can be completed, but errors are generated depending on operators and additional time is required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement process completionVSAvoidaccuracy of recorded measurements

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual reading and recording operations with an electronic sensor system that automatically detects wheel rotation and a display unit that shows measurements digitally. This eliminates human reading errors and removes the manual writing step entirely, as the measurement is automatically recorded and displayed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The measurement system performs its own recording and display functions automatically. The sensor detects the rotation amount, the controller calculates the length, and the display unit presents the result without requiring operator intervention for reading or recording, making the system self-sufficient in the measurement and recording process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 precise measurement of straight and curved lengths without manual error, with automatic data display and transmission, enhancing measurement accuracy and convenience.

Implementation Method 1

a first sensing portion configured to sense an amount of rotation of the first rotating portion

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRotation sensing:

Implementation Method 2

a second sensing portion configured to sense an amount of rotation of the second rotating portion

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRotation sensing:

Data Source

PatentUS10393490B2Length measuring device and length measuring system

Publication Date: 2019.08.27 BAGEL LABS CO LTD

AI summary

A length measuring device and a length measuring system are provided, in which the length measuring device includes a casing, a first rotating portion accommodated in the casing, and rotated with a portion of a circumference thereof being exposed out of the casing and in contact with an object to be measured, a first sensing portion which senses an amount of rotation of the first rotating portion, and a controller which converts the amount of rotation of the first rotating portion into length measurement. Additionally, the length measuring device may further include a second rotating portion coiled with a strip by a plurality of times, and rotated according to the strip being withdrawn or retracted through an outlet formed in the casing, and a second sensing portion which senses an amount of rotation of the second rotating portion, in which the controller may convert the amount of rotation of the second rotating portion into length measurement.