Ruler Assembly with Multiple Scales and Oblong Hole
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Solution Overview
Problem
Scale rulers are expensive, limited in functionality, and occupy more space due to their triangular cross-section, making them impractical for widespread use and inconvenient to store and carry, as they can only measure objects in a few units and require multiple rulers for different applications.
Innovation Solution
A ruler assembly with multiple scales featuring an oblong plate with scales on two sides, an oblong hole with different scale units, and decorative patterns, allowing measurement in various units and ratios without the need for multiple rulers, and made from materials like plastics, metals, or hard papers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a scale ruler with triangular cross section is used to provide multiple measurement units, then measurement versatility is improved, but the device occupies larger storage space and is more expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by integrating multiple measurement scales (metric, imperial, architectural, engineering) onto a single rectangular ruler body. Different scales are positioned on different faces and edges of the ruler, allowing one tool to perform measurements in various units and systems, thereby eliminating the need for multiple specialized rulers and reducing storage space requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the three-dimensional surface area of the rectangular ruler by placing scales on multiple faces and edges. Instead of confining all scales to a single linear edge, the measurement markings are distributed across different dimensional surfaces of the ruler body, maximizing the use of available space and enabling multiple measurement functions from a compact form factor.
2Measurement precision
If multiple scale rulers are prepared for different measurement units, then measurement precision for specific units is improved, but device complexity and storage inconvenience increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple measurement scale systems that would traditionally require separate rulers into a single integrated tool. By combining metric scales, imperial scales, architectural scales, and engineering scales on one ruler body with multiple marked faces and edges, the invention reduces the number of separate devices from multiple rulers to just one, while maintaining measurement precision across all units.
Solution Approach 2:
The ruler is designed as a universal measurement tool that can accurately measure in various unit systems (millimeters, centimeters, inches, feet, architectural ratios, engineering ratios) simultaneously. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for users to select among multiple specialized rulers, providing comprehensive measurement capability in a single device.
3Adaptability or versatility
If scales are placed on multiple sides of the ruler, then adaptability for different measurement scenarios is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ruler is designed as a rectangular prism with distinct faces and edges, each segment dedicated to specific measurement scales. This segmentation allows different measurement systems to be independently positioned and marked on different surfaces, facilitating modular manufacturing processes where each face can be prepared and marked separately before final assembly, thereby managing manufacturing complexity while achieving multi-scale adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
A ruler assembly with multiple scales includes a ruler being an oblong plate with a top surface and a bottom surface and four lateral sides between the top surface and the bottom surface; at least two sides of the top and bottom surfaces being formed with scales; and at least one an oblong hole penetrated through the ruler; at least one side of the oblong hole being formed with scales. The scales are units of length or units of scale ratios which shows the ratio of a measured length with respect to a real length, and in that the measured length is a length of an object which is reduced from an original object with a predetermined ratio; or a side of the oblong hole is formed as a drawing with non-straight sides so as to present a pattern.