Multifunction Ruler with Pivoting Removable Flaps

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing multifunction rulers with adhesive tape-based shutters suffer from non-permanent fixation, irreversible deformation, and lack of versatility, making them inconvenient for precise drawing and requiring multiple rulers for different line types, with defective parts being non-replaceable.

Innovation Solution

A multifunction ruler with detachable flaps connected via a pivot connection, allowing easy replacement and featuring a recess for compact storage, enabling precise alignment and use of various shutter types.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If adhesive tape is used to attach flaps to the ruler body, then the ruler allows easy extension and retraction of flaps, but the attachment becomes non-permanent and the adhesive tape undergoes irreversible deformation and weakening with repeated use

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of flap extension and retractionVSAvoidpermanence of attachment

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The attachment system is segmented into a ruler body with a recess and a flap with a pivot joint, allowing the flap to be divided into separable parts that can be attached and detached independently. This segmentation enables the flap to be extended and retracted reliably without compromising the permanence of the attachment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The flap is designed with dynamic capabilities, allowing it to pivot between extended and retracted positions while maintaining a secure connection to the ruler body. The pivot joint enables controlled movement without causing irreversible deformation to the attachment mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple rulers are stacked to provide different types of dashed lines, then various line types can be achieved, but the configuration becomes cumbersome and unwieldy

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevariety of dashed line typesVSAvoidcumbersomeness of configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The ruler body is designed as a universal platform that can accommodate multiple different flap types through the standardized recess and pivot joint interface. This multi-functionality allows a single ruler to provide various dashed line types by simply changing the flap, eliminating the need for multiple separate rulers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple flap types are merged into a single ruler body through the common attachment mechanism. The recess and pivot joint system combines the functionality of what would otherwise require separate rulers, creating a compact and manageable unified device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of operation

If flaps are permanently fixed to the ruler body to allow pivoting motion, then the flap can be extended and retracted, but defective flaps cannot be replaced and the ruler body cannot be repaired when graduations wear off

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepivoting motion of flapVSAvoidreplaceability of defective parts

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The permanent fixation is segmented into a standardized interface between the ruler body recess and the flap pivot joint. This segmentation allows the flap to be permanently fixed for reliable pivoting motion while enabling easy replacement of defective flaps by simply detaching and reattaching the pivot joint connection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Ease of manufacture

If adhesive tape is used to attach flaps, then the ruler can be manufactured simply, but the repeated use leads to irreversible deformation and weakening of the adhesive tape

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimplicity of manufacturingVSAvoiddurability of adhesive tape

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The chemical adhesive bonding system is replaced with a mechanical connection system consisting of a recess and pivot joint. This substitution eliminates the durability issues of adhesive tape while maintaining ease of manufacture through simple geometric features that can be molded or machined into the ruler body and flap.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentEP3235655B1Multifunctional ruler with removable flap(s)

Publication Date: 2021.04.07 IRIBARNE FLORENT

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AI summary

The invention relates to a multi-function ruler (1) comprising a ruler body (2), at least one flap (3), fixed on the lower face (8) of the ruler body (2), and means for fixing (4, 13, 22) the flap (3) to the ruler body (2), characterized in that the ruler (1) includes means for pivoting (4, 13, 22) the flap (3) relative to the ruler body (2), configured to allow the flap (3) to pivot around an axis parallel to the longitudinal direction of the ruler body (2), from a retracted position under the ruler body (2) to a deployed position beyond a longitudinal edge (5) of the ruler body (2), and in that the fixing means (4, 13, 22) are configured to removably fix the flap (3) to the ruler body (2).