Ruler Surface Brightening Layer for Dim Light Mark Visibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tape measures are difficult to use in dim light environments, leading to increased effort and measurement errors due to inadequate mark visibility, necessitating additional lighting.
Innovation Solution
A ruler surface structure with brightening layers that enhance mark visibility through light reflection or luminescence, featuring materials like light reflecting or luminescent materials, contour layers, overlapping configurations, and lens-shaped elements to create distinct light sensitivities and improve identification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If traditional painted marks are used on the ruler surface, then the structure remains simple and production cost is low, but the marks are difficult to identify in dim light conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different material properties to different regions of the ruler surface. Specifically, certain marks are covered with light-reflecting or luminescent materials while other regions maintain the traditional painted appearance. This local differentiation enables enhanced visibility of critical marks in dim light without requiring the entire ruler surface to be redesigned, thus resolving the contradiction between improved illumination and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines traditional painted mark materials with light-reflecting or luminescent materials to create a composite ruler surface structure. This composite approach allows the ruler to maintain its basic painted appearance while incorporating specialized materials that enhance mark visibility in low-light conditions, effectively balancing improved illumination with controlled device complexity.
2Illumination intensity
If additional lighting equipment is provided to illuminate marks in dim light, then mark identification improves, but the device complexity and production cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the lighting function from external lighting equipment and integrates it directly into the ruler surface through light-reflecting or luminescent materials applied to the marks themselves. This extraction eliminates the need for separate lighting devices, reducing device complexity and production cost while maintaining improved mark visibility in dim light conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The ruler surface materials themselves provide the illumination enhancement function through their light-reflecting or luminescent properties. The marks essentially light themselves up in dim conditions without requiring external power sources or additional lighting components, making the system self-sufficient and easier to manufacture while solving the visibility problem.
3Illumination intensity
If the entire ruler surface is covered with light-reflecting or luminescent materials, then mark visibility in dim light is maximized, but production cost and material usage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies light-reflecting or luminescent materials only to specific mark regions that require enhanced visibility, rather than covering the entire ruler surface. This localized application reduces the quantity of specialized materials needed while still achieving effective mark identification in dim light, thus resolving the contradiction between illumination intensity and material consumption.
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 quick and precise measurements in dim light conditions, reducing errors and production costs while being easily adaptable to existing tape measures.
Implementation Method 1
the at least one brightening layer is made from a light reflecting material, by using the light reflecting effect of the at least one brightening layer to enhance the display of the at least one of the marks
Implementation Method 2
the at least one brightening layer is made from a luminescent material, by using the luminescent effect of the at least one brightening layer to enhance the display of the at least one of the marks
Data Source
AI summary
A ruler surface structure for clear marks display in a dim light mainly comprises a ruler surface and a brightening layer. The ruler surface is marked with marks which are characters or lines. The brightening layer is laid on the marks to enhance the display and identification effect of the marks. By using the different light sensitivities formed by the brightening layer on the marks and the other regions of the ruler surface, including the functions of light reflection or luminescence, the marks can be clearly displayed and identified in the dim light.