Self-Supporting Electronic Measuring Device for Stud Spacing
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for installing wood blocks between wooden studs are prone to inaccurate measurements, leading to wasted time and materials, and cause user fatigue due to repetitive bending and potential human error in measuring and cutting.
Innovation Solution
A self-supporting, wireless measuring device with an electronic system that includes proximity sensors and a processor to accurately determine the distance between studs, capable of operating in manual or automatic mode, and communicates with a cutting system to ensure precise cutting of wooden blocks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If manual measuring tools are used to measure the distance between studs, then the measurement process can be performed with simple equipment, but measurement accuracy deteriorates leading to incorrect block lengths
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical measuring tools (tape measures, rulers) with an electronic measuring system that uses optical or electromagnetic fields to determine distances. The electronic system includes sensors, processors, and display devices that automatically calculate and show the required block length, eliminating human error in reading and recording measurements while maintaining equipment portability and ease of use.
Solution Approach 2:
The electronic measuring device performs self-measurement by automatically detecting the positions of studs and calculating the required block length without requiring the user to manually measure and record dimensions. The system self-corrects for measurement errors and provides the final dimension directly, making the measurement process both simple and highly accurate.
2Reliability
If multiple measurements are taken at various points along the studs to account for non-parallelism, then measurement thoroughness is improved, but time consumption and material waste increase
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic measuring system uses sensors and processors to automatically take multiple measurements at different points along the studs and calculate the optimal block length in seconds, whereas manual measurement would require the user to physically measure each point, record data, and perform calculations. This substitution dramatically reduces time consumption while maintaining or improving measurement thoroughness.
Solution Approach 2:
The electronic measuring device can continuously scan and measure along the length of the studs, automatically capturing all necessary dimensional data in a single continuous operation. This eliminates the need for the user to stop, record, and restart measurements at each point, maintaining continuous useful action throughout the measurement process.
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple measurements are taken to ensure proper block length, then cutting accuracy is improved, but material waste increases due to incorrect cuts
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic measuring system provides highly accurate digital measurements and can directly communicate cutting dimensions to automated cutting equipment, ensuring precise cuts on the first attempt. This eliminates the trial-and-error cutting process that occurs with manual measurement, where incorrect measurements lead to wasted material that must be recut or discarded.
Solution Approach 2:
The electronic measuring device provides immediate feedback of the measured dimensions to the user or directly to the cutting system, allowing for verification and correction before cutting begins. This feedback loop ensures that the correct block length is determined before material is committed to cutting, preventing waste from incorrect cuts.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the user repeatedly bends over to take measurements between studs, then measurement coverage is improved, but user fatigue and potential injury increase
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic measuring device is self-positioning and self-measuring, requiring minimal physical effort from the user. The device can be mounted on a ladder or extended pole to reach between studs at various heights, eliminating the need for the user to repeatedly bend over and strain their back. The system performs all measurements automatically once positioned.
Solution Approach 2:
The electronic measuring system extends the measurement capability to three dimensions by using sensors that can detect stud positions at various heights and locations. This allows the device to cover the entire wall area without requiring the user to physically access every measurement point, reducing physical strain while maintaining comprehensive measurement coverage.
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
The measuring device significantly reduces measurement inaccuracies, minimizes material waste, and alleviates user fatigue by providing accurate and efficient measurement and cutting processes, enhancing the overall installation efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a first time when the emitted signal leaves the proximity sensor signal emitter, a second time when the reflected signal is detected by the proximity sensor signal receiver, a known speed of the emitted signal and the reflected signal
Data Source
AI summary
A measuring device that includes in various embodiments a self supporting object attacher and an electronic measuring system supported by the self supporting object attacher. The electronic measuring system is configured to determine or enable the determination of a distance of a space between a first object on which the object attacher is positioned and a second object spaced apart from the first object.