Sliding Adjustable Compass With Modular Interchangeable Blades
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cutting and marking compasses are limited by fixed blades that become dull quickly, requiring frequent replacements, and are typically small in size, making them cumbersome for larger diameter cuts and lacking versatility for various applications in construction.
Innovation Solution
A sliding adjustable compass with a modular design that allows for easy replacement of cutting and marking implements, featuring a support with an adjustable aperture, an elongated measuring element with markings, and a central body with a viewing lens for precise measurements, enabling the use of various implements and maintaining portability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If the compass size is increased to mark larger diameter circles, then the marking capability is improved, but the portability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The compass is divided into modular components including a support, interchangeable cutting/marking implements, a measuring element, and a central body that can be assembled and disassembled. This segmentation allows the compass to be configured for different circle diameters while maintaining portability through selective assembly of required components only.
2Device complexity
If fixed blades are used in the compass, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability deteriorates due to dulling
Solution Approach 1:
The blade transitions from a fixed state to a dynamic, interchangeable component. The support features an aperture configured to receive and hold interchangeable cutting and marking implements, allowing users to replace dull blades with sharp ones as needed, maintaining cutting effectiveness throughout the compass lifecycle.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the compass is designed with interchangeable implements, then the versatility is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support is designed with a universal aperture configuration that can accommodate multiple types of cutting and marking implements. This single universal interface provides versatility for different circle diameters and material types without requiring separate specialized compasses for each function.
4Measurement precision
If a viewing lens is added to the central body, then the measurement precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A viewing lens is introduced as an intermediary optical element in the central body to magnify and clarify the measurement markings on the measuring element. This intermediary component enhances the user's ability to read precise measurements without fundamentally altering the basic compass structure.
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 marking and cutting of large diameter circles with interchangeable tools, reducing the need for frequent replacements and maintaining portability through a modular design, thus addressing the limitations of existing compasses.
Implementation Method 1
a viewing lens aligned with the aperture such that a marking of the measuring element is viewable through the lens when the measuring element is in place in the aperture, the marking thus indicating a distance between the central body and the support. The viewing lens may comprise a magnifying lens to increase the size of the visible marking when viewed through the lens.
Implementation Method 2
The tip element may comprise an indented portion, and the adjustable compass further comprises a detachable suction cup element configured to be affixed to the indented portion of the tip element.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a sliding adjustable compass having a support for holding a variety of marking and cutting implements which can be easily replaced when they are used up. The construction of the compass is such that large diameter circles can be marked or cut precisely with the help of a viewing lens, whilst maintaining portability by a modular design.