Space determining device and system and method for capturing dimensions and mounting objects

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional measuring and leveling tools are cumbersome and difficult to use, especially for determining accurate center points and spacing, leading to tedious and often inaccurate hanging of objects, with multiple attempts required and potential for aesthetically displeasing results.

Innovation Solution

A compact, all-in-one device with extendable and retractable arms, a central alignment gear, and a locking mechanism, optionally incorporating a laser for determining center points and dimensions, and a processor for transferring measurements to electronic devices for creating placement templates.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If conventional measuring tools (tape measure, level) are used, then measurement capability is provided, but ease of operation deteriorates due to multiple tools and difficult handling

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of useVSAvoidnumber of tools
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple separate measuring tools (tape measure, level, center point locator, spacing marker) into a single integrated device. The housing contains a level, extendable arms with measurement markings, and a center point indicator, eliminating the need to handle multiple separate tools simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The device performs multiple functions: determining center points, measuring dimensions, establishing level lines, and marking spacing locations. The extendable arms can be configured for different measurement scenarios, and the device serves both as a measuring instrument and a marking guide.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple separate tools are used for measuring and leveling, then measurement functions are provided, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement functionsVSAvoidnumber of tools
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple separate measuring tools (tape measure, level, center point locator, spacing marker) into a single integrated device. The housing contains a level, extendable arms with measurement markings, and a center point indicator, eliminating the need to handle multiple separate tools simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If trial and error method is used for hanging objects, then placement attempts are made, but loss of time increases due to multiple attempts

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveplacement accuracyVSAvoidtime for multiple attempts
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The device allows the user to pre-determine the exact center point and spacing locations before making any marks or holes. The extendable arms are adjusted to the desired spacing, locked in place, and then used to transfer these pre-calculated measurements directly to the wall, eliminating the need for trial and error placement attempts.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

4Measurement precision

If conventional measuring methods are used, then dimensions can be obtained, but measurement precision deteriorates due to difficulty in accurate determination

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecenter point accuracyVSAvoiddifficulty in accurate determination
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The device incorporates a center point indicator that provides a clear visual reference (described as a distinct visual indicator or marked feature) to precisely identify the center location. This visual aid makes it easy to accurately locate and mark the center point without requiring complex measurement calculations or multiple alignment attempts.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color changes

Data Source

PatentUS10458790B2Space determining device and system and method for capturing dimensions and mounting objects
Publication Date: 2019.10.29 C&B PROD LLC
  • US10458790B2 patent drawing
  • US10458790B2 patent drawing
  • US10458790B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a space and dimension determining device, which is useful for placement, mounting, hanging and leveling a picture, shelving, or any other object onto a receiving surface. The present device is capable of locking into position capturing the dimensions and allowing for “measureless” transfer of dimensions from one place to another. The present disclosure further relates to a device incorporating a laser, either as part of, or a separate, attachable feature to, the present device, the laser being useful for assisting in determining center points, and a plurality of dimensions and readings equal distance from the center point. The present disclosure also relates to a system and method of transferring dimensions from a space determining device to an electronic communication device, which is used to create a template for placement of an item or items within a target space.