Compact Spirit Level with Angled Reference Faces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional spirit levels become cumbersome and less portable when equipped with multiple vials for measuring various angles, as they require increased size and length to accommodate additional vials.
Innovation Solution
A compact spirit level design featuring a U-shaped or circular frame with multiple reference faces at different angles, securely mounting a single spirit vial, allowing for the measurement of multiple angles while maintaining portability and stability, optionally incorporating magnets and grooves for enhanced attachment and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple spirit vials are added to measure different angles, then the measurement versatility is improved, but the device size and portability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
A single spirit vial is designed to perform multiple measurement functions by providing multiple reference surfaces (flat reference surface, angled reference surfaces at 45° and other angles) that can be used sequentially to measure different surface orientations without requiring multiple separate vials
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple reference surfaces are integrated into a single compact frame structure around one spirit vial, combining what would traditionally require multiple separate measurement devices into one unified tool, thereby maintaining portability while achieving multi-angle measurement capability
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple spirit vials are mounted in the frame, then the ability to check multiple surface angles is improved, but the device complexity and length increase
Solution Approach 1:
One spirit vial is made universal by equipping it with multiple reference surfaces at different angles, allowing a single component to replace what would traditionally require multiple separate vials mounted in the frame
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of mounting multiple vials at different angles in the frame (traditional approach), the invention inverts the approach by mounting one vial and providing multiple reference surfaces at different angles, reversing the relationship between the number of vials and reference surfaces
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 the measurement of multiple angles with a single spirit vial, maintaining a compact and portable form factor, and providing stable attachment options to various surfaces, thus addressing the size and portability issues of traditional multi-angle spirit levels.
Implementation Method 1
The vial contains a liquid with an entrapped bubble. The reference surface is placed against a workpiece and, when the bubble is centered between a pair of markings on the vial, that is, the vial is horizontal, that workpiece is known to be at a predetermined angle.
Implementation Method 2
Optionally, magnet are embedded in the reference faces to provides a means to attach the level to ferrous surfaces without having to manually hold it in place.
Data Source
AI summary
The level with a generally u-shaped or round, rigid frame. The outer surface is comprised of a number of planar reference faces that are at different fixed angles to a spirit vial mounted in the frame. Optionally, magnets are embedded in the reference faces. Optionally, there are grooves in the reference faces.