Spirit Level Rotation Device with Self-Locking Worm Gear
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spirit level devices face challenges in setting precise angles of inclination due to high frictional forces during manual rotation, leading to difficulty in accurate adjustments and the need for additional locking mechanisms to prevent unintentional rotation.
Innovation Solution
A rotation device with a gear system allowing for both coarse and fine adjustments, featuring a worm gear configuration with a transmission ratio greater than 1, enabling precise alignment without unintended rotation, and incorporating a self-locking mechanism to prevent unwanted movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual rotation of the spirit level is used for adjustment, then the device structure remains simple, but high frictional forces cause difficulty in achieving precise angle adjustments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the direct manual rotation mechanism with a gear system that converts rotational motion into precise angular adjustments. The gear mechanism substitutes the inefficient direct-friction rotation with a mechanical advantage system that reduces the frictional impact on adjustment precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters by introducing a gear ratio system that transforms the relationship between input rotation and output angular position. This parameter transformation allows small input rotations to produce precise, controlled angular adjustments of the spirit level, overcoming the friction limitation.
2Stability of the object's composition
If locking mechanisms are added to prevent unintentional rotation, then rotation stability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The gear system is designed to be self-locking through its mechanical properties, where the gear teeth naturally prevent backward motion without requiring additional active locking components. The system serves its own stabilization function through the inherent friction and tooth engagement of the gear mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful frictional forces that previously caused stick-slip effects into a beneficial self-locking mechanism. The same friction that made manual rotation difficult now provides the necessary holding force to prevent unintentional rotation, eliminating the need for separate locking mechanisms.
3Measurement precision
If a gear system with self-locking mechanism is implemented, then precision and stability are improved, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The gear system is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it provides precise angular adjustment through gear ratio, prevents unintentional rotation through self-locking, and maintains stability during measurement. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, offsetting the structural complexity with functional integration.
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, convenient, and precise setting of angles of inclination, preventing unintentional rotation and reducing the need for additional locking mechanisms, thus improving the accuracy and ease of use in measuring devices.
Implementation Method 1
a first gear element (130), designed with a first axis of rotation (z 130) for receiving an input force, is operatively connected to a second gear element (140)
Implementation Method 2
When the rotation is transferred from the first gear element to the second gear element, a frictional connection is formed between the second gear element and the spirit level cage
Implementation Method 3
incorporating a self-locking mechanism to prevent unwanted movement
Implementation Method 4
a frictional connection is formed between the second gear element and the spirit level cage, so that the second gear element and the spirit level cage rotate synchronously
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2~3
Figure 4a~4b
AI summary
The invention relates to a rotation device (100) for a spirit level (210) of a measuring device (200, 201), in particular a spirit level, comprising a spirit level cage (120) for receiving the spirit level (210) and a gear unit for rotating the spirit level cage (120) about a second axis of rotation (z140), wherein a first gear element (130) of the gear unit is configured with a first axis of rotation (z130) for receiving an input force and is operatively connected to a second gear element (140), wherein the second gear element (140) surrounds the spirit level cage (120) coaxially with respect to the second axis of rotation (z140). According to the invention, the spirit level cage (120) and the second gear element (140) are mounted to rotate relative to each other about the second axis of rotation (z140). The invention is also a spirit level (200, 201) with at least one such rotation device (100).