Star Aperture Angle Tool Reducing Part Count
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing adjustable angle measurement tools in the construction industry are complex and costly to manufacture due to their large number of individual parts.
Innovation Solution
An angle measurement tool comprising elongate members with apertures shaped as an eight-pointed star polygon and fixing means for engagement, allowing for adjustable angles with a spring bias to maintain the predetermined position, and a bearing for rotation, simplifying the design and reducing parts while enabling precise angle adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If known angle measurement tools use multiple individual parts to achieve adjustable angles, then the measurement precision and adaptability are improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple individual parts into a single integrated elongate member with a star-shaped aperture. The fixing means combines multiple functions (positioning, locking, and angle determination) into one component that engages with the star-shaped aperture, reducing the overall part count while maintaining adjustable angle capability across multiple predetermined angles.
Solution Approach 2:
The star-shaped aperture serves multiple functions: it defines multiple predetermined angles, guides the fixing means engagement, and provides a universal interface for the fixing means to achieve various angular positions. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate components for each angle setting.
2Measurement precision
If known angle measurement tools use multiple individual parts to achieve adjustable angles, then the measurement precision and adaptability are improved, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By combining multiple angle-setting functions into a single star-shaped aperture and integrated fixing means, the manufacturing process is simplified. Instead of manufacturing and assembling multiple separate components, the design allows for fewer parts that can be manufactured more efficiently, reducing overall manufacturing cost while maintaining precise angle measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The star-shaped aperture uses geometric parameters (the star points) to define multiple predetermined angles. By changing the geometric configuration of the aperture rather than using multiple physical components, the design achieves precise angle measurement at multiple settings while reducing manufacturing complexity and cost.
3Ease of operation
If the fixing means is made movable between engaged and disengaged positions, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing means is designed to be movable between engaged and disengaged positions, allowing dynamic adjustment of angle settings. This dynamic capability enables the user to easily switch between different predetermined angles by moving the fixing means along the star-shaped aperture, improving ease of operation while the movement is constrained to simple linear or rotational paths that do not significantly increase device complexity.
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 solution reduces manufacturing costs and complexity while providing a user-friendly, precise method for adjusting angles, facilitating applications in construction, finish carpentry, and other fields.
Implementation Method 1
The fixing means can be supported on the second elongate member for movement between an engaged position in which the fixing means engages in the aperture and a disengaged position in which the fixing means is disengaged form the aperture. The angle measurement tool further includes a spring biasing the fixing means toward the engaged position.
Data Source
AI summary
An angle measurement tool includes first and second elongate members, one of the first and second longitudinal members having an aperture defined by an inner circumference shaped as an outer circumference of an eight-pointed star polygon, the other one to the first and second elongate members having a fixing means adapted for engagement in the aperture of the first elongate member so as to fix the first and second elongate members at a predetermined angle relative to each other.