Tape Measure Attachment with Locking Wedge for Accurate Inside Dimensions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Tape measures are prone to measurement errors due to the need to remember or communicate measured lengths, and difficulties in accurately measuring inside dimensions, where the tape measure housing obstructs the view and introduces inaccuracy.
Innovation Solution
A device attachable to a tape measure, featuring a base member with a housing and elastomeric gripping layer, and a movable pressure locking wedge, allowing the tape to be locked in place without referencing measurement indicia, providing a secure and accurate measurement that can be transferred to another location.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If tape measure housing is made larger to accommodate the tape mechanism, then the tape can be extended further, but the housing obstructs the view and introduces inaccuracy when measuring inside dimensions
Solution Approach 1:
The device separates the measurement function into two distinct components: the tape measure housing (which can be extended) and a separate straight edge (which provides the reference surface). This segmentation allows the tape to extend further while the straight edge, positioned separately, provides an accurate reference point that does not obstruct the view when measuring inside dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The straight edge acts as an intermediary element between the tape measure housing and the measurement target. Instead of using the housing itself as the reference surface (which introduces error), the straight edge serves as a mediator that provides a precise, non-obstructing reference surface for taking accurate measurements.
2Strength
If tape measure housing includes bowed, rounded, and textured exterior surfaces, then the housing is more durable and comfortable to hold, but these surfaces introduce additional inaccuracy to measurements
Solution Approach 1:
The device separates the housing (which can have durable, comfortable characteristics) from the measurement reference surface. The housing may include bowed, rounded, and textured surfaces for durability and comfort, while the straight edge provides a separate, precise reference surface that is not affected by the housing's surface characteristics.
3Device complexity
If user must remember or communicate measured lengths, then tape measure can be simple in design, but errors occur when remembering or communicating values
Solution Approach 1:
The device creates a physical copy of the measurement value through the straight edge positioned at the measured location. Instead of relying on human memory or communication of the value, the straight edge provides a tangible, visual representation of the measurement that can be directly transferred to the workpiece, eliminating errors in remembering or communicating the measured length.
4Length of moving object
If user must bend the tape to measure inside dimensions, then the tape can reach the measurement point, but reading the bent tape is difficult to do accurately
Solution Approach 1:
The straight edge serves as an intermediary that provides a stable, non-bent reference surface for reading measurements. Instead of bending the tape to reach inside dimensions (which makes reading difficult), the tape can extend to the measurement point while the straight edge provides a straight, easy-to-read reference surface that maintains measurement accuracy.
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 device ensures accurate measurement and transfer of dimensions without relying on tape markings, reducing errors and waste by providing a secure locking mechanism that maintains the measurement, even under load, and allows for precise inside and outside dimension measurements.
Implementation Method 1
An elastomeric gripping layer may be positioned in the housing, positioned to contact a face (e.g., bottom) of the tape when the tape is locked in a given position during use
Implementation Method 2
A movable pressure locking wedge may be provided, positioned within the housing so that the tape is pinchable between the pressure locking wedge and another surface without damaging the tape
Data Source
AI summary
A device that includes or is attachable to a tape measure, that allows a user to take a measurement using the tape measure without requiring reference to measurement indicia. Such a device may include a base member, a housing on the base member including a slot for slidably receiving a tape of the tape measure when inserted through the slot of the housing during use, an elastomeric gripping layer positioned in the housing, positioned to contact a side of the tape when the tape is locked in a given position (e.g., given extension) during use, a movable pressure locking wedge positioned within the housing so that the tape is pinched between the wedge and another surface (the gripping layer is involved in such pinching), and a handle operable to move the wedge which allows selective locking of the tape between the wedge and other surface upon actuation of the handle.