Tape Measure Marking Device with Ink Pad and Guide Rail

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing marking attachments for tape measures fail to enable precise marking on surfaces without marring the surface or requiring a separate marking instrument.

Innovation Solution

A self-contained marking device that attaches to a tape measure, featuring an attachment mechanism with a movable member and guide rail, and a marking mechanism with an ink pad or scraper for marking surfaces, allowing precise marking at measured locations without external instruments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a separate marking instrument is used with a guiding hole, then the user can place a mark on the surface, but the user must access and coordinate multiple independent tools which increases operation complexity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of marking operationVSAvoidnumber of independent tools

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the tape measure and marking mechanism into a single integrated device. The marking mechanism is housed within the tape measure assembly, allowing the user to perform both measurement and marking functions with one tool rather than coordinating separate instruments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The tape measure device is designed to perform multiple functions: measuring length and marking surfaces. The marking mechanism can be actuated from the tape measure housing, enabling the device to serve as both a measuring tool and a marking tool, eliminating the need for separate marking instruments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of manufacture

If a leading edge is used to etch a mark physically into the surface, then a mark can be made, but the surface is marred by physical etching

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemarking capabilityVSAvoidsurface damage

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The marking mechanism employs a disposable ink pad that can be easily replaced. This allows for clean marking without permanent modification to the surface, as the ink pad is consumed rather than etching the surface. The low-cost disposable nature means it can be discarded after use without concern for surface damage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces physical etching mechanisms with a chemical marking system using an ink pad. Instead of mechanically removing material from the surface through etching, the system deposits ink chemically, which can be easily removed or does not permanently alter the surface integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If an ink pad marking mechanism is used, then the surface can be marked without physical etching, but the ink pad requires containment and actuation mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesurface damageVSAvoidcontainment and actuation mechanisms

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The ink pad is nested within the tape measure housing structure. The marking mechanism is integrated into the existing tape measure assembly, utilizing the housing and spool structure to contain and actuate the ink pad. This nesting approach minimizes additional complexity by leveraging the existing device architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The tape measure mechanism itself provides the actuation force for the ink pad. The winding and retraction motion of the tape measure spool can be harnessed to automatically apply pressure to the ink pad against the surface, eliminating the need for separate manual actuation mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 precise and surface-friendly marking directly on measured surfaces, eliminating the need for separate marking tools and minimizing surface damage.

Implementation Method 1

The marking assembly includes an ink pad and a marking point for marking the surface with ink

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectInk deposition: Deposition (physical)

Implementation Method 2

the marking assembly includes a scraper configured to mark the surface by non-chemical means

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAbrasion: Abrasion

Implementation Method 3

The at least one guide rail includes a hinge for pivoting the at least one movable member between the open position and the closed position

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHinge pivoting: Hinge

Data Source

PatentUS9335142B2Marking device for attaching to a tape measure

Publication Date: 2016.05.10 CATALYST INNOVATIONS CORP

AI summary

Embodiments of a marking device are disclosed and described herein. The marking device of the various embodiments is configured for attaching to a tape measure, such as a tape measure which recoils within a housing. In one embodiment, the marking mechanism includes ink for marking the surface, whereas in another, alternate embodiment, the marking mechanism includes a scraper or other type of structure for marking the surface without the use of a chemical. When attached to the tape measure, the marking device is configured to slide along the tape measure when a force is applied thereto. At least one pointer is provided to indicate or point to a measurement along the tape measure. When the marking mechanism of the marking device is actuated to mark the surface, the surface is marked at a location which coincides with the measurement pointed to by the at least one pointer.