Tape Measure Optical Positioning Assembly
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional tape measures suffer from low accuracy and poor consistency in measurement due to variations in human eyesight and reading habits, as well as the limitations of printed graduations and identification codes.
Innovation Solution
A tape measure equipped with an optical positioning assembly that includes an imaging sensor to consecutively acquire images of the tape during movement and perform feature comparison to determine the relative displacement in real time, allowing for accurate length calculation without relying on printed marks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If printed graduations and identification codes are used on the tape, then the tape measure can be manufactured with simple processes, but the measurement accuracy is low due to printing technique limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/optical reading system (human eyes reading printed graduations) with an electronic sensor system. The sensor detects the position of the tape by sensing electrical signals or electromagnetic fields generated by the tape's position, eliminating the need for printed markings and human interpretation, thereby achieving high measurement accuracy while maintaining manufacturing simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary sensor system between the tape and the measurement reading process. Instead of directly reading printed graduations, the sensor acts as an intermediary that detects tape position through electrical or electromagnetic signals, providing accurate measurement data to the display system without relying on printing quality.
2Device complexity
If naked eye reading of printed graduations is used, then the device complexity is low, but the measurement consistency is poor due to different eyesight and reading habits
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the human visual system with an electronic sensor system that automatically detects tape position. The sensor converts physical position into electrical signals that are processed by a controller and displayed digitally, eliminating variations in human eyesight and reading habits, thereby achieving consistent and reliable measurements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables the tape measure to perform self-measurement and self-display functions. The sensor automatically detects the tape position, the controller processes the signal, and the display shows the result without requiring human reading or interpretation, making the measurement process objective and consistent.
3Measurement precision
If an imaging sensor is added to consecutively acquire images and perform feature comparison, then the measurement accuracy is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex image processing algorithms with a simpler sensor-based detection system. Instead of using an imaging sensor to capture and analyze images of graduations, the system uses a position sensor that directly detects tape position through electrical or electromagnetic signals, achieving high accuracy with reduced computational complexity and simpler device architecture.
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 significantly improves the accuracy and consistency of measurements by enabling real-time determination of the tape's extension length, independent of human interpretation or printing accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
an imaging sensor mounted in the first shell opposite to a surface of the tape, and configured to, when working, consecutively acquire images of the tape in a moving process and perform feature comparison on the images to determine a relative displacement of the tape moving in the first measuring direction in real time
Data Source
AI summary
A tape measure, a measuring device, and a measuring method are provided. The tape measure includes a first shell, a tape, an optical positioning assembly, and a first controller. The tape has one end mounted in the first shell and the other end extending out of the first shell and capable of moving in a first measuring direction relative to the first shell. An imaging sensor in the optical positioning assembly, when working, is capable of consecutively acquiring images of the tape in a moving process and then performing feature comparison on the images to determine a relative displacement of the tape moving in the first measuring direction in real time. Further, the controller of the tape measure is capable of determining, based on the relative displacement, a length by which the tape extends out of the first shell.