Tape Rule End Hook with Recessed Corners for Impact Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional tape rules lack effective mechanisms for securely engaging with work-pieces, especially in scenarios involving large radii or curved surfaces, and are prone to damage from impacts due to inadequate design features.
Innovation Solution
The tape rule assembly incorporates an end hook member with a mounting portion and a hook portion featuring upwardly extending side edges, a laterally extending lower edge, recessed edge corner portions, and a burred portion, which provides enhanced catching capabilities and impact resistance by distributing mass above the blade and incorporating a design that protects the hook from damage during drops.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the end hook member has a conventional design, then the structure is simple, but the hook is prone to damage from impacts and cannot securely engage with curved surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by designing recessed edge corner portions in the end hook member that create clearance spaces between the hook and housing corner portions. This clearance acts as a cushioning mechanism that absorbs impact energy during drops, preventing damage to the hook before the harmful effect (impact damage) can occur.
Solution Approach 2:
The end hook member is segmented into distinct functional portions: a mounting portion for attachment to the blade, a hook portion for engaging work-pieces, and recessed edge corner portions for impact protection. This segmentation allows each portion to be optimized independently for its specific function while maintaining overall structural integrity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the end hook member has a conventional design, then the manufacturing is simple, but the hook cannot securely engage with large radius or curved surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating recessed edge corner portions at specific locations on the end hook member where it contacts the housing. These recesses are strategically positioned to provide engagement points for curved surfaces while maintaining a relatively simple overall hook structure that remains easy to manufacture.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention adds a dimensional aspect to the hook design by incorporating recesses that create three-dimensional engagement geometries. This allows the hook to engage with curved surfaces of various radii by providing multiple contact points and clearance spaces that accommodate different curvature requirements.
3Reliability
If the housing corner portions are positioned at standard locations, then the housing design is conventional, but the hook is vulnerable to impact damage during drops
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by positioning housing corner portions to extend beyond the recessed edge corner portions of the end hook member. This geometric arrangement creates a protective configuration where the housing corners act as shields that prevent direct impact contact with the vulnerable hook portions during drops, counteracting the harmful impact effect before it can damage the hook.
Data Source
AI summary
A rule assembly includes a housing, a reel rotatably mounted in the housing, and an elongated blade having an end hook member on a free end thereof. The elongated blade is arranged to be wound on the reel and to be extendable through an opening in the housing. The end hook member is formed of sheet metal to include a mounting portion and a hook portion bent at a generally right angle from an end of the mounting portion. The end hook member includes a pair of generally upwardly extending side edges, a generally laterally extending lower edge, and recessed edge portions disposed at corner portions at which the upwardly extending side edges and the laterally extending lower edge intersect.