Tape Rule Flexible Cover Impact Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Tape rule assemblies are prone to damage when dropped, particularly due to the vulnerability of the hook portion which can bend or deform upon impact, leading to inaccurate measurements if the hook is misshapen.
Innovation Solution
A flexible cover is integrated over the upper portion of the housing opening, made from resilient materials like TPU or TPE, which can flex and absorb impact forces, ensuring the hook remains protected and aligned with the housing surface, reducing deformation during drops.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the hook portion extends below the bottom surface of the housing assembly, then it is easier to withdraw the retracted blade and secure the blade during measurement, but the hook becomes vulnerable to damage when the assembly is dropped
Solution Approach 1:
A flexible bumper element is positioned between the hook portion and the housing assembly bottom surface. When the assembly is dropped and the hook impacts the bumper, the flexible material deforms to absorb impact energy, preventing permanent damage to the hook portion while maintaining its extended position for easy operation
Solution Approach 2:
The bumper element is made of flexible material with specific durometer properties that allow it to deform under impact forces. This parameter change from rigid to flexible structure enables the system to withstand drops while maintaining hook functionality
2Length of moving object
If the opening in the housing is made larger to accommodate the hook, then the hook can extend further below the housing, but debris can more easily enter the housing through the opening
Solution Approach 1:
A flexible wiper flap is positioned over the opening in the housing. This flexible film moves with the hook portion during extension and retraction, maintaining coverage of the opening to prevent debris entry while allowing sufficient clearance for the hook to extend below the housing bottom surface
3Stability of the object's composition
If the mounting portion of the hook is prevented from moving upward during impact, then the hook structure remains stable, but the hook portion may permanently bend relative to the mounting portion
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible bumper element is positioned to deform first during impact, absorbing energy before any force is transmitted to the mounting portion. This prevents the mounting portion from being restrained too rigidly, allowing slight movement that prevents permanent bending while maintaining overall structural stability
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 flexible cover enhances the drop resistance of the hook, preventing permanent deformation and maintaining measurement accuracy by absorbing impact forces and allowing the hook to move into a safer position within the housing.
Implementation Method 1
A flexible cover is integrated over the upper portion of the housing opening, made from resilient materials like TPU or TPE, which can flex and absorb impact forces
Implementation Method 2
The flexible cover enhances the drop resistance of the hook, preventing permanent deformation and maintaining measurement accuracy by absorbing impact forces
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed is a rule assembly having a housing, a reel rotatably mounted in the housing, an elongated blade wound on the reel and extendable through an opening in the housing, and an end hook member attached to the elongated blade. A hook portion extends downwardly below a bottom surface of the housing when the blade is in a fully retracted position. The housing has an opening having an upper portion disposed above the blade. A flexible cover is attached to the housing overhanging the opening to inhibit or prevent penetration of debris therein. Alternatively the flexible cover is attached to the free end of the elongated blade. In both cases the cover is flexed by the end hook member upon impact by force (e.g., when dropped) and permits movement of the end hook member into the opening to reduce deformation of the end hook member.