Telescopic U-Channel Measuring Device for Compact Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing measuring devices for wildlife, such as fish, are often unwieldy and difficult to use, especially in limited spaces like fishing boats, as they need to be extended to match the length of the object being measured, making storage and handling inconvenient.
Innovation Solution
A portable measuring device formed by two or more U-channel sections connected via a joint structure that can rotate and extend, allowing the device to transition between collapsed and extended positions, with linear graduated markings for accurate measurement, and made of resilient material for stability and ease of use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the measuring device is extended to match the length of the object being measured, then measurement accuracy is improved, but storage convenience and ease of handling deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The measuring device is divided into multiple telescopic sections that can be independently extended and retracted. Each section contains measuring markings, allowing accurate measurement of objects with lengths corresponding to different extension states. The device can be segmented into a compact storage configuration and an extended measurement configuration, resolving the contradiction between measurement accuracy and storage convenience.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the measuring device is made telescopic with multiple sections, then adaptability to objects of varying lengths is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into multiple telescopic sections that can be extended or retracted independently. Each section contains measuring markings, allowing the device to adapt to objects of various lengths by extending only the necessary number of sections rather than requiring all sections to be extended, thus managing complexity while maintaining versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The measuring device incorporates telescopic sections with movable joints that enable dynamic adjustment of the device length. The sections can be extended or retracted based on the size of the object being measured, providing adaptability while maintaining a compact form when retracted, thereby balancing versatility and complexity.
3Ease of operation
If resilient material is used for the U-channel sections, then ease of operation and deformability are improved, but structural stability may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The measuring device uses resilient U-channel sections made of flexible material that can deform during extension and retraction operations. This flexibility enables easy operation and maneuverability, particularly when navigating around objects to be measured. The resilient material allows the device to bend and conform while maintaining sufficient structural stability to perform accurate measurements.
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 provides a compact, versatile, and accurate means to measure objects of varying lengths without requiring all sections to be extended, enhancing usability and storage convenience while maintaining measurement accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
the resilience of the material enables the U-channel sections to be substantially positionally angularly secured relative to each other. The deformable nature of the material enables the U-channel sections to be rotated relative to each other
Data Source
AI summary
A measuring device is formed to have one or more joint structures, each joint structure connecting two deformable resilient concave elongated pieces of material (U-channel sections). The joint structure selectively enables the two U-channel sections to be held relative to each other in a substantially overlapping unextended position as well as in a substantially non-overlapping extended position. In both positions, the resilience of the material enables the U-channel sections to be substantially positionally secured relative to each other. The deformable nature of the material enables the U-channel sections to be rotated relative to each other to transition from the collapsed position to the extended position, or from the extended position to the collapsed position. Continuous linear graduated markings are applied to the U-channel sections.