Countertop Template Measurement Tool for Accurate Outlet Alignment

Solution Overview

Problem

Manual template measurements for countertops and backsplashes are time-consuming and prone to inaccuracies, leading to inefficiencies and material waste due to incorrect cuts.

Innovation Solution

A template measurement tool comprising a planar base piece with a perpendicular extension providing a measurement surface, aligned with outlet boxes, to ensure accurate digital measurements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If manual measurement methods are used for template creation, then the process is simple and requires basic tools, but the measurement accuracy decreases and time consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement accuracyVSAvoidtime consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a template tool as an intermediary device between the outlet box and the measurement process. This tool provides standardized alignment features and measurement references that mediate the measurement process, ensuring both accuracy and efficiency without requiring complex digital systems

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The template tool is prepared in advance with pre-defined alignment features, measurement markings, and geometric references. By performing the template creation work beforehand, the actual measurement process during installation becomes faster and more accurate, as the difficult work of establishing references has already been done

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If manual measurement and recording is performed, then the process is straightforward, but entry errors occur when transferring measurements to automated manufacturing systems

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement reliabilityVSAvoidtemplating process complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The template tool creates a physical copy or representation of the outlet box position and dimensions with built-in reference features. This physical template serves as an accurate intermediary that can be directly used with automated manufacturing systems, eliminating the need for manual transcription and reducing entry errors while maintaining process simplicity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

3Manufacturing precision

If measurements are taken without proper alignment tools, then the measurement process is faster, but inaccuracies occur leading to material waste

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecutting precisionVSAvoidinstallation efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The template tool is prepared in advance with pre-defined alignment features, measurement markings, and geometric references. By performing the template creation work beforehand, the actual measurement process during installation becomes faster and more accurate, as the difficult work of establishing references has already been done

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a template tool as an intermediary device between the outlet box and the measurement process. This tool provides standardized alignment features and measurement references that mediate the measurement process, ensuring both accuracy and efficiency without requiring complex digital systems

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS12553698B2Template measurement apparatus

Publication Date: 2026.02.17 TRENTO TODD

AI summary

A template measurement tool for counter/backsplash template measurements, comprising: a planar base piece; and an extension configured to extend from the planar base piece and in a direction perpendicular to the planar base piece to provide a measurement surface for a measurement in connection with the counter or the backsplash template. A template measurement kit comprising: a first template measurement tool comprising: a first planar base piece and a planar extension configured to extend from the first planar base piece and in a direction perpendicular to the first planar base piece to provide a first measurement surface for a first measurement in connection with a counter or a backsplash template; and a second template measurement tool comprising: a second planar base piece and a rounded extension extending from the second planar base piece to provide a second measurement surface for a second counter or backsplash measurement.