Combination measuring tape/chalk marker holder
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Solution Overview
Problem
Tailors and seamstresses often waste time searching for a readily available chalk or measuring tape while working with fabrics, as these tools are frequently not conveniently located during the cutting process.
Innovation Solution
A combination tape measure chalk holder with a triangular prismatic body, a chalk retention pocket, a rotatable reel with a flexible tape, and a spring mechanism that allows the tape to be easily retracted into the holder, ensuring the chalk is always accessible and the tape measure can be conveniently stored.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If chalk and tape measure are used as separate tools, then each tool can be optimized for its specific function, but the seamstress has to search for tools when needed, wasting time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the chalk holder and tape measure into a single integrated device. The chalk is held in a pocket within the tape measure housing, allowing the seamstress to access both tools simultaneously without searching separately for each tool, thereby eliminating time loss and improving cutting speed
2Reliability
If chalk is kept in a pocket or container, then it is protected from loss, but it becomes harder to access quickly when needed
Solution Approach 1:
The chalk holder is nested within the tape measure housing structure. The chalk pocket is integrated into the body of the tape measure, allowing the chalk to be securely retained while remaining easily accessible through the portal opening, thus maintaining both retention reliability and operational ease
3Ease of operation
If tape measure is made retractable with spring mechanism, then it can be conveniently stored, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tape measure incorporates a self-retracting mechanism with a spring and ratchet system that automatically retracts the tape when not in use. The spring provides the retracting force while the ratchet prevents unintended extension, allowing the tape to be conveniently stored without manual intervention while using a well-established mechanical system that balances functionality with acceptable complexity
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 allows seamless access to both the chalk and tape measure, reducing time wastage and enhancing efficiency in marking and cutting fabrics by keeping them within easy reach, thus improving the precision and speed of the cutting process.
Implementation Method 1
a spring operably connected to said reel and urging it to rotate counter to extension of said tape
Implementation Method 2
a ratchet restraining said reel from rotation counter to extension of said tape
Data Source
AI summary
A combination measuring tape/chalk marker holder includes a main housing and a chalk retention pocket. The main housing has a main housing shell with a base and a back plate. The main housing is an equilateral triangular prismatic body with two outwardly curved lateral walls meeting at an apex. Within the housing, a locking reel holding a flexible measuring tape is releasably engaged with a locking hub formed on the back plate. The measuring tape extends through a portal formed in one of the outwardly curved lateral walls. The chalk retention pocket is fixed to and extends from the back plate. The pocket has a base parallel to and coextensive with the main housing base, two parallel lateral walls, and a flexible chalk retention member. The chalk retention pocket is flexible and removably retains a convex lensate marking body. A rotatable foot enables the holder to stand erect.