Weighted Spirit Level Receptacle for Stable Worksite Storage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Spirit levels and straight edge tools are cumbersome, expensive, and prone to damage or loss when not in use, leading to accidents and inefficiencies at construction sites.

Innovation Solution

A receptacle designed to temporarily house and securely store spirit levels and straight edge tools, featuring a weighted base for stability and a design that keeps the tools upright, with options for wheels and a handle for easy mobility, made from materials like plastic or metal.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a spirit level is placed on the ground or on another surface for temporary storage, then it is accessible and portable, but it may slip, roll, or be knocked over causing damage to the wall, ground, glass window, or injuring tradesmen

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveAccessibility and portabilityVSAvoidDamage to wall, ground, glass window, or injury to tradesmen

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The receptacle acts as an intermediary device between the spirit level and the worksite environment. It provides a dedicated storage location that prevents direct contact between the spirit level and potential damage sources (walls, ground, glass), while still allowing easy access when needed. The receptacle mediates the contradiction by enabling portability without exposing the spirit level to harmful factors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The receptacle divides the worksite environment into a safe storage zone and a working zone. By segmenting the storage function from the general worksite surface, it creates a dedicated safe space for the spirit level, preventing it from slipping or rolling on uneven ground or against walls while maintaining accessibility when the tool is needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If a spirit level is leaned against walls or placed on surfaces for temporary storage, then it is readily accessible, but it can slip and damage the wall or be knocked over

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveReadily accessibleVSAvoidStability and safety

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The receptacle serves as a stable intermediary platform that replaces leaning against walls or placing on surfaces. It provides a dedicated, stable storage location that is readily accessible yet cannot slip or be easily knocked over, thereby improving reliability while maintaining ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The receptacle provides beforehand protection by creating a secure, enclosed storage space that prevents the spirit level from slipping or being knocked over before any damage can occur. The design inherently cushions and protects the tool during storage, eliminating the need for additional protective measures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Ease of operation

If a spirit level is placed on unstable or uneven surfaces for temporary storage, then it is portable and accessible, but it can be knocked off and break the glass vial

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovePortability and accessibilityVSAvoidIntegrity of glass vial

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The receptacle acts as a protective intermediary that isolates the spirit level from unstable or uneven surfaces. It provides a stable, controlled storage environment that prevents the glass vial from being knocked off or damaged, while still allowing the tool to be easily accessed and transported when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The receptacle segments the storage function from the unstable worksite surface, creating a dedicated safe space for the spirit level. This segmentation protects the glass vial from the harmful effects of uneven ground while maintaining the portability and accessibility of the tool.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Productivity

If tradesmen forget where they placed the spirit level or place it in a place not readily accessible, then it is stored at the worksite, but it becomes difficult to access and may be lost

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveTool availability at worksiteVSAvoidTime to locate and access tool

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The receptacle provides self-service storage by automatically indicating where the spirit level is kept. The dedicated, labeled receptacle acts as a self-guiding system that reminds tradesmen of the storage location, eliminating the need to search or remember where the tool was placed, thereby reducing time loss while maintaining productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS12435977B2Receptacle for a spirit level or straight edge tool

Publication Date: 2025.10.07 OMEARA JAMES

AI summary

A receptacle for seating at least a portion of a spirit level, straight edge tool or other hand tool is disclosed. The present disclosure also relates to a receptacle in which at least a portion of a spirit level, straight edge tool or other hand tool is seated and to a method for temporarily seating a spirit level, straight edge tool or other hand tool by placing at least a portion of the spirit level, straight edge tool or other hand tool into the receptacle. The receptacle can be prepared by injection molding or 3-D printing.