Window Trim Measurement Arms for Precise Come-Out and Return Fit

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Solution Overview

Problem

The installation of exterior window trims is challenging due to the need for precise measurements of the come-out, face, and return distances, which are often inaccurately measured, leading to material waste and inefficiencies.

Innovation Solution

A measurement device comprising slides with receptacles and pivot assemblies that allow independent rotation of measurement arms to accurately measure come-out, face, and return distances, forming a closed or open configuration for precise trim fitting.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If traditional measurement methods are used for window trim, then the measurement process is simple, but the measurement precision is insufficient leading to material waste

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetrim measurement precisionVSAvoidmeasurement device complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The measurement device is divided into multiple independent measurement arms (first, second, and third measurement arms) that can be adjusted separately. Each arm measures a specific dimension (come-out, face, return) independently, allowing precise measurement of each trim component without requiring a complex single-device measurement system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The measurement arms are designed to be movable and adjustable rather than fixed. The arms can be positioned and adjusted to match the specific dimensions of the window opening, enabling precise measurement of varying trim requirements while maintaining a relatively simple overall device structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Manufacturing precision

If precise measurement of come-out, face, and return distances is performed, then the trim fitting accuracy is improved, but the measurement time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetrim fitting accuracyVSAvoidmeasurement time
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The device combines multiple measurement functions (come-out, face, and return distance measurement) into a single integrated measurement system. By having all three measurement arms positioned simultaneously and capable of being read at once, the device eliminates the need for sequential measurements, thereby reducing total measurement time while maintaining high precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The measurement arms are pre-positioned and calibrated to measure the specific dimensions needed for trim installation. This preliminary setup allows for rapid measurement without requiring adjustment or repositioning during the actual measurement process, reducing the time required to obtain precise trim dimensions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple measurement arms are used to measure all trim dimensions, then the measurement completeness is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement completenessVSAvoidmeasurement device structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Each measurement arm is designed to be multi-functional, capable of measuring different dimensions (come-out, face, return) depending on its position and configuration. This universal design allows a single device to complete all necessary measurements for trim installation without requiring multiple specialized tools, thereby maintaining simplicity while achieving measurement completeness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS20260049802A1Exterior window trim measurement device
Publication Date: 2026.02.19 CARPENTER JESSE
  • US20260049802A1 patent drawing
  • US20260049802A1 patent drawing
  • US20260049802A1 patent drawing

AI summary

Disclosed herein are measurement devices comprising a plurality of slides and measurement arms. The measurement device includes a first slide, a second slide, a third slide, and a fourth slide, each slide having a receptacle defining a passageway and a pivot assembly. The first pivot assembly is mated with the second pivot assembly to pivotally attach the first slide to the second slide. The third pivot assembly is mated with the fourth pivot assembly to pivotally attach the third slide to the fourth slide. The slides are movably disposed on one or more measurement arms.