Retractable Tape Measure with Wireless Length Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional tape measures require users to hold the body and manually extend the tape, making it difficult to measure large distances alone, as the measurement information is only accessible at the body and not at the leading tip.
Innovation Solution
A retractable measuring device with a user interface at the body and leading edge, featuring an audible/visible alert system, braking mechanisms, wireless communication, and electronic compass/GPS for precise positioning and length measurement, allowing users to preset and maintain the desired length without manual handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional tape measure is used with body-held operation, then measurement information is accessible at the body, but single-person measurement of large distances becomes difficult and requires multiple steps
Solution Approach 1:
The tape measure performs measurement functions automatically without requiring the user to hold the body. The device self-anchors, self-measures, and self-communicates the measurement result to the user at the leading tip, enabling true single-person operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical body-held operation with an automated system using sensors, processors, and wireless communication to perform measurement and transmit information electronically.
2Loss of information
If measurement information is only displayed at the body, then device complexity remains low, but user awareness of measurement status at the leading tip is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The information display function is segmented between the body and the leading tip. The body contains the primary processing and storage, while the leading tip has a separate display unit that wirelessly receives and shows measurement information, distributing the information architecture across two locations.
Solution Approach 2:
Wireless communication acts as an intermediary between the body's measurement system and the leading tip's display, enabling information transfer without physical connection and maintaining user awareness at the leading tip.
3Measurement precision
If manual tape extension is used, then device complexity remains low, but measurement precision and control over target length are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors the measured length via sensors and provides real-time feedback to both the user through display and alerts, and to the control system which adjusts the tape length to match the preset target, ensuring precise measurement control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses electronic sensors and digital processing to detect and measure the tape length parameter with high precision, converting physical tape extension into digital measurement data that can be accurately compared to target values.
Data Source
AI summary
When extending the leader or tape from a traditional tape measure over a large distance, a user situated away from the body of the tape measure is unable to determine the length that has been extended at the leading edge. Presented herein is a retractable measuring device in which the body of the measuring device is configured to compute and broadcast the amount of tape that has been withdrawn from the body to a receiver. The receiver may be located at the leading edge of the tape or comprise a secondary device such as a smartphone. Alternatively, the broadcast may include tactile, audible, or visual feedback relating to the distance that may be received directly by the user. Additionally, the retractable device may include an interface for setting a desired length and provide either the user or receiver with feedback when the desired length has been reached.