PeriO Multifunctional Compass

Press Kit

Unique Properties

This is a multifunctional compass that can independently determine the radius. In addition to drawing circles, it can also draw arcs and straight lines. The length of the drawn line and the angle of the arc can be calculated by the rotation of the wheel. It reduces the volume of the compass and makes the process of using more safe.

Dimensions & Packaging

Width 45mm x Depth 21mm x Height 5.5mm

Tags

Portable, compass, perimeter circle, ruler, angle, safety

Production Technology

The shell is made of aluminum to reduce weight, while the center and pen contact parts and wheels are made of silica gel to increase friction.

Design Challenge

The challenge in this research is to study the principle of the perimeter circle and implement it on the product. For this challenge, we studied the relevant mathematical formulas. We made some 3D models for testing to ensure the models can draw a circle smoothly and verify the feasibility.

Project Duration

The project was started in September 2020 in Beijing and finished in November 2020 in Beijing.

Operation Flow

When in use, move both sides to adjust the radius, the radius is displayed on the disc, and the pen is inserted into the center to draw a circle. The middle insertion pen is made of silicone material, which can be applied to pens of different sizes. The length of the drawn line and the angle of the arc can be calculated by the rotation of the wheel. When the angle between the two sides is 180 degrees, the drawn line is a straight line. In addition, the disc in the middle can be rotated to make the process of drawing a circle smoother. The displayed number is always positive for the user to identify easily.

Research

We have studied the formula for the principle of determining a circle with three points, By using software to draw a schematic diagram, we can find a shape that can be combined with the principle. The pen inserted in the middle and the wheels on both sides constitute three points. We made some 3D models for testing to ensure the models can draw a circle smoothly and verify the feasibility.

Inspiration

We cannot directly determine the radius when using compasses, and it is inconvenient to adjust the compasses repeatedly when matched with a ruler. When drawing the arc, the angle of the arc cannot be determined, and the sharp part of the compass is also a hidden danger. Inspired by the perimeter circle command in Solidworks, we conducted key research and formula deduction on the principle of how three points determine a circle.

Colors of PeriO Multifunctional Compass