Less than a year ago we told you about the Tiroler, a titanium ring that is a pretty clever alternative to the boring tape measure. Now its creators are back with a new version of the concept that also performs calculations.

The new device, known as the Mini Titanium Curve Measure Slide Rule (we’ll just call it Mini), is currently the subject of a Kickstarter campaign. Both the device and the Tyrolean are made by Japanese company Titaner, which previously brought us a miniature adjustable wrench and a small folding knife that can be opened with one hand.

The discus-shaped Mini consists of an outer ring with a smaller inner ring embedded within it. Both rings are laser engraved with ruler-style numerical markings and can rotate independently – meaning you can hold the inner ring in place while rotating the outer ring around it.

Buyers can choose between metric and imperial versions of the device. The metric model has a circumference of 10 cm, while the larger imperial model has a circumference of five inches.

Titans

When you want to measure something, first align the 0 marks on both rings. Then place the Mini at the beginning of the surface to be measured and hold it upright like a wheel.

Then you simply roll it over this surface, which may be curved or not quite straight and/or not quite flat, keeping the inner ring clamped between your finger and thumb while the outer wheel does all the spinning – it makes a satisfying clicking sound as it does so.

At the end of each full revolution of the outer ring, an integrated, spring-loaded ceramic bead produces an audible and tactile click. You count these clicks in your head as each click corresponds to either four inches or five inches (depending on the model). When you reach the end of the surface you want to measure, note which numerical mark on the outer ring corresponds to the 0 on the inner ring.

Using the metric model as an example, multiply the number of clicks by 10 and then add the number that corresponds to the 0 of the inner ring. So if the Mini has made five clicks and ends up matching the 0 at 6.2 (digit 6 and two divisions), the measured distance is 56.2 cm or 562 mm.

Titans

As mentioned, the device can also be used for simple calculations. In a feat of engineering that we won’t even attempt to understand here, the two rings together form a circular slide rule that performs additions on one side of the mini and multiplications on the other.

It should be noted that due to its small size (which limits the space available for numerical markings), the Mini can only handle fairly simple arithmetic problems – things like 2 x 3 = 6. Most people can easily work this out in their heads, so the slide rule function is more of a novelty than a truly practical tool. Still, it’s pretty handy.

Buyers of the metric mini can choose between a solid titanium model and one with a titanium outer ring and copper inner ring. Buyers of the imperial mini will have to stick with solid titanium. Kickstarter pledges range from $49 for the metric titanium/copper model (planned retail price $98) to $65 for the imperial titanium (retail price $130). If all goes well, they should ship in November.

The mini titanium curve measuring slide rule is demonstrated in the following video.

Source: Kickstarter