DEVELOPMENT OF AN IMPROVISED
FOLDABLE T-SQUARE
Researchers: Roque, Drew Lance T.
Orsua, Ashley Mae C.
Capati, Stanley Zedric B.
Castro, Charles Wein N.
Nacion, Antoinne Jan C.
Navarro, Jan Kurt L.
Nicolas, Jaisler L.
Adviser: Ma. Theresa R. Canivel
I. ABSTRACT
The study is entitled "Development of an
Improvised Foldable T-Square". The study
aims to lessen the hassle of the commuters
for them to be able to carry more things.
The instrument used in the study is an
interview which consists of the product's
functionality and durability. On the other
hand, the improvised T-Square is way more
convenient to bring, in terms of quality, the
improvised T-Square will last longer and in
functionality. In conclusion, the product is
made out of liston wood for its body, while
narra for the head. The product is said to be
acceptable in terms of functionality,
durability and quality. The researchers
recommend conducting more study
regarding the T-Square's sticker placement,
Re-do the body for more equal sides, Re-
make the head for more accurate size, and
Gather more data for the product's
improvement.
Keywords: Narra, Listin wood, more
convenient
II. INTRODUCTION
A ruler is a tool commonly used to
measure or to draw straight horizontal or
vertical line. Furthermore, the tool uses
two systems in measuring. The English and
Metric System. English System uses Feet
(ft.), Inches (“), Yards, and Miles. While
Page 1 of 10
Metric System/Units includes Millimeter
(mm), decimeter (dm), centimeter (cm),
meter (m), and Kilometer (km) and etc
(Britannica, 2015).
T-square is a tool mostly used in drafting
or in technical drawing. It is a T-shaped
instrument, T-square is used for
establishing a horizontal reference on the
drafting board. The tool contains a long
ruler with a 90-degree angle straight-edged
head. T-squares are made of either wood or
acrylic plastic, and most are between 45cm
and 105cm in length. In drafting
equipment, one of the tools often used is
the T-square. Along with the triangle,
protractor and compass. There are kinds of
T-square like Regular Fixed Head T-
square, Long Fixed Head T-square, English
T-square and etc. The Stainless-Steel T-
Square – These T-Squares have a stainless-
steel blade for accurate line drawing and
cutting, a single hole for hanging and a
plastic blue head. The blade features
graduated inch markings in 16ths and
32nds on one side and centimeter markings
on the other. The study/product aims to
make T-square/s a lot more convenient for
everyone, or in short, hassle free
(Britannica, 2015).
The draftsmen use T-squares during the
17th century to help them draw straight
lines. The instrument was also used in
conjunction with a set square or triangle to
draw vertical and diagonal lines. Its name
originated from being identical with the
letter “T”. Someone named Eugene James
Towne (1847–after 1900) of North Dana,
Massachusetts Patent model for Parallel
Rule and T-Square during 1877. The said
instrument contains a wooden handle
attached to a brass protractor which is
divided into single degrees and both
directions are numbered from 10 to 170
(American History, 2019).

There was a Patent Model made for T-
square and Patent Rule by Eugene James
Towne. He made the instrument in United
States: Massachusetts, North Dana, and
year 1877. Furthermore, the said creator
received a patent for this device. This
instrument is made of a wooden handle
connected to large brass thumbscrew
protractor which both directions are
divided from 10-170 single degrees and is
numbered by tens. Its protractor is
connected by a split nut with a large brass
thumbscrew which runs the width of the
instrument. Him and J. W. Goodman,
who’s known for making billiard table
legs, pianos, and other wooden stuffs in
North Dana; they planned to make or
produced more of this instrument. But
however, people did not seem to cope/used
it (American History, 2013).
According to Art news (2022), there is a
perfect T-square in a specific drawing. The
first one is the Ludwig Precision Standard
T-square. This T-square features a big head
with thin and long aluminum body making
the T-square a little bendy and so light
weighted. However, it will still work as it
should as long as we’re gentle with it. Its
measurements are inches and centimeters.
In addition, the T-square’s crosspiece
contains a good slip which allows you to
keep them in touch from your workspace.
Next one is the Westcott Junior T-Square,
if price matters or if you are on a tight and
low budget, this T-square is the perfect one
for the users. Its measurements will most
likely to be erased due to time using the
tool. It is like a cheaper version of
Ludwig’s Precision T-square. Alvin
Stainless Steel Professional Graduated T-
Square it’s long body is made with literally
metal, it is the top pick due to it’s
sturdiness and reliability. It’s long steel
body is connected to a head made with
Page 2 of 10
aluminum. The head’s function is just the
same from all of the said T-squares,
wherein you can attach it at the end of your
drafting table or workspace to ensure a
straight and beautiful lines. But for some
reason, the price of this T-square is way
too pricey for someone, but it is definitely
worth it. Other cheaper T-squares will
loosen and warp due to time but Alvin
Stainless Steel Professional Graduated T-
Square will still be the same even if it is
frequently used. That’s why Alvin
Stainless Steel Professional Graduated T-
Square is still better and affordable. Lastly,
the Mr. Pen T-square, this T-square is
made out of carbon steel and it has a black
finish with white, laser-printed
measurements making it easier to read. It
contains two measurement systems, The
English and The Metric. It also used or
helps when cutting paper and photos due to
its features. The purpose of the study and
the product is to save space and to make
rulers or T-square more convenient to
bring and hassle free, especially for
students who doesn’t have any more space
in their bag due to having a lot of things to
carry with.
III. STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM
The aim of this research is to develop an
improvised T-Square to make it an
improvised foldable T-Square.
Specifically, the study aims to find answers
to the following:
1. How is the improvised foldable T-
Square described in terms of:
1.1 materials,
1.2 comparison to other T-Square,
1.3 quality?
 2. What is the level of acceptability of A. Procedure on making the T-Square
the improvised foldable T-Square in terms ● Measure where to cut the wood
of: ● Cut the Liston wood in the
2.1. functionality, planned/designated measurements.
2.2. sustainability, ● Smoothen the wood using sandpaper.
2.3. quality? ● Mark the wedge of the T-Square head.
● Cut the acrylic plastic in the
IV. METHODS designated measurement
The study used product development. ● Ready the Liston wood and the
Product development typically refers to all Acrylic to stick with grab adhesive
stages involved in bringing a product from
then temporarily hold it with vise.
concept or idea through market release and
● Wrap both sides of the Acrylic with
beyond. In other words, product
transfer film to stick well the stickers.
development incorporates a product's
entire journey (Product plan, 2020). The ● Make cut out stickers then paste it in
researchers used product development as the acrylic.
their research design and because the main ● Because of the chance that stickers
output of the research is a foldable T- may be removed, we blower it.
Square. ● After we blower the stickers, we spray
it with spray clear paint to secure it.
Materials ● Cut a small piece of wood to make
● Liston Wood wedge the T-Square head.
● Narra Wood ● Smoothen the wedge with Sandpaper.
● Grab Adhesive ● Stick the wedge on the top of T-
● Hinge and Screws Square with grab adhesive and screws.
● Acrylic ● Make the T-Square head using narra
● Cut out Stickers wood then chiseled and sad it using a
● Transfer film mini drill for the wedge.
● Spray paint the T-Square head.
Equipment ● Fix the T-Square head if straight using
● Screwdriver the Tri square.
● Cutter ● Ready the T-Square to put the hinge.
● Sandpaper ● Put the hinge exactly with a straight T-
● Masking tape Square.
● Drill and mini drill ● Drill the holes on T-Square to mark
● Chisel where to screw.
● Hammer ● Screw the hinge with screw driver.
● Vise ● Clean the whole T-Square
● Tri square
● Ruler B. Procedure on making the T-head
● Marker ● Measure the upper part of the T-
● Blower Square for the T-head's height.
● Cut the narra wood into a triangular
Procedure in making the Foldable T- shape.
Square

Page 3 of 10
 ● Make a wedge then measure the
wedge in the T-head.
● Lastly, carve the T-head for the
wedge.
V.FINDINGS AND DISCUSSION
1. Description of Improvised Foldable T-
Square
The experts were asked to share their
opinions on the product of foldable t-
square and the following themes emerged:
1.1 Material
The strengthened, smooth, and thicker
Narra used to make the T-head square
makes it easy to use with the equipment
required for measurements.
“The product is sturdy. Although
the materials used were good
quality.” (Expert 1)
“The product's feature of being
foldable makes it not easy to
break. Unlike the long span T-
Square that is prone to breakage,
the purpose of this prototype is to
ensure that the breakage if this
product achieves its goal.”
(Expert 2)
“The product head is collapsible
but the hinge installed does not
easily break. The product can be
easily taken care off because of its
foldable feature. One of the
product's advantages is it does
not/will not easily break. When
the product is folded, the body of
the product will be sturdier than
the other product.” (Expert 3)
Page 4 of 10
Narra woods are considered as one of the
hardest wood in the world, which makes it
ideal for furniture making
(houseofnarra.ph, 2021). In addition, the
researchers used acrylic for the
measurements because it is
unquestionably vet solid and won't break
easily. The head that is actually used is the
permanent one, which is the one that
cannot be wiped away. To help the wood
adhere to the acrylic more firmly and to
utilize an additional stick to make the
former more durable, Liston Wood also
manufactured smooth wood.
1.2. Comparison to other or normal T-
Square
As useful as a standard T-Square, it is
greater, smaller, and more compact. Due to
its portability and light weight, which
enables architects or students to carry the
maps, the researchers thought about
developing this hybrid T-Square. Students
will use it more easily because they won't
run into any problems, despite the fact that
they do a lot of work or carry a lot of stuff.
On the other hand, unlike a folding T-
Square, you can't really place it in a
vulnerable position without tripping over it
or anything. Also, because it is so large
and strengthened, cutting it would be
difficult compared to the traditional long
span ruler, this type of T-Square
innovation can survive longer.
“It is more convenient than the usual
T-Square. With its folding capability
you can just put it in your backpack.”
(Expert 1)
 “Convenience is one of the features
that the product advertises. Because
the T-Squares original design is long
but not convenient to be walked
around or carried. Unlike this
product it can be easily carried
anywhere.” (Expert 2)
“The folded T-Square is more
convenient than the other T-Squares
in the market because it can be easily
folded, easily restored and be carried
carelessly.” (Expert 3)
The device can be utilized and stored
simply in both small and large settings
because of its foldable nature. The usual
typefaces and marks of this product may be
read with ease thanks to the reinforced T-
Square. Also, users won't have any trouble
reading this merchandise. Due to its ability
to be folded, this product cannot easily be
broken. The aim of this prototype is to
guarantee that the breakage of this product
accomplishes its goal, unlike the long soab
T-Square which is prone to breakage.
Foldable T-squares/rulers are durable,
that's why we can say that they are very
good promotional products. Foldable T-
Squares are suitable for targeting many
groups because of its benefit and it lasts
long (Reidinger, 2017).
1.3. Quality
This kind of T-Square innovation has a
longer lifespan than the conventional long
span ruler. Due to its folding design, the
device may be used and stowed easily in
both small and big situations. The
strengthened T-Square makes it easy to
read the product's standard typefaces and
marks. Also, this product's user won't have
any trouble reading it. This product can be
Page 5 of 10
folded and is therefore not readily broken.
In contrast to the long span T-Square,
which is prone to breaking, the aim of this
prototype is to assure that the breakage if
this product achieves its objective.
“I think it can last long. But it needs
to improve the hinge used.” (Expert
1)
“With this kind of innovation this
kind of T-Square can last longer than
the original long span ruler. Because
of its foldable state the product can
be used and stored easily in small or
large spaces." (Expert 2)
“Just like the other T-Squares the
product can last long regardless if it's
foldable or not. With the right care
and nurture of the product, it will
definitely last long." (Expert 3)
Whether it can be folded or not, the
product should endure as long as other T-
Squares do. If the product is properly taken
care of and maintained, it will live for a
very long time. Similar to the other T-
Square, these measurements are legible and
precise. The attached hinge is strong even
though the product head is collapsible. The
device is easy to use because of its foldable
construction. One of its advantages is that
the item won’t shatter easily. When folded,
the product’s body will last longer than the
other items. Given the fact that the T-
square head is made out of Narra, which is
considered as one of the hardest wood in
the world, making the quality of the
product a lot better and it can last way
longer (houseofnarra.ph, 2021).
2. Acceptability
2.1 Functionality
Functionality is the way in which those
features really perform their intended
function for you. For instance, the capacity
to customize leave kinds is a fundamental
requirement for the majority of boarding
institutions (Merriam Webster, 2013).
Furthermore, functionality refers to how
the design/product executile its work for
the user/s (Interaction Design Foundation,
2002); the functionality of something is its
usefulness, or how well it does the job it's
meant to do. You might question the
functionality of your new smartphone if
you can't get it to send simple text
messages (Global Dictionary, 2010). The
following here are the themes formed:
2.1.1 Convenient.
The researchers asked the experts and they
said this T-square is more convenient then
the ordinary one because of its folding
capacity and can be stored and carried
easily. Therefore this theme is showing
that the experts were satisfied with its
functionality.
“It is more convenient than the
usual T-Square. With its folding
capability you can just put it in your
backpack." (Expert 1)
“Yes, convenience is one of the
features that the product advertises.
Because the T-Squares original
design is long but not convenient to
be walked around or carried.
Unlike this product it can be easily
carried anywhere.” (Expert 2)
“Yes, the folded T-Square is more
convenient than other T-Squares in
Page 6 of 10
the market because it can be easily
folded, easily stored and be carried
carelessly”. (Expert 3)
2.2 Acceptability
A new intervention's acceptability refers to
how well it will be received by the target
population and how well it might fit the
demands of the target population and the
organizational setting. The quality of being
satisfactory and capable of agreement or
approval: (Cambridge, 2018) There have
been discussions on the acceptability of
foods that have undergone genetic
modification.
2.2.1 Foldable
The researchers went and asked experts on
what they think about the foldable T-Square,
the experts liked the foldable feature of the
product.
“I like this product way more than
the usual T-Square because it is
foldable. But this item is somewhat
heavier than usual.”. (Expert 1)
“Yes, because of its foldable feature,
as an Architect I can say that this is
an innovative design especially for
students with drafting/drawing
subjects.” (Expert 2)
“Yes, because it is more convenient;
easy to carry, especially during
travel from home to school. Its
foldable state creates more space for
other materials and is easy to be
stored..” (Expert 3)
2.3 Quality
A process, product, or service's quality
refers to how well it satisfies a certain set of
characteristics or requirements; quality is
also the comparison of the things to the
other things (MBN, 2019). A set of
requirements and a collection of inherent
features can be compared to assess a thing's
quality. A. Improvable: When the
researchers asked the experts about the T-
Square, they said, Users won't have any
trouble reading this product because it uses
conventional typefaces and marks that are
easily readable, exactly like the original T-
Square. This motif reveals that the expert
was satisfied with its readability.
2.3.1 Improvable
The measurements on the product can be
improved but already readable and accurate
just like the other T-square.
“I think the printed measurements can
be improved.” (Expert 1)
“Yes, just like the original T-Square
the standard fonts and marks of this
product can be easily read. And users
will not find this product difficult to
read.“ (Expert 2)
“Yes, just like the other T-Square the
measurements are readable and have
accurate measurement.” (Expert 3)
VI. CONCLUSIONS AND
RECOMMENDATIONS
The Improvised T-Square is made of Liston
wood and is foldable and durable. The
product is acceptable in terms of being
convenient in functionality, being foldable
in acceptability, and improved in quality.
Page 7 of 10
It is recommended to conduct more study for
the sticker placement in the acrylic plastic.
Also re-do the sides of the T-square to
expand it. And to re-make the head and
make it a more accurate size. And lastly,
gather more data for the products to
improve.
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