Adjustable Stop Block Assembly With Interlocking Teeth

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional pin and stop block assemblies for holding workpieces on gridded tables lack secure attachment and precision in positioning, leading to unwanted movement and imprecision in aligning workpieces during applications like welding or finishing.

Innovation Solution

The development of adjustable length block assemblies with interlocking tooth surfaces and modular tooth fittings, allowing for variable positioning and secure attachment to gridded surfaces through pins, enabling precise alignment and repositioning of workpieces.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional pin and stop block assemblies are used to hold workpieces on gridded tables, then the setup is simple and easy to implement, but the attachment is not secure and positioning precision is poor, leading to unwanted movement during work

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment securityVSAvoidassembly structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The stop block is divided into two separate components: a block body and a plate member. These segments can be independently positioned and attached to the gridded table, allowing each component to be secured separately with pins through grid holes, thereby improving attachment security while maintaining relatively simple assembly

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The plate member is positioned within or adjacent to the block body, with the tooth surface of the plate member engaging with the tooth surface of the block body. This nested arrangement allows the two components to work together as a unified positioning system, enhancing stability without significantly increasing overall device complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Measurement precision

If conventional pin and stop block assemblies are used, then the implementation is straightforward, but precise placement of stop blocks on the grid is difficult due to imprecision in conventional assemblies

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoidplacement difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The conventional reliance on pin insertion alone is supplemented by introducing tooth surfaces with engaging teeth on both the block body and plate member. This mechanical interlocking system provides positive positioning that prevents slippage and ensures precise placement, while the overall operation remains straightforward as pins are still used for attachment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The engaging tooth surfaces provide dynamic adjustment capability, allowing the plate member to be precisely positioned relative to the block body during assembly. The teeth engage at specific positions to lock in precise placements, while still allowing for easy repositioning by disengaging the teeth and moving the components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Stability of the object's composition

If conventional pin and stop block assemblies are used, then the setup is simple, but the stop blocks are prone to unwanted movement during work applications

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveworkpiece alignment stabilityVSAvoidblock assembly structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The block body and plate member are merged into a functional unit through the engagement of their tooth surfaces. This combination creates a more stable configuration where the plate member reinforces the positioning of the block body, preventing unwanted movement during welding or finishing operations while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The stop block assembly uses a composite structure combining the block body and plate member with different functional characteristics. The block body provides the primary stopping surface, while the plate member with its engaging tooth surface provides enhanced positional stability, creating a composite positioning system that resists movement better than either component alone

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Data Source

PatentUS20240165760A1Adjustable Length Block Assemblies

Publication Date: 2024.05.23 FIREBALL TOOL WORKS LLC

AI summary

Adjustable length block assemblies are described. In an example, an adjustable length block assembly includes a block body with a tooth surface, a plate member with a tooth surface, and an adjustable block component. The tooth surfaces of the plate member and the block body are engageable to interlock the plate member with the block body. Thus, the block body is engageable with the plate member at multiple different positions to support repositioning of the adjustable length block assembly. Further, the adjustable block component is operable to control an overall length of the adjustable length block assembly to support precise adjustments to the adjustable length block assembly.