Board Positioning Tool With Embedding Projections
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Solution Overview
Problem
The traditional installation of joists or rafters requires manual positioning and holding, often necessitating two people to secure the boards to support members, as the process is labor-intensive and cumbersome.
Innovation Solution
A tool featuring locking pliers with grabbing portions that embed into the board's sides and a forwardly projecting member to maintain alignment, allowing single-person securement by locking onto the board and support member, eliminating the need for additional assistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual positioning and holding of boards is used, then the boards can be secured to support members, but at least two people are required making the process labor-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The tool enables self-service by incorporating a self-latching mechanism that automatically secures the board to the support member. The latching member engages with the support member when the tool is positioned, allowing a single worker to complete the task without needing another person to hold the board in place.
Solution Approach 2:
The tool acts as an intermediary device between the worker and the board-support member system. It includes a gripping mechanism that holds the board and a latching mechanism that secures it to the support member, transferring the function that previously required two people into a single integrated tool operated by one person.
2Measurement precision
If manual holding of board is used, then positioning can be achieved, but the process is cumbersome and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The tool incorporates alignment features such as positioning members or guides that pre-establish the correct position and orientation of the board relative to the support member before securing occurs. This preliminary positioning action ensures accuracy is achieved automatically as part of the tool's operation, eliminating the time-consuming manual adjustment process.
Solution Approach 2:
The tool is divided into functional segments: a gripping portion for holding the board, a positioning portion for alignment, and a latching portion for securing. Each segment performs its function independently and simultaneously, allowing precise positioning and rapid installation in a single integrated action rather than sequential manual steps.
3Reliability
If two people are used for board installation, then securement can be achieved, but the requirement for additional personnel increases labor costs and complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The tool merges multiple functions into a single device: the gripping function (to hold the board), the positioning function (to align with the support member), and the latching function (to secure the board). This consolidation of functions into one tool eliminates the need for multiple people while maintaining securement reliability, thereby reducing operational complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A tool is provided for relative positioning of a first board and a second board such that the first and second boards can be secured to each other. The tool comprises a base portion including a pair of locking pliers, and grabbing portions respectively secured to jaws of the locking pliers. The grabbing portions are configured to receive the first board therebetween when the grabbing portions are brought toward each other by operation of the pliers. The grabbing portions further have parts disposed to abut a thickness surface of the received first board and projections disposed to embed into opposite side surfaces of the received first board. At least one of the grabbing portions has a forwardly projecting member disposed to be abutted with the second board to position adjacent edges of the received first board and the second board substantially flush with each other.