Extendable Stud Punch for Floor-Level Hole Punching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing devices for punching holes in metal studs are limited in reach and versatility, particularly when attempting to create holes above floor level, as they often require manual extension and retraction mechanisms that can be cumbersome and inefficient.

Innovation Solution

A stud punch apparatus featuring a head unit with a die and punch configuration, along with extendable and retractable poles that allow a user to actuate the punch from a floor-level position to create holes up to 8 feet above, utilizing a linkage system and spring pin mechanism for efficient movement and storage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If existing punching devices are used to create holes above floor level, then punching capability is achieved, but user effort and operational difficulty increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoidreach distance
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The device is divided into a head unit containing the punch mechanism and a separate pole structure that can be extended to different lengths. This segmentation allows the punching mechanism to remain compact while the reach is extended through the adjustable pole, solving the contradiction between ease of operation and reach distance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The pole is designed to be extendable and retractable, allowing it to dynamically adjust its length based on the working height requirements. This dynamic adjustment enables the user to operate the punch from floor level while reaching elevated positions, maintaining ease of operation across different reach distances.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Length of stationary object

If manual extension and retraction mechanisms are added to increase reach, then punching capability at elevated heights is achieved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereach distanceVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The pole structure utilizes a nested design where sections of the pole are telescoping, allowing one pole section to slide within another. This nesting mechanism provides extension and retraction functionality without requiring complex external mechanisms, thus increasing reach distance while minimizing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Length of stationary object

If the device is designed for extended reach, then punching at elevated heights is enabled, but handling and storage becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereach distanceVSAvoidhandling and storage
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of stationary objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The pole's extendable and retractable design allows it to be compact when not in use and extended only when needed for elevated punching tasks. This dynamic configuration enables easy handling and storage while providing extended reach capability when required.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS20240351088A1Stud Punch
Publication Date: 2024.10.24 CRUX PARTNERS LLC
  • US20240351088A1 patent drawing
  • US20240351088A1 patent drawing
  • US20240351088A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A stud punch device is disclosed that can be configured to punch holes in metal studs that have been placed at various elevations in a structure. The disclosed stud punch can be configured to adjust its elevation so that the operator of the device can sand on a floor while punching the cut outs rather than having to climb a ladder or scaffolding to operate the device near the location of the hole(s) to be punched out by the stud punch device.