Fence Clip Apparatus for T-Post Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for attaching fence wires to T-posts are tedious, inefficient, and costly due to the use of tangled wire clips and the need for manual bending, which increases construction time and labor costs.
Innovation Solution
A clipping apparatus comprising a body assembly with a lower and upper plate, a slide plate, and a bending lever, which uses flat V-clips to simplify the attachment process by sliding the clip into position and bending it around the wire, reducing tangling and manufacturing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If preformed wire clips are used to attach fence wires to T-posts, then the attachment function is achieved, but the clips become tangled and are difficult to separate and use
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus segments the clip application process into distinct functional components: a body assembly for holding clips, a slide plate for advancing clips, and a bending lever for forming clips. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, preventing tangling while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus introduces an intermediary device between the worker and the wire clips. Instead of handling clips directly with hands, the worker operates the apparatus which then manipulates the clips through the slide plate and bending lever mechanisms, eliminating direct contact and tangling issues.
2Productivity
If manual bending of wire clips is performed by hand or using pliers, then the clips can be attached to T-posts, but the process is very tedious, inefficient, and time consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus performs preliminary actions by pre-positioning wire clips in the body assembly and using the slide plate to advance them to the bending lever in a continuous, pre-coordinated sequence. This eliminates the need for workers to repeatedly pick up, position, and bend clips manually, significantly reducing time consumption and increasing productivity.
3Quantity of substance
If loose wire clips are carried in a pouch or package, then clips are available for use, but they become tangled and are difficult to separate
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus extracts clips from the tangled pouch environment and places them in an organized configuration within the body assembly. The clips are arranged in a structured manner with designated positions, allowing easy access and retrieval without tangling, while maintaining adequate supply for continuous operation.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and method for clipping a fence wire on a T-post.