G-Shaped Clamp Mounting for Independent Line Striper Spray Guns

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing line striping machines require complex procedures to attach and detach spray gun assemblies from the mounting arm, often necessitating the removal of outer assemblies before installing or removing inner ones, which is inefficient and prone to mechanical issues due to corner catches.

Innovation Solution

A G-shaped clamp design that secures the mounting arm within its opening, allowing for independent installation and removal of spray gun assemblies without sliding on or off the end of the mounting arm, featuring a fastener that angles into the clamp's inner sides to secure the arm in place, and a window for measurement alignment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If spray gun assemblies are attached by sliding on and off the end of the mounting arm, then the attachment process is simple, but outer assemblies must be removed before installing or removing inner ones, reducing operational efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment process simplicityVSAvoidoperational efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The clamp is designed with a C-shaped configuration that allows it to be positioned around the mounting arm at different locations. The fastener extends through the C-shaped body and secures to the mounting arm, creating a nested arrangement where multiple clamps can be installed along the length of the mounting arm simultaneously, enabling independent attachment and detachment of inner and outer spray gun assemblies without interference

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Ease of manufacture

If spray gun assemblies are attached using a sliding mechanism, then installation is straightforward, but corner catches occur causing mechanical issues

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation straightforwardnessVSAvoidmechanical stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The attachment mechanism is divided into two distinct functional components: the C-shaped body that provides the clamping structure and the fastener that provides the securing mechanism. The fastener extends through the C-shaped body at an angle and secures to the mounting arm through a separate hole, separating the clamping function from the fastening function to eliminate corner catches and improve reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple spray gun assemblies are mounted on the mounting arm, then coverage is improved, but attachment complexity increases due to interference between assemblies

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemulti-assembly capabilityVSAvoidattachment complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The clamp acts as an intermediary device between the spray gun assembly and the mounting arm. The C-shaped body engages with the mounting arm, and the fastener secures the connection, providing a standardized interface that simplifies the attachment of multiple assemblies. This intermediary mechanism eliminates direct interference between assemblies by providing a uniform attachment point on the mounting arm

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3495559B1Line striping machine with a clamp for mounting on a mounting arm and method of operating the line striper
Publication Date: 2022.04.20 GRACO MINNESTOA INC
  • EP3495559B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3495559B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3495559B1 patent drawingFigure 3A

AI summary

A clamp for mounting on a mounting arm (16) of a line striping machine (2), the clamp comprising a body (24) that is G shaped, an opening through which the mounting arm is adapted to extend, and a fastener (32) configured to secure the mounting arm within the opening, wherein the opening is adapted to allow the clamp to be mounted on the mounting arm without sliding the claim along the mounting arm, and wherein the clamp is adapted to hang from the mounting arm without the fastener being engaged with the mounting arm; and a method of mounting a clamp on a mounting arm (16) of a line striper (2).