Modular Bar Clamp With Interlocking Jaws For Extended Reach

Solution Overview

Problem

Hobbyists and DIY individuals often lack the necessary bar clamps with varying lengths to accommodate work pieces requiring larger spaces between the fixed and movable jaws, limiting their ability to securely clamp larger items.

Innovation Solution

A bar clamp design that allows two identical clamps to be connected by interlocking projections and recesses on their fixed jaws, enabling the extension of the working distance between the jaw members, thus creating a longer clamp configuration for larger work pieces.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If bar clamps are made in many varying lengths to accommodate different work piece sizes, then the ability to clamp larger items is improved, but the device complexity and inventory requirements worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveclamp length varietyVSAvoidnumber of different clamps needed

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The bar clamp is divided into modular segments that can be connected together. Each clamp unit has a standardized structure with interlocking features, allowing multiple units to be assembled to create clamps of varying lengths. This segmentation eliminates the need to maintain inventory of many different clamp lengths while still providing the versatility to accommodate various work piece sizes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The bar clamp design incorporates universal interlocking features that allow any clamp unit to connect with any other clamp unit of the same type. This universality enables a single standardized clamp design to serve multiple functions by being assembled in different configurations, replacing the need for specialized clamps of different lengths in the inventory.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If bar clamps are made in many varying lengths to accommodate different work piece sizes, then the ability to clamp larger items is improved, but the quantity of clamps needed worsens

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveclamp length varietyVSAvoidnumber of clamps in inventory

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The bar clamp is divided into modular segments that can be connected together. Each clamp unit has a standardized structure with interlocking features, allowing multiple units to be assembled to create clamps of varying lengths. This segmentation eliminates the need to maintain inventory of many different clamp lengths while still providing the versatility to accommodate various work piece sizes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Length of moving object

If the bar clamp structure is made more complex to accommodate larger work pieces, then the working distance is improved, but the ease of operation worsens

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveworking distanceVSAvoidclamp operation simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The bar clamp is divided into modular segments that can be connected together. Each clamp unit has a standardized structure with interlocking features, allowing multiple units to be assembled to create clamps of varying lengths. This segmentation eliminates the need to maintain inventory of many different clamp lengths while still providing the versatility to accommodate various work piece sizes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The interlocking mechanism between clamp units utilizes a nested configuration where the projection on one clamp fits into the recess on the adjacent clamp, creating a compact and stable connection. This nesting approach allows multiple clamp units to be assembled efficiently while maintaining operational simplicity, as each unit retains its standardized interface design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentUS7322571B2Bar clamp

Publication Date: 2008.01.29 GREAT STAR IND USA LLC

AI summary

A clamp is adapted to be secured to a second substantially identical clamp in order to accommodate a larger workpiece than can be held by a single clamp. The clamp includes a first jaw that is secured to an intermediate member, such as a bar or pipe, and a second jaw that is removeably securable to the intermediate member so as to selectively oppose the first jaw. The second jaw includes a surface thereon that is configured to interlock with a complimentarily-shaped surface on a second jaw of the second clamp.