Spring Clamp for Masonry Alignment String Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for aligning bricks, such as corner leads and corner poles, are time-consuming and require skilled labor, and alignment strings can become misplaced, leading to inaccuracies and increased costs due to the need for frequent repositioning.
Innovation Solution
A clamp mechanism with spring-biased clamp arms and a string receiving mechanism that secures the alignment string between bricks, ensuring it remains taut and accurately positioned, allowing for quick and reliable alignment of subsequent brick rows.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If corner leads method is used for alignment, then alignment precision is improved, but construction time and labor cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the essential alignment function from the complex corner lead system and implements it through a simplified clamp mechanism with string receiving mechanism. The clamp arms with spring mechanism provide the necessary tension and positioning without requiring the time-consuming corner lead construction process.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp mechanism represents a inexpensive, disposable tool compared to the labor-intensive corner lead method. The clamp can be quickly applied to bricks and removed without leaving permanent structures, providing a cost-effective solution that eliminates the need for expensive skilled labor and time-consuming corner lead erection.
2Productivity
If alignment string is stretched between corner poles, then alignment speed is improved, but reliability of alignment decreases due to accidental displacement
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp arms are designed with spring mechanism that provides dynamic adjustment and maintains constant pressure on the alignment string. This dynamic system ensures the string remains taut and securely positioned, preventing accidental displacement while maintaining high alignment speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The string receiving mechanism acts as an intermediary between the clamp arms and the alignment string. This specialized mechanism securely holds the string in place, preventing it from being bumped or displaced, while still allowing quick adjustment when needed.
3Measurement precision
If frequent repositioning of alignment string is performed, then alignment accuracy is maintained, but labor cost and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The spring mechanism in the clamp arms provides self-adjusting tension that automatically maintains proper alignment string tension. The system self-corrects minor position variations without requiring frequent manual repositioning, thereby maintaining alignment accuracy while improving construction efficiency by reducing labor time.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The clamp mechanism provides a cost-effective, time-saving solution by ensuring precise alignment of brick rows, reducing errors and labor costs associated with frequent repositioning of alignment strings.
Implementation Method 1
A spring mechanism biases the first clamp arm and the second clamp arm in a general direction toward each other
Data Source
AI summary
A clamp mechanism for assisting a bricklayer or mason worker in positioning and aligning a next row of bricks being laid upon a previous row of bricks using an alignment string is provided. One end of the alignment string is secured in a desired position adjacent the previous row of bricks. The clamp mechanism comprises a clamp having a first clamp arm and a second clamp arm. A spring mechanism biases the first clamp arm and the second clamp arm in a general direction toward each other. A string receiving mechanism is associated with the clamp for receiving a portion of the alignment string. Upon the alignment string being secured to the string receiving mechanism and the clamp being positioned upon a brick in the previous row of bricks, the alignment string indicates the proper positioning and alignment of the next row of bricks.