Straight Edge Clamp Hinged Body and Independent Stops
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional straight edge clamps are heavy and costly due to the need for a rigid rod and locking elements, which also restrict their length and prevent folding for storage or adjustment.
Innovation Solution
A straight edge clamp design featuring independently mounted clamping head and end stop assemblies within an elongated body, connected by hinges, allowing sections to be folded for storage and adjusted in length, eliminating the need for a rigid rod and locking elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a rigid rod and locking elements are used to connect the clamping head and end stop, then the clamp provides stable clamping function, but the weight and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the rigid rod and locking elements from the clamp structure. Instead of using a continuous rod with locking mechanisms, the invention uses separate clamping head and end stop assemblies that can be independently positioned and secured within the elongated body channel, eliminating the need for the rod entirely.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp is divided into separate functional segments: the elongated body, clamping head assembly, and end stop assembly. These segments can be independently positioned and secured within the channel, allowing the system to achieve stability without requiring a rigid connecting rod.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a rigid rod is used to connect the clamping head and end stop, then the clamp maintains structural integrity, but the length cannot be adjusted and folding is prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp transitions from a rigid, fixed-configuration structure to a dynamic, adjustable system. The clamping head and end stop can be independently moved along the elongated body channel and secured at various positions using set screws, allowing the effective length to be adjusted based on the workpiece size.
Solution Approach 2:
By separating the clamping head and end stop into independent assemblies that can be positioned anywhere along the channel, the system gains flexibility and adjustability while maintaining structural integrity through the rigid elongated body channel itself.
3Reliability
If a rod extending the length of the straight edge is used, then the locking elements can secure the work piece, but the cost and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The expensive rod and locking elements are completely removed from the design. The workpiece securing function is achieved through simpler mechanisms: the clamping head with its jaw and set screw, and the end stop with its positioning capability within the channel.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces expensive, complex rod-and-locking-element assemblies with simpler, cheaper clamping mechanisms that use basic components like jaws, set screws, and positioning blocks that can be easily manufactured and replaced if needed.
4Device complexity
If the clamp has a predetermined length defined by the rod, then the structure is simple, but the length cannot be changed for different applications
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a static, fixed-length design to a dynamic, adjustable-length design. The clamping head and end stop can be repositioned along the elongated body channel and secured at different locations, allowing the effective clamping length to be adapted to different workpiece sizes and applications.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a straight edge clamp that has a clamping head assembly and a stop assembly mounted upon the body of the straight edge. The head and stop are not connected together and the stop assembly is free to move with respect to the head assembly. The straight edge clamp body includes at least two sections that are hinged together to allow the sections to be folded upon one another when not in use and unfolded when in use.