Straight Edge Clamp Sectional Design for Weight Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional straight edge clamps are heavy and costly due to the need for a rod extending the length of the clamp, which limits adjustability and requires multiple clamps for different jobs, increasing shipping and display complexities.

Innovation Solution

A straight edge clamp with a unique clamping system at one end, allowing for adjustable length by connecting sections, eliminating the need for a rod and locking elements, and enabling easier operation and storage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a rod extending the length of the clamp is used to perform clamping function, then the clamping operation can be performed, but the weight and cost of the clamp increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveclamping functionVSAvoidweight of clamp

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The clamp is divided into multiple sections that can be connected together to form the elongated body. The clamping function is segmented to occur only at one end through the clamping head assembly, eliminating the need for a continuous rod throughout the entire length of the clamp.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The rod and locking elements are extracted from the design entirely. The clamping function is achieved through a different mechanism located only at one end of the clamp, removing the unnecessary components that added weight and cost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Reliability

If a rod extending the length of the clamp is used, then the clamping operation can be performed, but the cost of the clamp increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveclamping functionVSAvoidcost of clamp

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Reliability

If a rod extending the length of the clamp is used, then the clamping operation can be performed, but the length of the clamp is limited and cannot be adjusted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveclamping functionVSAvoidadjustability of length

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The clamp is designed to be universal in length by allowing multiple sections to be connected together. The same clamping head assembly can be used with different numbers of sections to achieve the desired length for different applications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Adaptability or versatility

If multiple clamps are used for different jobs to achieve desired length, then the desired length can be obtained, but shipping and display complexities increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedesired length for different jobsVSAvoidshipping and display complexities

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS9815177B2Straight edge clamp

Publication Date: 2017.11.14 AFFINITY TOOL WORKS LLC

AI summary

The present invention relates to a straight edge clamp that has a clamping head assembly and an end stop mounted upon the body of the straight edge. The clamping head assembly has a locking assembly that allows it to be locked to the straight edge. The straight edge clamp body can include sections that are adapted to be connected together to form the overall length of the straight edge clamp.