Sectional Straight Edge Clamp With Repositionable Stop Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional straight edge clamps require multiple units for different job lengths, are heavy, costly, and inefficient to ship and display, as they cannot easily be adjusted in length.
Innovation Solution
A modular straight edge clamp design featuring interchangeable sections connected via a unique connector and clamping system, allowing for adjustable length and reduced weight and cost, with a clamping head assembly and end stop assembly that can be easily repositioned or locked.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional straight edge clamps are designed for different fixed lengths, then they can perform specific job lengths reliably, but multiple units are required increasing weight, cost, and shipping complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The straight edge clamp body is divided into multiple detachable sections that can be connected in different combinations. Each section has standardized connection interfaces allowing users to assemble the desired length by connecting one or more sections, eliminating the need for multiple fixed-length clamps while maintaining structural reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp design incorporates universal connection features and standardized interfaces that allow the same basic clamp unit to serve multiple length requirements. The modular sections can be combined in various configurations to accommodate different job lengths, making a single multi-functional clamp replace multiple single-purpose clamps.
2Reliability
If multiple fixed-length straight edge clamps are purchased for different jobs, then specific length requirements are met, but storage space and display complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the clamp into standardized sections, the system reduces storage requirements from multiple full-size clamps to a compact set of modular components. The sections can be stored separately or nested together, significantly reducing the space needed compared to storing multiple complete fixed-length clamps.
3Ease of operation
If conventional straight edge clamps are shipped as complete units, then they are ready to use immediately, but shipping costs and packaging complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp sections can be shipped in a compact, space-efficient configuration rather than as multiple bulky complete clamps. The modular design allows for optimized packaging where sections nest together or are arranged to minimize volume, reducing shipping costs while maintaining the capability to assemble various lengths upon delivery.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a single long straight edge clamp is manufactured, then it covers all length requirements, but weight and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of manufacturing one heavy long clamp, the system uses multiple lighter sections that are connected only when needed. Each section is optimized to be a manageable weight, and the total weight used in any given application corresponds only to the length actually required, not the maximum possible length.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp system transitions from a static fixed-length design to a dynamic reconfigurable structure. Users can adjust the length by adding or removing sections based on the specific task requirements, allowing the clamp to adapt its weight and dimensions to match the actual workload rather than always carrying the weight of maximum length.
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 stop 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.