Colton,
I'm glad this is getting you some useful feedback. A couple thoughts/ideas to have in mind:
* Be aware that discussing too much detail can let someone else steal/copy/update your idea. The web is open to all. Probably a small concern, but it's still prudent (IMO) to keep in the back of your mind.
* You might be able to solicit volunteers to beta test prototypes of your clamps, if you follow the site's terms of service. Barry Wixey did that a couple years back for his drill press depth gauge and several of us participated. I'd drop SMC's owner Keith Outten a note to be sure it's ok and ask how he wants to do it. But like I said, it has been done before, so there should be a way, and maybe it would help you. Several of us own different types of clamps and could do an informal comparision for you across brands.
Good luck!
Fred
"All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing."
“If you want to know what a man's like, take a good look at how he treats his inferiors, not his equals.”