Adjustable Locking Pliers with Dual-Handle Adjusters
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional locking pliers require two-hand operation to adjust the distance between jaws, which is impractical for certain applications and can be cumbersome, especially when the operator needs to hold another piece of equipment or component.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a dual-adjustment mechanism with a first adjuster at the distal end of the top handle and a second adjuster between the middle and proximal end, along with an adjustment rod and cross link, allowing for bite size adjustment with either one hand or two hands, and includes features like a torsion spring and locking assembly for ease of use and tactile feedback.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional single adjuster located at the distal end of the top handle is used, then the adjustment mechanism is simple, but two-hand operation is required which reduces ease of operation
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment mechanism is segmented into two independent adjusters: a first adjuster at the distal end of the top handle and a second adjuster at the proximal end. Each adjuster can independently control the jaw opening, allowing the operator to adjust the pliers with one hand while maintaining grip with the other hand.
Solution Approach 2:
An adjustment rod acts as an intermediary element connecting the two adjusters to the jaw assembly. The adjustment rod transmits the adjustment actions from either adjuster to the jaw, enabling coordinated movement while allowing independent operation of each adjuster.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a single adjuster is used, then the device complexity is low, but the adaptability to different adjustment scenarios is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment system is divided into two separate adjusters positioned at different locations (distal and proximal ends of the top handle). This segmentation allows the operator to adjust the jaw opening from either location, providing flexibility in adjustment scenarios while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustment rod serves multiple functions: it connects both adjusters to the jaw assembly, transmits adjustment forces from either adjuster, and coordinates the movement of the jaw. This multi-functionality increases adaptability without proportionally increasing complexity.
3Ease of operation
If the adjuster is located at the distal end of the top handle, then the adjustment is accessible, but the operator cannot adjust with the same hand that will grip the pliers
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment mechanism is segmented into two spatially separated adjusters, allowing the operator to position the pliers in the hand that will perform the gripping action and use the other hand for adjustment. The proximal adjuster can be operated while the distal adjuster remains accessible for alternative adjustment scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustment mechanism is extended along the longitudinal dimension of the handle, with adjusters positioned at both the distal and proximal ends. This dimensional distribution allows independent operation of each adjuster by different hands, enabling single-handed adjustment while maintaining grip stability.
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
Enables easy adjustment of the grip size with either one hand or two hands, improving operational efficiency and practicality by allowing single-handed operation and providing tactile feedback for secure locking, thus enhancing the usability of locking pliers in various applications.
Implementation Method 1
A torsion spring may be disposed between the bottom jaw and the cross link to assist increasing and decreasing the bite size via rotation of the adjuster with a same hand that grips the hand tool.
Data Source
AI summary
A hand tool includes a handle assembly, a jaw assembly, and an adjustment assembly. The handle assembly may include a top handle and a bottom handle. The jaw assembly may include a top jaw and a bottom jaw. The adjustment assembly may be adjustable to change a bite size defined by the jaw assembly. The adjustment assembly may include a first adjuster disposed at a distal end of the top handle, a second adjuster disposed at a point between a middle portion and proximal end of the top handle, an adjustment rod operably coupled to each of the first and second adjusters, and a cross link extending between a portion of the bottom jaw or bottom handle and the adjustment rod.