Adjustable Locking Pliers With Multi-Position Tooth Latch
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing locking pliers have a single locking or clamping position, requiring trial and error for setup, which is time-consuming.
Innovation Solution
The locking pliers feature a latch lock mechanism with multiple incremental clamping positions, allowing for quick and precise adjustment through a series of teeth and stop faces on the actuation rod and catch, enabling multiple stable clamping arrangements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single locking position mechanism is used, then the device structure is simple, but the setup time increases due to trial and error
Solution Approach 1:
The actuation rod is segmented with multiple teeth (first tooth, second tooth, third tooth) that can engage with corresponding notches in the stationary jaw. This segmentation allows the mechanism to stop at multiple predetermined positions, enabling rapid selection of appropriate clamping positions without trial and error, thus reducing setup time while maintaining reasonable structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The multiple teeth and notches are pre-configured at specific positions along the actuation rod and stationary jaw. This preliminary arrangement of stopping positions allows the operator to directly select the required clamping position without needing to perform trial and error adjustments, thereby reducing setup time
2Loss of time
If multiple clamping positions are enabled, then setup time is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The actuation rod is segmented with multiple teeth (first tooth, second tooth, third tooth) that can engage with corresponding notches in the stationary jaw. This segmentation allows the mechanism to stop at multiple predetermined positions, enabling rapid selection of appropriate clamping positions without trial and error, thus reducing setup time while maintaining reasonable structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The latch lock mechanism is designed to perform multiple functions: it provides single-position locking for simple applications and multi-position locking for applications requiring adjustable clamping positions. The same basic mechanism structure achieves both single-position and multi-position locking functions through the engagement of teeth with notches, eliminating the need for separate mechanisms for different positioning requirements
3Device complexity
If a single locking position is provided, then the mechanism is simpler, but adaptability to different clamping requirements is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The actuation rod is segmented with multiple teeth (first tooth, second tooth, third tooth) that can engage with corresponding notches in the stationary jaw. This segmentation allows the mechanism to stop at multiple predetermined positions, enabling rapid selection of appropriate clamping positions without trial and error, thus reducing setup time while maintaining reasonable structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The latch lock mechanism is designed to perform multiple functions: it provides single-position locking for simple applications and multi-position locking for applications requiring adjustable clamping positions. The same basic mechanism structure achieves both single-position and multi-position locking functions through the engagement of teeth with notches, eliminating the need for separate mechanisms for different positioning requirements
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 rapid setup of locking pliers in appropriate clamping positions, reducing setup time and preventing explosive reactions by allowing multiple incremental locking positions.
Implementation Method 1
a spring for biasing rotation of the movable jaw about the jaw axis away from the stationary jaw
Implementation Method 2
The actuation rod and a portion of the operating lever that extends between the first and the second pivots defines a latch lock mechanism. The teeth of the actuation rod and the teeth of the trigger are configured to engage each another to permit multiple clamping positions
Data Source
AI summary
An adjustable locking pliers includes a stationary handle, a stationary jaw, an operating lever and a movable jaw. The jaw is coupled by an axis which is selectively displaceable to alter the jaws' gripping capacity. The operating lever is coupled to the movable jaw by a first pivot. The lever rear forms a movable handle. A spring biases rotation of the movable jaw about the axis away from the stationary jaw. An actuation rod having a series of teeth and a stop face is coupled to the operating lever by a second pivot part way along the operating lever and coupled to the stationary handle by means of a third pivot. A catch having a series of teeth and a stop face is pivotally coupled to the operating lever. The teeth of the actuation rod and the teeth of the catch are configured to engage each other to permit multiple clamping positions.