Adjustable Single Handle Tool Jaw Subassembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing tools for tightening and loosening screw-type fasteners require multiple sizes and often result in significant non-productive time due to trial and error in selecting the correct wrench, and they tend to cause wear on the work pieces due to inadequate surface engagement and reliance on user strength.

Innovation Solution

A novel adjustable tool with a jaw subassembly connected by pivot pins, allowing for size adjustment between a minimum and maximum range, with jaws that pivot to engage multiple facets of a work piece, distributing force evenly and maintaining contact without operator grip, using a mechanism of cam followers and bridges to adjust the jaw opening.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple wrenches are provided for different fastener sizes, then the ability to fit various fasteners is improved, but the device complexity and time required to select the correct tool increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to fit various fastener sizesVSAvoidnumber of different wrenches required

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by designing a single adjustable wrench with a movable jaw that can accommodate multiple fastener sizes within a range, replacing the need for multiple specialized wrenches. The adjustment mechanism allows the same tool to perform the function of various fixed-size wrenches.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies dynamics by incorporating a movable jaw that can be adjusted to different positions along the wrench body. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the wrench opening to change size, enabling one tool to adapt to various fastener dimensions rather than requiring multiple static tools.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If trial and error method is used to select the correct wrench size, then the ability to eventually fit the fastener is achieved, but the productivity and time efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to fit unknown fastener sizesVSAvoidtime required for tool selection

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring the wrench with an adjustment mechanism that allows the user to quickly set the appropriate jaw opening before engaging the fastener. This eliminates the need for trial and error by enabling direct adjustment to the correct size based on visual estimation or measurement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If two-handle adjustable wrenches are used, then the size adjustment capability is improved, but the grip strength and force application reliability deteriorates due to reliance on user hand grip

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesize adjustment rangeVSAvoidgrip strength consistency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies mechanics substitution by replacing the two-handle design with a single-handle configuration that provides better mechanical advantage. The single handle allows the user to apply force more efficiently through leverage, reducing reliance on pure hand grip strength and providing more consistent force application.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Reliability

If heavily toothed/faceted engagement surfaces are used, then the gripping ability is improved, but the wear on the work piece surfaces increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegripping abilityVSAvoidwear on work piece surfaces

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by providing different surface characteristics on different parts of the jaw. The engagement surfaces have teeth or facets localized only at the contact points with the fastener, while other portions of the jaw maintain smooth surfaces. This localized toothed design provides gripping ability where needed while minimizing overall surface wear.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS11253979B2Adjustable single handle tool

Publication Date: 2022.02.22 GOEHL TECH LLC

AI summary

Adjustable-size jaw sub-assemblies, jaw assemblies made from such sub-assemblies, and tools, particularly hand tools, made using such jaw assemblies. A plurality of jaws are connected to a base ring by pivot pins. Cam follower recess can be defined at positions of the inner perimeter of the base ring, and between opposing faces of the base ring. In the jaw assemblies, an actuator, such as a cover plate, covers at least a portion of one of opposing faces of the base ring, and one or more bridges connect the jaws to the actuator. Movement of the base ring relative to the actuator causes the jaws to pivot about the pivot pin axes, with the jaws moving in concert with each other thereby to reduce or expand the size of a work opening defined by the jaws.