Angled Jaw Crimping Pliers for Tight Space Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional crimping pliers are limited in their ability to crimp profiles of different sizes and mounting positions, particularly in tight spaces, as they require alignment with the profile's direction of work, making it difficult to access and crimp profiles in confined areas.
Innovation Solution
A crimping tool with jaws that form an angle, allowing one jaw with a die to extend obliquely and the other jaw with a crimping tool to extend transversely, enabling the tool to be inserted from either side of the profile and allowing for a curved movement to achieve crimping without prior alignment, with adjustable axes to facilitate this configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional crimping pliers with aligned jaws are used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the accessibility to tight spaces is poor and the versatility for different profile positions is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by configuring the first jaw with its axis inclined at an angle (e.g., 45 degrees) relative to the direction of work, while the second jaw remains perpendicular to the direction of work. This asymmetric angular configuration allows the jaws to approach the profile from different directions, enabling access to tight spaces and profiles in various mounting positions without requiring precise alignment with the profile's longitudinal axis.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new dimensional aspect by adding angular orientation to the jaw configuration. Instead of both jaws being perpendicular to the direction of work (single dimension), the first jaw is inclined at an angle, creating a two-dimensional angular configuration. This allows the crimping tool to access profiles from oblique angles, expanding the workspace capability into additional angular dimensions and enabling crimping in previously inaccessible positions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the jaw dimensions are large enough to crimp large sections, then the crimping capability for large profiles is sufficient, but the tool cannot pass behind small profiles in tight spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The asymmetric angular configuration allows one jaw (the inclined first jaw) to be positioned at an angle that enables it to pass behind profiles more easily, while the other jaw provides the crimping force. This asymmetry in jaw orientation creates a more compact effective profile in certain directions, allowing the tool to access tight spaces behind small profiles while still maintaining the capability to crimp larger sections when space is available.
3Ease of operation
If the jaw dimensions are small enough to pass behind profiles, then the accessibility to tight spaces is improved, but the crimping capability for large sections is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves universality by designing a jaw configuration that can adapt to multiple profile sizes and positions. The asymmetric angular arrangement allows the same tool to effectively crimp both small profiles in tight spaces (by utilizing the inclined jaw's ability to pass behind obstructions) and large sections (by utilizing the full opening capability of both jaws when space permits), making a single tool versatile for different profile dimensions and mounting conditions.
4Ease of operation
If the jaws are aligned with the direction of work, then the structure is simple, but the ability to crimp profiles without prior alignment is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The asymmetric angular configuration of the first jaw (inclined at an angle to the direction of work) eliminates the requirement for precise alignment with the profile's longitudinal axis. The inclined jaw can approach the profile from an oblique angle, allowing the tool to be inserted and positioned more easily in tight spaces without requiring the profile to be pre-aligned with the tool's approach direction, thereby significantly improving ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
By introducing angular orientation as an additional degree of freedom, the patent allows the crimping action to occur from multiple angular directions rather than requiring strict alignment along a single axis. This dimensional change from one-dimensional alignment to two-dimensional angular positioning enables the tool to crimp profiles in various orientations without prior alignment, enhancing operational flexibility.
Data Source
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AI summary
The crimping tool, comprising levers (6, 7) with plastic covered handles (M1, M2) and jaws (1, 3) with a matrix (2) and crimping bit (4) respectively, has the matrix jaw ending in a section that lies at an oblique angle to the crimping bit's direction of travel. The two jaws have thrust edges that meet when the jaws are closed by being rotated about four pivots (5, 8, 9, 10) at the corners of an asymmetrical quadrilateral. The matrix is made in one piece with the first jaw, while the crimping bit is interchangeable in the second.