Bifurcated Forceps With Rotatable Pincer Arms
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional forceps with a single pair of pincer arms are inadequate for gripping objects at two spaced locations, requiring a second set of forceps and additional hand operation, and bifurcated forceps with fixed terminal end distances are insufficient for varying gripping needs.
Innovation Solution
Bifurcated forceps design featuring two pairs of pivotally connected pincer arms that can be independently pinched together and rotated to grip objects at spaced apart positions, with a mating blade and receptacle configuration allowing them to function as a single pair or separate pairs for wider or shallower gripping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional forceps with a single pair of pincer arms are used, then the device is simple and easy to operate, but it cannot grip objects at two spaced locations simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The forceps is divided into two independent pairs of pincer arms (first pair and second pair), each capable of independent operation. This segmentation allows the device to grip objects at two different locations simultaneously while maintaining the simplicity of individual arm operation
Solution Approach 2:
Two separate forceps units are combined into a single integrated device with common pivot ends and shared actuation mechanisms. The merging allows simultaneous gripping at two locations while being operated by a single user through coordinated movement
2Adaptability or versatility
If bifurcated forceps with fixed terminal end distances are used, then the device can provide two gripping points, but the gripping distance cannot be adjusted for varying needs
Solution Approach 1:
The distance between terminal ends is made variable through the ability to rotate pairs relative to each other about the common pivot axis. This dynamic adjustment allows the gripping distance to be changed from a fixed value to a range of values based on operational needs
Solution Approach 2:
The relative position of the two pairs is adjusted by rotation in a plane normal to the gripping planes, adding a rotational degree of freedom. This dimensional change enables variable gripping distances without requiring linear adjustment mechanisms
3Adaptability or versatility
If two separate sets of forceps are used to grip at two locations, then each location can be gripped independently, but a second hand is required for operation
Solution Approach 1:
Two separate forceps operations are merged into a single integrated device that can be operated by one hand. The common pivot ends and coordinated arm movements allow a single operator to control both gripping points simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
The device provides multiple functions: it can grip at one location or two locations, can be used with one or two hands, and can adjust gripping distances. This multi-functionality allows a single device to replace multiple separate forceps sets
Data Source
AI summary
The bifurcated forceps include a first pair of forceps having a first pair of opposed forceps or pincer arms and a second pair of opposed forceps or pincer arms. Each arm has a pivot end and a gripping end. Each pair is coupled at the pivot end and resiliently biased to a spaced apart position at the gripping end so that each pair may be independently pinched together, defining a gripping plane. The pivot ends of the two pairs are rotatable about a common pivot axis in a plane normal to the gripping planes, the arms in each pair being constrained to rotate to an identical radial angle in order to grip the same object at spaced apart positions. Adjacent arms in different pairs may have a mating blade and receptacle configuration to releasably lock the arms together to use the two pairs as a single pair.