Forceps Jaw Width Adjustment Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pliers designs require constant manual pressure to adjust jaw width, making it difficult to set the required width, especially in limited spaces, as the connecting bolt needs to be held against spring tension to prevent it from returning to the toothed position.
Innovation Solution
A locking mechanism is introduced that allows the connecting bolt to be secured in the non-toothed position, eliminating the need for constant manual pressure, enabling easier adjustment of jaw width by allowing the thumb to assist in displacing the movable jaw relative to the fixed jaw.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the connecting bolt is held against spring tension to prevent returning to the toothed position, then the jaw width can be adjusted, but constant manual pressure is required which complicates operation in limited spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The locking device automatically engages when the connecting bolt is displaced to the non-toothed position, eliminating the need for constant manual pressure. The system serves itself by automatically maintaining the bolt in the desired position without requiring continuous user intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking device acts as an intermediary mechanism between the connecting bolt and the user's hand. It mediates the force application by providing automatic mechanical engagement, replacing the need for direct constant thumb pressure on the bolt.
2Ease of operation
If the connecting bolt is constantly pressed to maintain position, then the jaw width setting is maintained, but the thumb is occupied and cannot assist in displacing the movable jaw
Solution Approach 1:
The locking device automatically maintains the connecting bolt in the non-toothed position without requiring constant thumb pressure. This frees the thumb to perform other functions such as assisting in the displacement of the movable jaw relative to the fixed jaw.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the connecting bolt is displaced against spring tension, then the sliding movement is released for jaw width adjustment, but the bolt tends to return to the toothed position requiring continuous force application
Solution Approach 1:
The locking device automatically engages to maintain the connecting bolt in the displaced position, eliminating the need for continuous force application against spring tension. The system self-maintains the adjusted jaw width without requiring ongoing user effort.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking device provides preliminary counter-action to the spring tension force that tends to return the connecting bolt to the toothed position. By engaging the locking mechanism beforehand, the system prevents the unwanted return movement without requiring continuous opposing force from the user.
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
This simplifies the handling of pliers in confined spaces by allowing the thumb to be used for other purposes, facilitating the adjustment of jaw width without the need for continuous pressure, enhancing usability and ease of operation.
Implementation Method 1
The connecting bolt is held in the first end position by a leaf spring, in which the toothing of the connecting bolt engages in the toothing in the opening. The movement of the connecting bolt in its longitudinal axis direction therefore takes place against the spring tension of the leaf spring.
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to pliers with a movable pliers arm (2) forming a movable jaw (6) and a fixed pliers arm (3) forming a fixed jaw (5), wherein the fixed pliers arm (3) is pivotally connected to the movable pliers arm (2) via a connecting bolt (15) and the connecting bolt (15) extends through an opening (10) in the fixed pliers arm (3), wherein the connecting bolt (15) is displaceable along the opening (10) to adjust the jaw opening between the movable jaw (6) and the fixed jaw (5), wherein the connecting bolt (15) is displaceable in its longitudinal axis relative to the movable pliers arm (2) and to the fixed pliers arm (3) between an end position that blocks a sliding movement of the fixed pliers arm (3) to the movable pliers arm (2) and an end position that releases the sliding movement.