Grasping Tool for Electrical Wires in Tight Spaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for connecting electrical wires in tight spaces, such as crawlspaces and attics, are challenging due to the difficulty in grasping low-gauge wires with thicker diameters, often resulting in uneven twists and potential electrical fires from arcing.
Innovation Solution
A grasping tool with a hinge joint and bident prongs that allows for secure holding of wires, enabling even twisting and connection, featuring a compact design with an extension portion to reach into tight areas and prevent wires from spiraling around each other.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If lineman pliers are used to twist wires together, then wire connection can be achieved, but it is difficult to grasp wires securely in tight spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The tool is divided into two distinct functional parts: a grasping portion with bident prongs for securing wires, and a twisting portion with jaws for rotating wires. This segmentation allows each part to be optimized for its specific function, enabling secure wire grasping in tight spaces while maintaining effective twisting capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The grasping portion with bident prongs acts as an intermediary between the user's hand and the wires in tight spaces. The extended reach of the tool allows the user to grasp and position wires securely before twisting, overcoming the limitation of insufficient working space in confined areas.
2Reliability
If manual wire holding and twisting is performed, then wire connection can be made, but uneven twists occur causing electricity arcing and potential fires
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the grasping function (bident prongs) from the twisting function (jaws), the tool ensures that wires are securely held in position while being twisted. This prevents wires from shifting or spiraling during the twisting process, ensuring even twists and reliable electrical connections without arcing hazards.
Solution Approach 2:
The grasping portion with bident prongs performs preliminary action by securely positioning and stabilizing the wires before the twisting operation begins. This preliminary securing ensures that when twisting occurs, the wires remain properly aligned and constrained, preventing uneven twists and ensuring safe, reliable connections.
3Reliability
If low-gauge wires with thicker diameters are twisted, then electrical connections can be established, but wires spiral around each other instead of twisting evenly
Solution Approach 1:
The tool features a segmented structure with a grasping portion and a twisting portion connected by a hinge joint. The grasping portion with bident prongs secures the thicker low-gauge wires in place, while the twisting portion with jaws performs the rotation. This segmentation allows effective handling of thick wires without causing them to spiral, as each section performs its dedicated function independently.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge joint connecting the grasping and twisting portions allows dynamic adjustment during operation. As the user applies twisting force, the hinge enables controlled movement that maintains proper wire alignment and prevents spiraling, adapting to the thickness and rigidity of low-gauge wires while ensuring even twists.
Data Source
AI summary
A grasping tool for use in electrical work includes handles for a user to hold the grasping tool, a hinge joint connecting the handles, and at least one first bident and at least one second bident connected to the hinge joint at a side of the grasping tool opposite the handles, the first bident and second bident facing each other to hold electrical wires therebetween.