Grip Safety Shield for Tensile Testing Jaws
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Solution Overview
Problem
Materials testing devices pose a risk of pinch injuries to users due to the fast closure of jaws, which can be mitigated but at the cost of reduced productivity, as existing safety shields are either ineffective or hinder operational efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A safety shield is designed to be placed around the jaw face, covering multiple sides and adjustable to prevent finger insertion while allowing specimen insertion, with markings and notches for alignment, and can be fixed during operation to maintain visibility and productivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the jaw face opening is increased to allow easier specimen insertion, then the ease of operation is improved, but the risk of pinch injury to the user increases
Solution Approach 1:
A safety shield is introduced as an intermediary component between the user and the jaw mechanism. The shield blocks direct access to the jaw opening while allowing the user to insert specimens through designated openings in the shield, thereby mediating between the need for safe operation and the need for ease of specimen insertion
Solution Approach 2:
The safety shield is designed with segmented or opening structures that allow specific functions (specimen insertion) while blocking other functions (finger insertion). The shield can have openings positioned to accommodate specimen insertion while maintaining protection against pinch injuries
2Reliability
If the jaw closing speed is slowed to allow user finger withdrawal, then the safety is improved, but the productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The safety shield serves as a mediator that provides protection without requiring speed reduction. By physically blocking access to the jaw opening, the shield enables fast jaw closure while preventing finger insertion, thus maintaining both safety and productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The safety shield is positioned in advance before the jaw closing operation begins. This preliminary placement ensures that the user cannot insert their finger between the jaws during the rapid closing motion, allowing the jaw to close at full speed without safety concerns
3Reliability
If a safety shield is added to protect the user, then the safety is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The safety shield can be implemented as a thin, flexible barrier that provides effective protection against pinch injuries without adding significant structural complexity. The shield may be made from flexible materials that can be easily positioned and removed
Solution Approach 2:
The shield structure is designed to be segmented or modular, allowing it to be positioned independently from the jaw mechanism. This segmentation reduces the complexity of integration while maintaining safety functionality
4Ease of operation
If the shield is made transparent or translucent to maintain visibility, then the ease of operation is improved, but the protection effectiveness may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The shield can be made from transparent or translucent flexible materials that allow visual observation of the testing process while maintaining physical protection. The flexibility and transparency combine to provide both visibility and protection effectiveness
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure relates a safety shield for the jaws of a grip used for tensile or similar materials testing. The safety shield typically attached to the jaws and shields the jaws on two, three or four sides in order to reduce the hazard of a user placing his or her fingers between the jaws while positioning the testing sample or specimen therebetween. A user is typically able to adjust the position of the safety shield to achieve greater safety. The safety shield may be configured from planar material, such as sheet metal or plastic, or from wire material.