Hand Gripping Tool Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hand-operated gripping tools, such as water pump pliers, require two-handed operation for adjusting jaw distance and often fail to securely lock onto workpieces, leading to variable gripping action and potential damage during clamping, especially when used for clamping bodywork parts.
Innovation Solution
A hand-operated gripping tool with a fixed handle, a movable handle pivotably connected to the fixed handle, and a movable jaw that slides on the fixed handle, featuring a locking mechanism with a toothed strut and biasing member to resist movement, allowing for one-handed operation and improved grip retention through a ratcheting mechanism and flexible handle design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If existing locking pliers use a pre-set adjustment screw to determine clamping pressure, then the clamping pressure is fixed, but it requires several attempts to correctly adjust the screw and cannot adapt to movement or vibration of the clamped material
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic adjustment mechanism where the jaw distance is adjustable during operation rather than fixed beforehand. The movable jaw can be repositioned along the fixed jaw to accommodate different workpiece sizes, and the locking mechanism can be engaged at any position, providing adaptability without complex pre-adjustment procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The tool allows the operator to directly adjust the jaw spacing by moving the movable jaw to the desired position and locking it in place, eliminating the need for multiple attempts with a pre-set screw. The system serves itself by allowing direct manual positioning rather than requiring iterative adjustment through a mechanical screw mechanism
2Force
If pliers have a long handle-to-jaw ratio of around 5:1 to provide mechanical advantage, then gripping force is increased, but the workpiece cannot be operated if it is tight to operate and no locking function is available
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a locking mechanism that engages before the gripping action is completed. The locking jaw engages with the locking surface on the fixed jaw to prevent the movable jaw from moving away, securing the workpiece in position before the full gripping force is applied, thereby ensuring reliable grip retention
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism acts as an intermediary between the movable and fixed jaws. It provides a separate engagement system that independently secures the workpiece position, allowing the main gripping mechanism to focus on applying force while the locking mechanism ensures retention, solving the reliability issue
3Measurement precision
If pliers require two-handed operation to adjust jaw distance by sliding the pivot post along the slot, then adjustment precision is improved, but productivity and ease of operation are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The tool enables one-handed operation for both adjustment and locking. The movable jaw can be repositioned by a single hand along the fixed jaw, and the locking mechanism can be engaged or disengaged by the same hand, eliminating the need for two-handed operation and improving productivity while maintaining adjustment precision
4Adaptability or versatility
If locking mechanism uses spaced apart ridges or teeth to enable selective spacing, then adjustment capability is provided, but the jaws are seldom in the optimum position prior to shifting from sliding to pivoting mode resulting in variable gripping action
Solution Approach 1:
The patent provides continuous adjustability of the movable jaw position along the fixed jaw, rather than discrete positioning through spaced teeth or ridges. This allows the operator to precisely position the jaws at the optimal location for each workpiece, ensuring consistent gripping action while maintaining adaptability to different workpiece sizes and shapes
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
Enables secure one-handed operation and improved grip retention on workpieces, reducing the risk of damage during clamping and allowing for adjustable clamping pressure without the need for precise screw adjustments, enhancing usability and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
a biasing member biasing the locking member to a locked position in which the movable handle is prevented from pivoting from its closed configuration
Implementation Method 2
As the operating arms are not designed to resiliently deform during robust operation, the toothed arc of the strut remains in substantially the same locking angle relative to the locking mechanism
Data Source
AI summary
The main fixed handle optionally incorporates two swivel out arms, which can form part of a three-legged base. When operated thus, the jaws and moving handle point generally upwards from the formed base, the moving handle can now be operated by one hand leaving the other free to position the workpiece. The moving handle can incorporate a further locking switch that can be utilised in both a switchable locking position or non-locking position upon a sprung toothed strut between the handles, at least one of which further incorporates a curved resilient portion in order to provide useful sprung closure of the parallel moving jaws upon the workpiece in the locking method. A lanyard can be optimally attached to the swivel out arm ends to provide the user with a chest mounted portable vice.