Hand Pliers with Dual Opening Stops for Cutting Efficiency

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing hand-held cutting pliers are inefficient in cutting through workpieces like cables due to inadequate design for operation and space requirements, leading to increased effort and potential incomplete cuts.

Innovation Solution

The design incorporates a fixed and movable cutting jaw with teeth, a thrust lever, and a locking lever that allows for multiple partial working strokes without reopening the cutting jaws, along with two maximum open positions for improved handling and reduced idle strokes, utilizing a spring mechanism for compact and multifunctional operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the hand lever is opened completely after each partial working stroke, then the cutting jaws can be reset for the next stroke, but this increases the number of idle movements and reduces productivity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereset position of cutting jawsVSAvoidnumber of idle strokes
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic positioning of the cutting jaws through two distinct maximum open positions. The first maximum open position maintains engagement of the locking lever and/or thrust lever with the toothing, allowing the cutting jaws to remain in a partially closed state ready for the next working stroke. The second maximum open position disengages these levers, enabling complete opening and manual pivoting of the cutting jaws. This dynamic switching between positions eliminates full reopening after each stroke, reducing idle movements while ensuring proper reset positioning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Stability of the object's composition

If the locking lever and thrust lever are engaged with the toothing at all times, then the cutting jaw position is secured, but this prevents manual pivoting of the cutting jaws for easy workpiece insertion

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveposition stability of cutting jawsVSAvoidmanual pivoting capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs dynamic engagement and disengagement of the locking lever and thrust lever with the toothing based on the operational phase. In the first maximum open position, the levers remain engaged to maintain cutting jaw position stability during cutting operations. In the second maximum open position, the levers are disengaged, enabling free manual pivoting of the cutting jaws for easy workpiece insertion. This conditional engagement strategy balances position stability with operational flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Device complexity

If only one maximum open position is provided, then the structure is simpler, but this limits the ability to optimize both workpiece insertion and cutting execution

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of position stopsVSAvoidhandling optimization
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the opening movement into two distinct maximum open positions, each optimized for specific operational requirements. The first maximum open position is optimized for cutting execution with lever engagement, while the second maximum open position is optimized for workpiece insertion with lever disengagement. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each phase without requiring complete structural redesign, balancing complexity with versatility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 design enhances the efficiency and ease of use by allowing for precise cutting with reduced effort, minimizing idle strokes and enabling easy insertion and cutting of workpieces, while maintaining the cutting jaws in optimal positions for effective cutting.

Implementation Method 1

utilizing a spring mechanism for compact and multifunctional operation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring mechanism: Spring

Data Source

PatentEP3159088B1Hand pliers
Publication Date: 2018.12.05 WEZAG GMBH WERKZEUGFABRIK
  • EP3159088B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3159088B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3159088B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a pair of hand pliers (1) comprising a fixed cutting jaw (26) and a movable cutting jaw (23). The hand pliers (1) have a first maximum opening position in which a partial working stroke can be performed by closing the hand levers (2). In the first maximum opening position, a locking lever (16) and a push lever (19) engage with a toothing (32) of the movable cutting jaw (23). By actuating the locking lever (16), the hand pliers can be moved into a second maximum opening position in which the opening angle of the hand levers (2) is greater than in the first maximum opening position. In the second maximum opening position, the locking lever (16) and the push lever (19) do not engage with the toothing (32) of the movable cutting jaw (23).Two stops are used to specify the two opening positions, which are formed by the locking lever (16) and a pivot bolt of the locking lever (16).