Hand Tool Lever With Spring-Biased Projections for Quick Tool Change
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hand tools for wire stripping, cutting, and crimping are limited by fixed anvil and cutting tool attachments that require fasteners for securement, making it time-consuming and inconvenient to change tools for different wire sizes or operations.
Innovation Solution
A hand tool design featuring pivotally coupled levers with channels, bars, and spring-biased projections allows for quick attachment and detachment of anvils and tool devices without fasteners, enabling easy switching between different tools and sizes through non-circular orifices and serrated surfaces for secure anchoring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If fasteners are used to secure anvil and cutting tool to the levers, then the tools are securely attached and can perform wire operations reliably, but the process of changing tools becomes time-consuming and requires fastening/unfastening operations
Solution Approach 1:
The tool attachment system is segmented into modular components: a bar with spring-biased projections that can independently engage with slots and depressions in the lever. This segmentation allows the tool to be quickly attached or detached without manipulating multiple fasteners, resolving the contradiction between secure attachment and quick tool changing.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-biased projections automatically engage with the slots and depressions when the tool is inserted, and automatically disengage when removed. The spring mechanism provides self-locking during operation and self-release during tool changing, eliminating the need for manual fastening operations and reducing tool change time while maintaining secure attachment.
2Strength
If solidly formed and secured structures are used on the lever ends, then the tool structure is stable and strong, but the tools cannot be disengaged or changed for different wire sizes or operations
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment system transitions from a static, permanently secured structure to a dynamic, reversible connection. The spring-biased projections can flex to engage with or disengage from the slots and depressions, allowing the tool to be firmly attached during operation yet easily removed when needed, thus providing both structural strength and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The bar with spring-biased projections acts as an intermediary element between the tool and the lever. This intermediary provides the mechanical connection that transmits force securely during operation while allowing for easy release, enabling both strong attachment and tool interchangeability without requiring changes to the lever structure itself.
3Reliability
If fasteners are required for tool attachment, then secure connection is achieved, but the process requires driving tools and multiple fastening steps
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-biased projections automatically perform the fastening function through their elastic deformation. When the tool is inserted, the springs compress and the projections engage with the slots and depressions, creating a secure connection without requiring any fastening operations by the user. This eliminates the need for driving tools and simplifies the attachment process while maintaining reliable connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastening function is extracted from the traditional fastener mechanism and integrated into the spring-biased projection system. The springs themselves provide the locking action through their elastic properties, eliminating the need for separate fasteners, screws, or clamps, thereby simplifying the attachment process while ensuring secure connection.
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
Facilitates rapid and secure change of tools without the need for fasteners or driving tools, enhancing versatility and efficiency in handling wires and cables of varying sizes and diameters.
Implementation Method 1
a bar engaged into the channel and secured between the plates of each of the first and the second levers, and including a spring-biased projection provided therein
Data Source
AI summary
A hand tool includes two levers pivotally coupled together at a middle portion with an axle, and each having a handle end for being held by users, and a carrier end having a channel formed between two plates, a bar is engaged into the channel and secured between the plates of each of the levers and includes a spring-biased projection, one or more supporting members and one or more tool devices may be changeably attached to the levers and include a slot for receiving the bar and a depression for receiving the spring-biased projection, and for changeably attaching the supporting members and the tool devices to the levers without additional fasteners and driving tools.