Interchangeable Jaw Attachments for Fastener Grip and Torque
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hand tools, such as pliers, struggle with gripping objects against hard flat surfaces, lack customizability, and have inadequate surface area for secure grip, leading to slipping and reduced torque application.
Innovation Solution
Hand tool systems with protrusions or fixed attachments on jaws, allowing for customizable attachments with varying shapes and materials, and features like lips or blades to prevent slipping, enabling better grip and torque application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional hand tools with fixed jaw designs are used, then the tool structure is simple, but the tool lacks adaptability for different fastener shapes and sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The tool is divided into modular components: a base hand tool and interchangeable attachments. Each attachment can be selectively coupled to the hand tool, allowing the user to segment the tool system into different functional units based on the specific fastening task, thereby achieving versatility without permanently complicating the base tool structure
Solution Approach 2:
The hand tool is designed with a universal coupling mechanism that can accommodate multiple types of attachments. This allows a single base tool to perform multiple functions by simply changing the attachment, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and structural complexity
2Area of moving object
If traditional hand tools with standard jaw surfaces are used, then the manufacturing is simple, but the gripping surface area is insufficient for secure grip on various fasteners
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of complicating the entire tool structure, the invention applies specialized gripping surfaces (teeth, ridges, textured patterns) only to the local attachment components that contact the fasteners. This allows increased gripping surface area at the contact points while keeping the base tool manufacturing simple
Solution Approach 2:
The attachments are designed to be interchangeable and can be selected or changed based on the specific gripping requirements. This dynamic reconfiguration allows the gripping surface area to be optimized for different fastener types without permanently increasing the complexity of the base tool
3Adaptability or versatility
If traditional hand tools without specialized coupling mechanisms are used, then the device structure is simple, but the tool lacks customizability for different applications
Solution Approach 1:
A coupling mechanism acts as an intermediary between the base hand tool and the attachments. This mediator component enables the connection and disconnection of different attachments, providing customizability while isolating the complexity to a standardized interface rather than requiring complex integration throughout the entire tool
Data Source
AI summary
Hand tool systems disclosed herein include hand tools including a first rigid member having a first lever and a first jaw, a second rigid member having a second lever and a second jaw, and a pivot rotatingly coupling the first rigid member with the second rigid member. A coupler may comprise a protrusion extending from a sidewall of one of the jaws and/or may comprise a cavity in the sidewall. An attachment includes a void, projection, and/or extension for selectively coupling with the coupler, and includes a recess which may form a shape of half of a regular hexagon. Two attachments may be used, one coupled to each jaw, so that when the hand tool is closed the recesses jointly form a shape of a regular hexagon. In implementations the jaws have protrusions integrally formed therewith, instead of selectively couplable attachments, which include recesses.