Multifunctional Irrigation Pliers for One-Handed Emitter Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing irrigation tools are inefficient and labor-intensive for installing drip emitters in irrigation pipes, as they typically require multiple tools and manual insertion of barbed spikes into pre-drilled holes, lacking multifunctionality and one-handed operation.
Innovation Solution
A multifunctional irrigation pliers with pivotally attached jaws and handles that can form holes, cut, and deform irrigation tubes, allowing for one-handed operation and secure retention of nozzles or drip emitters, featuring a combination of gripping surfaces, ridges, concavities, slots, and lips for various functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional hole punch and manual insertion tools are used, then the irrigation tube can be prepared, but the installation process is labor-intensive and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions (piercing, cutting, deformation, and retention) into a single irrigation pliers tool. The pliers integrates a piercing element for hole formation, a cutting blade for tube trimming, and retention slots for securing emitters, eliminating the need for multiple separate tools and manual operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The irrigation pliers is designed as a multifunctional tool that can perform various installation tasks including piercing holes in the tube, cutting the tube to length, deforming tube sections, and retaining emitters during installation. This universal tool replaces multiple specialized tools and manual procedures.
2Ease of operation
If multiple tools are used for different functions, then each function can be performed adequately, but the device complexity increases and ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges piercing, cutting, deformation, and retention functions into a single integrated pliers tool, reducing the number of tools from multiple separate instruments to one unified device that can be operated with one hand.
Solution Approach 2:
The irrigation pliers serves as a universal tool for all emitter installation tasks, combining the functions of hole punch, tube cutter, deformation tool, and emitter retainer into one device that simplifies the installation process.
3Productivity
If manual insertion of barbed spikes is used, then the emitter can be installed, but the process is awkward and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The retention slots in the pliers are designed to automatically grip and hold the emitter in place during installation. The slots engage with the emitter body, providing self-retention that eliminates the need for manual insertion and positioning of barbed spikes into pre-drilled holes.
Data Source
AI summary
A multifunctional irrigation pliers and method of piercing, cutting, and fitting an irrigation tube with an irrigation pliers. The irrigation pliers enables the forming of a hole in an irrigation tube, the placement of a nozzle or a drip emitter into the formed hole or a terminal opening of the irrigation tube, the cutting of a length of the irrigation tube, and general deforming of sections of the irrigation tube. A first jaw and a second jaw are pivotally attached together at a pivoting joint to allow the jaws to be pivotally displaced toward and away from each other by moving a first handle and a second handle to and away from each other. The inner surfaces of the jaw comprise a blade, a spike, and retaining slots sequentially positioned across the jaws to engage the irrigation tube, the nozzle, and the drip emitter.