One-Handed Locking Pliers Adjustment via Jaw-Handle Intersection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional locking pliers require two-hand operation to adjust the distance between jaws, which is impractical for certain applications where one hand is needed for gripping or holding another piece of equipment.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable locking pliers design with an integrated adjustment assembly at the intersection of the handle and jaw assembly, featuring a threaded receiver and adjustment slot, allows for one-handed adjustment of the jaw distance using a pivot link system and a threaded adjuster, enabling the jaws to be locked at a selected distance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the adjustment screw is located at the distal end of the top handle, then the adjustment mechanism is simple, but two-hand operation is required making it impractical for certain applications
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment assembly is repositioned from the distal end of the handle to the intersection of the jaw assembly and handle assembly, utilizing a different spatial dimension and location to enable one-handed operation while maintaining structural integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustment assembly at the jaw-handle intersection serves multiple functions: it enables jaw distance adjustment, provides a one-handed operation interface, and integrates with the existing pivot link system to achieve both adjustment and locking capabilities
2Adaptability or versatility
If the adjustment screw is at the distal end of the handle, then the structure is straightforward, but the operator cannot adjust while gripping another piece of equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment mechanism is segmented into distinct components (adjustment screw, threaded receiver, adjustment slot, pivot link) that are distributed across the jaw assembly and handle assembly, allowing independent adjustment functionality while maintaining overall system integration for versatile gripping operations
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 easy and one-handed adjustment of the jaw distance, improving operational efficiency and practicality by allowing the operator to adjust the pliers while gripping, reducing the complexity of the operation and accommodating various gripping tasks.
Implementation Method 1
The adjuster may be configured to interface with the threaded receiver to enable extending or shortening an exposed length of the adjuster based on an amount of the adjuster that is received in the threaded receiver to define the selected distance
Data Source
AI summary
A hand tool includes a handle assembly, a jaw assembly, a clamping assembly, and an adjustment assembly. The handle assembly may include a first handle and a second handle that each have a proximal end and a distal end. The jaw assembly may include a first jaw and a second jaw. The first jaw may be pivotally attached to a proximal end the first handle and the second jaw being pivotally attached to a proximal end of the second handle. The clamping assembly may be configured to enable the first and second jaws to be locked at a selected distance from each other in a locked position. The adjustment assembly may be disposed at an intersection of the jaw assembly and the handle assembly. The adjustment assembly may be configured to enable the selected distance to be modified.