Locking Pliers With Multi-Jaw Control for Axial Gripping
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional locking pliers struggle with axial gripping of cylindrical objects, leading to undesired workpiece movement, potential damage, and safety risks due to the lack of suitable tools for this purpose.
Innovation Solution
A tool design featuring an outer body with a longitudinal recess and an inner body that slides within it, connected by connector links and jaws, allowing for axial gripping through a core head mechanism that controls jaw movement, and an actuating assembly for adjusting the grip, including a handle assembly and optional robotic actuator for enhanced control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional locking pliers are used for axial gripping of cylindrical objects, then the tool can be applied to the workpiece, but the workpiece tends to swing in a perpendicular direction causing undesired movement and potential damage
Solution Approach 1:
The tool divides the gripping function into multiple independent jaws (at least two jaws) that can be positioned at different locations around the workpiece. Each jaw is independently pivotable and can be actuated separately or simultaneously, allowing the tool to adapt to cylindrical shapes and prevent rotational swinging by distributing clamping forces at multiple points around the circumference.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from conventional single-point or two-point gripping to multi-point gripping around the circumference of the workpiece. By positioning jaws at different angular positions and allowing them to be actuated independently, the tool creates a three-dimensional gripping pattern that constrains the workpiece in multiple directions, preventing perpendicular swinging motion.
2Device complexity
If conventional locking pliers are used for axial gripping, then the tool structure remains simple, but the workpiece may be damaged or the tool itself may be damaged due to improper gripping
Solution Approach 1:
The jaws are designed with pivot points that allow them to rotate and adjust their orientation dynamically. This dynamic capability enables the jaws to conform to the cylindrical shape of the workpiece and apply clamping forces in the optimal direction, preventing damage while maintaining a relatively simple overall tool structure that builds upon conventional pliers design.
Solution Approach 2:
Connector links serve as intermediary mechanical elements that transmit actuation force from the handle assembly to multiple jaws independently. These connector links with pivot points allow for flexible force transmission and jaw positioning, enabling proper gripping distribution without requiring a completely complex new actuation system.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional locking pliers are used for axial gripping, then no additional tools are needed, but the gripping force is insufficient to prevent workpiece movement
Solution Approach 1:
The total clamping force is segmented and distributed to multiple independent jaws around the workpiece. Each jaw can be actuated with appropriate force, and the cumulative effect of multiple jaws applying force at different locations creates a much stronger overall gripping force that effectively prevents workpiece movement, swinging, or rotation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges multiple gripping functions into a single tool by combining several jaws and connector links into one integrated assembly. This allows the tool to apply distributed clamping forces across multiple contact points simultaneously, achieving superior gripping force and workpiece control compared to conventional single-point gripping tools.
Data Source
AI summary
A tool comprising an outer body with a first end and a second end, the outer body defining a longitudinal recess therein and having at least two connector link pivot points at the first end thereof, an inner body slidably received within the longitudinal recess of the outer body and having a core head extending out of the first end of the outer body, at least two jaws, each jaw having an inner pivot point and an outer pivot point, wherein the inner pivot point of each jaw pivotally connected to a corresponding core head pivot point on the core head, a connector link for each jaw, each connector link having a first end pivotally connected to the outer pivot point of the jaw and a second end pivotally connected to a corresponding connector link pivot point on the first end of the outer body, and an actuating assembly for moving the inner body relative to the outer body, whereby movement of the core head toward the outer body causes the jaws to move toward each other, and movement of the core head away from the outer body causes the jaws to move away from each other.