Locking Parallel Pliers Bow-Shaped Resilient Clamping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hand-operated gripping tools, such as vice grip pliers, require multiple adjustments to achieve the right clamping pressure and are prone to over-pressure or failure when used on bodywork parts, often causing damage due to fixed clamping widths and limited adaptability to different workpiece sizes and shapes, and are cumbersome for use by small hands or in restricted areas.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates bow-shaped resilient portions and a toothed strut mechanism with a ratchet-like locking system, allowing for automatic adjustment of clamping width and pressure through handle grip pressure, enabling intuitive operation with small hands and adaptable to various sizes and shapes, while maintaining a robust grip even under vibration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fixed adjustment screw is used to set clamping pressure, then the locking mechanism can maintain a predetermined clamping force, but multiple adjustments are required to achieve the correct gripping pressure and the clamping width is finite
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the fixed adjustment screw mechanism with a dynamic system where the clamping pressure is automatically adjusted based on the workpiece size. The resilient bow-shaped portion and over-centre linkage create a self-regulating mechanism that adapts to different workpiece dimensions without requiring manual repositioning of an adjustment screw.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical state of the clamping mechanism from a fixed predetermined pressure system to a variable pressure system. The resilient portion allows the clamping force to vary dynamically within a range, automatically adjusting to match the workpiece size and shape, thereby eliminating the need for multiple discrete adjustments.
2Force
If robust handles are used to provide sufficient closing force, then the gripping power is increased, but the handles become too large for small hands to operate comfortably
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a bow-shaped resilient portion that introduces curvature and elasticity into the handle structure. This bow shape acts as a mechanical advantage multiplier, allowing smaller handles to generate sufficient closing force through the elastic deformation and over-centre locking mechanism, making them accessible to small hands while maintaining robust gripping power.
3Device complexity
If the clamping width is fixed by the adjustment screw, then the locking mechanism is simple, but any movement or vibration of the clamped material results in failure of the clamping action
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the static fixed-width clamping mechanism with a dynamic resilient system. The bow-shaped portion continuously adapts to workpiece dimensional changes, maintaining reliable clamping action even when the workpiece moves or vibrates, while keeping the overall mechanism relatively simple without complex active control systems.
4Force
If long handles are used to provide sufficient leverage, then the closing force is increased, but the handles restrict use in certain restricted areas
Solution Approach 1:
The bow-shaped resilient portion acts as a compact mechanical advantage system that provides sufficient leverage in a shortened handle configuration. The elastic deformation of the bow and over-centre linkage mechanism generate high closing forces without requiring long handle spans, enabling use in restricted areas while maintaining adequate gripping power.
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
The solution provides a cost-effective, versatile gripping tool with enhanced leverage and adjustable clamping pressure, reducing the risk of damage to workpieces and improving usability for small hands and in confined spaces, while maintaining a strong grip on workpieces of varying sizes and shapes.
Implementation Method 1
Bow shaped resilient portion or portions are usefully incorporated within either or both the jaw or one of the handle portions, when the pliers are operated these resilient portions impart a useful superior sprung pressure upon the clamped workpiece
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
Pliers (1) comprising jaw (201, 301) portions incorporating gripping faces for the clamping of the desired workpiece (90), three pivotal handle (202) portions and a sprung toothed strut (60) positioned between the handles (202). A bow shaped resilient portion (408) or portions, incorporated within the third arm (200, 300, 400) portion, when the pliers are operated this resilient portion imparts a sprungpressure upon the clamped workpiece (90) by the gripping face (203, 303) of the jaws (201, 301). The third arm (200, 300, 400) and bend promoting portion are contiguous with each other. The jaws (201, 301) can further be usefully locked in the required clamping position upon the workpiece (90) by a toothed sprung strut (60) pivotally attached to the first and third arms (200) and conveniently being locked or unlocked according to the locking switch (500, 50) pivotal within the first arm (200, 300, 400).