Compact Locking Piers With Dual-Range Jaw Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional locking pliers with adjustable jaw size mechanisms are often bulky, inefficient, and difficult to use, lacking intuitive adjustment and feedback mechanisms, which complicates the process of securely gripping objects of varying sizes.
Innovation Solution
A compact locking pliers design featuring a pivotable lower jaw with a movable pin and spring assembly, allowing for two distinct jaw opening ranges without the need for additional locking elements, providing direct and intuitive adjustment through a lever or handle, and offering a firm rotational bias for stable operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional locking pliers with adjustable jaw size mechanisms are used, then jaw size adjustment capability is improved, but device bulk and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the jaw size adjustment mechanism with the existing handle and pivot structure. The pin and slot mechanism is integrated into the body, eliminating the need for separate adjustment components. This merging reduces overall device bulk while maintaining adjustability.
Solution Approach 2:
The pin serves multiple functions: it acts as a pivot location indicator, a size range selector, and a structural link between the handle and jaw assembly. The slot simultaneously guides the pin's movement and defines the jaw's range of motion. This multi-functionality reduces the number of components needed.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional locking pliers with adjustable mechanisms are used, then versatility is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to difficult adjustment
Solution Approach 1:
The pin is spring-biased to automatically engage with the slot at the appropriate position when the handle is closed. The user simply needs to close the handle normally, and the mechanism self-adjusts the jaw size range without requiring manual manipulation of separate adjustment controls.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring mechanism provides tactile feedback to the user, indicating when the pin has engaged with the slot at a specific position. This feedback makes the adjustment process intuitive and reliable, allowing users to easily select the desired size range.
3Device complexity
If conventional locking pliers without opening bias are used, then structural simplicity is maintained, but ease of operation deteriorates due to lack of handle stabilization
Solution Approach 1:
The spring mechanism acts as a counterweight to the handle's weight and the gripping force. It provides a continuous opening bias that counteracts the natural tendency of the handle to close or rotate, stabilizing the handle position during operation and providing a comfortable grip.
4Reliability
If conventional locking pliers with multiple locking elements are used, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pin and slot mechanism serves as both the size adjustment mechanism and the locking mechanism. When the pin engages with the slot, it simultaneously selects the desired jaw size range and locks the handle in position. This eliminates the need for separate locking elements.
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 design enables secure and intuitive adjustment of jaw size, providing a stable grip with predictable operation, reducing bulk and complexity while maintaining a familiar appearance and usability, allowing for easy switching between small and large size ranges with minimal additional components.
Implementation Method 1
A compact spring assembly to provide both a reliable detent bias and a firm rotational bias to a lower jaw. The pin is spring biased in the detent action into the recess but not normally mechanically locked in position.
Data Source
AI summary
A pliers is adjustable between at least two distinct selectable size ranges. A movable pivot pin is held stable in a selected recess of a slot in both loaded and unloaded conditions. A lower jaw is adjustable between a small and a large size range. A multifunction spring is movably attached to a body to both firmly bias a lower jaw and handle to an open position and to retain the pin in a constant selected pivot position of the body for normally used conditions. The pliers include a familiar function and compact shape without additional bulk from the structures of the improved features. Only a simple wire form is required to provide the improvement of the invention in a preferred locking pliers embodiment.