One-Hand Adjustment Locking Pliers Handle Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional locking pliers require two hands to adjust the distance between the jaws, which is impractical for operations where one hand is already engaged in gripping another piece of equipment or component.
Innovation Solution
An adjustment assembly is integrated between the handles of the locking pliers, featuring a threaded receiver and cam lock mechanism that allows for one-handed adjustment of the jaw distance by extending or shortening an adjuster, enabling the jaws to be locked at a selected distance without releasing the grip.
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 hands are required for adjustment which reduces ease of operation
Solution Approach 1:
The adjuster is received within the handle assembly, with the threaded receiver integrated into the handle structure. The cam lock mechanism is nested within the adjuster assembly, creating a compact nested configuration that enables one-handed operation while maintaining structural integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The cam lock acts as an intermediary mechanism between the adjuster and the handle assembly. It provides a positive locking action that secures the adjuster in position without requiring complex fastening mechanisms, enabling easy one-handed adjustment while maintaining structural stability
2Ease of operation
If the adjustment screw is accessed during gripping action, then dynamic adjustment is possible, but the opposite hand must be used which reduces ease of operation
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment mechanism is extracted from the distal end location and repositioned to be accessible from the top surface of the handle assembly. This allows the operator to access and adjust the mechanism with the same hand that is gripping the workpiece, eliminating the need to switch hands during operation
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustment assembly is designed to be dynamically accessible during the gripping operation. The cam lock mechanism allows for quick adjustment movements without requiring the operator to release the grip or switch hands, maintaining continuous productivity while enabling same-hand operation
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 one-handed adjustment of the locking pliers, allowing for dynamic sizing of the jaw distance while maintaining a secure grip, thus simplifying operations and improving usability in various applications.
Implementation Method 1
The adjustment assembly may include an adjuster configured to interface with a threaded receiver to enable extending or shortening an exposed length of the adjuster
Implementation Method 2
The adjustment assembly may include a cam lock configured to engage with a camming surface of the adjuster
Data Source
AI summary
A hand tool includes a handle assembly, a jaw assembly, a clamping assembly, and an adjustment assembly. The handle assembly includes a first handle and a second handle that each include a proximal end and a distal end. The jaw assembly includes a first jaw and a second jaw. The jaw assembly is operably coupled to the proximal end of the first and second handles. 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 configured to enable the selected distance to be modified. The adjustment assembly may be disposed between the first and second handles.