Locking Pliers Compact Open Position Toggle Linkage
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing locking pliers designs have a significant distance between the fixed and movable handles when in the open position, which can be inconvenient for users.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a toggle link, power triangle link, tie links, and a biasing spring to reduce the distance between the fixed and movable handles, allowing for a more compact open position, utilizing components such as those from Irwin item no. 502L3 vise grips and including a release link in a second embodiment for enhanced functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If traditional locking pliers design is used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the distance between fixed handle and movable handle in open position is large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic linkage system comprising a toggle link, power triangle link, and tie links that dynamically adjust the relative positions of the fixed and movable handles. This mechanical linkage system enables the handles to move closer together in the open position while maintaining structural integrity and functionality through controlled mechanical motion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary linkage components (toggle link, power triangle link, tie links) that mediate between the fixed handle and movable handle. These intermediary elements transmit and transform mechanical motion, enabling reduced handle distance while preserving the pliers' operational capability through coordinated movement of multiple linked components.
2Ease of operation
If the distance between handles is reduced, then user convenience is improved, but the mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamic linkage system provides improved user convenience by automatically adjusting the handle positions during operation. The toggle link and power triangle link work together to reduce the distance between handles in a controlled manner, making the pliers easier to maneuver and operate without requiring the user to manually adjust complex mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The linkage mechanism is designed to self-adjust and self-regulate the handle positions during normal operation. The tie links and power triangle link automatically maintain optimal handle spacing as the pliers open and close, eliminating the need for user intervention to manage complex positioning mechanisms while consistently providing improved ease of 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
This configuration allows for a reduced distance between the handles when open, improving user convenience and enabling easier handling and operation of the locking pliers.
Implementation Method 1
a biasing spring (18), a toggle link (20), a power triangle link (22), at least one tie link (24) and a movable handle (26)... One end of the biasing spring (18) is attached to the movable jaw (12) and the other end is attached to the fixed handle (14)
Data Source
AI summary
A locking pliers preferably includes a fixed jaw, a movable jaw, a fixed handle, an adjusting screw, a biasing spring, a toggle link, a power triangle link, at least one tie link and a movable handle. The fixed jaw, the movable jaw, the fixed handle, the adjusting screw and the biasing spring are preferably taken from an Irwin item no. 502L3 vise grips, but other parts may also be used. A second embodiment of the locking pliers preferably includes a fixed jaw, a movable jaw, a fixed handle, an adjusting screw, a biasing spring, a toggle link, two power links, at least one tie link, a release link and a movable handle. The fixed jaw, the movable jaw, the fixed handle, the adjusting screw and the biasing spring are preferably taken from an Irwin item no. 502L3 vise grips.