Monolithic Hinge Bolt for Compact Pliers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current clamps with a hinge bolt and slot configuration are bulky, fragile, and complex, with exposed components prone to damage, and require intricate assembly, limiting their application and durability.
Innovation Solution
A clamp design featuring a single component bolt that prevents rotation and axial movement, using an eccentric stud and conjugated orifice-box arrangement to secure the articulation bolt without protrusion, simplifying the structure and assembly while ensuring robustness and reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the slit is arranged in the male branch with traditional hinge bolt configuration, then the clamp can achieve the required functionality, but the device becomes bulky with components protruding laterally
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge bolt is integrated directly into the male branch as a monolithic component, eliminating the need for separate protruding parts. The bolt head, shank, and functional features are combined into a single piece that is formed as an integral part of the male branch, thereby reducing overall device volume while maintaining clamp functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge bolt serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a rotational axis, a structural connector, and a positioning element for the female branch. The single component performs what traditionally required multiple separate parts, reducing bulkiness while maintaining all necessary operational functions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple small components are used in the hinge bolt assembly, then the clamp can be adjusted for different positions, but the components become fragile and exposed to damage
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple small components that were previously separate (bolt head, shank, locking features) are merged into a single monolithic hinge bolt component. This integration eliminates the fragility associated with multiple small parts while preserving the position adjustment capability through integrated features such as the transverse slot and rounded end geometry.
Solution Approach 2:
The single hinge bolt component is designed with internal segmentation through features like the transverse slot and varying cross-sections along its length. These segmented features enable position adjustment and functional differentiation without requiring multiple separate components, thereby improving reliability while maintaining adaptability.
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional hinge bolt assembly with multiple components is used, then the clamp can be assembled, but the assembly process becomes complex with many small parts
Solution Approach 1:
The assembly process is simplified by merging multiple components into a single monolithic hinge bolt. Instead of assembling multiple small parts (nuts, bolts, washers, etc.), the invention requires insertion of a single pre-formed component into the female branch, dramatically reducing assembly complexity while maintaining manufacturing capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge bolt is pre-formed as a complete monolithic component with all necessary features (slot, shank, head geometry) already integrated before assembly. This preliminary formation eliminates the need for on-site assembly of multiple parts, simplifying the final assembly process while maintaining manufacturing flexibility.
4Ease of manufacture
If the hinge bolt protrudes laterally from the clamp, then the components can be accessed for assembly, but the operational functionality is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge bolt is merged with the male branch such that no components protrude laterally beyond the clamp's outer轮廓. The bolt is formed as an integral part with a rounded end that terminates within the clamp body, eliminating lateral protrusions while maintaining assembly accessibility through other means such as the transverse slot.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of providing component accessibility through lateral protrusion (one dimension), the design shifts to internal accessibility through the transverse slot and end-approach assembly method (different dimension). This allows assembly and maintenance access without compromising the compact profile and operational versatility of the clamp.
Data Source
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AI summary
The pliers have a male branch (1) and a female branch (2) connected together by an articulation bolt (3). The male branch defines a slot having straight or curved configuration. The slot has walls carrying teeth or grooves, and the female branch utilizes working positions along the slot to modify gripping capacity of jaw. The bolt has a reduced zone (31) corresponding to the teeth or grooves. The bolt is mounted in the female branch. A prevention unit is arranged to avoid rotation and axial displacement of the bolt with respect to the female branch.