Multi-Stage Trigger Assembly for Precise Jaw Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hand-held, battery powered tools face challenges in aligning objects between jaws prior to activation, making it difficult to perform operations like crimping electrical wire terminations efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A multi-stage trigger assembly with a pivot portion and lever mechanism that mechanically moves the movable jaw to a hold position and electro-mechanically activates the motor for operation, allowing for precise alignment and activation of tool functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single trigger assembly is used to activate the motor, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ease of operation deteriorates because manual alignment and activation cannot be performed sequentially
Solution Approach 1:
The trigger assembly is segmented into multiple functional stages: a first stage that mechanically moves the movable jaw to a hold position for alignment, and a second stage that activates the motor for operation. This segmentation allows sequential performance of alignment and activation functions while maintaining a unified trigger structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The trigger assembly performs preliminary action by mechanically positioning the movable jaw in a hold position before motor activation. This preliminary mechanical adjustment enables proper alignment of the object between jaws prior to powered operation, improving ease of use without requiring separate alignment mechanisms.
2Ease of operation
If manual holding of object between jaws is required before activation, then the ease of operation improves for positioning, but the productivity deteriorates due to additional manual steps and time required
Solution Approach 1:
The trigger assembly automatically performs preliminary action by mechanically moving the movable jaw to a hold position when the trigger is actuated to the first position. This automated preliminary positioning eliminates manual holding steps while maintaining precise object alignment, thereby improving productivity without sacrificing ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The trigger assembly serves itself by integrating both alignment and activation functions within a single mechanism. When the trigger is pulled, it automatically sequences the mechanical jaw positioning followed by motor activation, eliminating the need for separate manual alignment operations and improving overall operational efficiency.
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
Facilitates efficient alignment and operation of tool functions, improving the precision and ease of use in crimping and cutting operations by integrating mechanical and electro-mechanical stages in a single trigger assembly.
Implementation Method 1
a pivot pin is inserted into a mounting aperture in the pivot portion of the trigger to pivotably coupled the pivot portion to a portion of a fixed jaw of the two jaws of the tool
Implementation Method 2
The pivot portion of the trigger is normally biased, using for example one or more springs, away from the at least one switch
Implementation Method 3
the switch is activated causing a motor in the tool to activate to electro-mechanically move the movable jaw from the hold position to an operation cycle position
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-stage trigger assembly for portable, hand-held, battery powered tools is provided. The tool may be configured as a crimping tool, a cutting tool or other type of tool. The tool has an in-line handle assembly and a working head assembly. The trigger assembly has a first stage that is a manual operation and a second stage that is an electro-mechanical operation.