Offset Handle Pliers for Finger Pinching Prevention
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current hand tools, such as pliers, often require users to pinch their fingers between the handles when adjusting to different workpiece sizes, leading to discomfort and potential injury.
Innovation Solution
The tool features handle offsets and stop features, providing a minimum of 0.50 inches of clearance between handles by offsetting the upper and lower handles, reducing the risk of pinching by adjusting the handle positions relative to a pivot point.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If handles are positioned close together to accommodate varying workpiece sizes, then adaptability is improved, but user safety deteriorates due to finger pinching risk
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by offsetting the handles from a symmetric closing position. The first handle is offset in a first direction and the second handle is offset in a second direction opposite to the first direction, creating an asymmetric handle configuration that maintains clearance while preserving tool functionality for various workpiece sizes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent resolves the contradiction by introducing a dimensional change - offsetting handles in lateral directions perpendicular to the closing direction. This adds a lateral dimension to handle positioning, allowing handles to maintain clearance through offset distances while still closing effectively for different workpiece sizes.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If handles are offset to prevent finger pinching, then user safety is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional offset features
Solution Approach 1:
The asymmetric offset configuration is achieved through straightforward geometric positioning of handle components. The first handle portion includes a first offset feature positioned at a first distance in a first direction, and the second handle portion includes a second offset feature positioned at a second distance in a second direction, creating safety clearance without complex mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The offset features are implemented by positioning handle portions in lateral dimensions perpendicular to the closing direction. This dimensional approach to safety clearance is achieved through simple geometric offsetting rather than complex mechanical systems, maintaining ease of manufacture.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a tool, such as pliers, with handle offsets and stop features. In an embodiment, the tool has a minimum of about 0.50 inches of clearance between handles in an area where a user's index finger contacts the handles. This is accomplished by offsetting upper and lower handles of the tool. For example, the lower handle may be offset about 1.10 inches from a pivot point between the handles. Similarly, an end of the upper handle may be offset by about 1.150 inches from the pivot point when jaws of the tool are adjusted to a closed position.