Offset Tip Crimp Cover Closing Tool
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional tools, such as needle nose pliers, are inadequate for handling crimp tube covers in beading, as they require significant force and can deform or mar the covers, making it difficult to achieve a precise and aesthetically pleasing closure of crimp tubes in jewelry items, especially for hobbyists with limited dexterity or arthritis.
Innovation Solution
A crimp cover closing tool with an offset angle tip and smooth forming surface, resembling needle nose pliers, allows for easy pickup and precise placement of crimp covers without deforming them, featuring a radius of curvature and depth that facilitates modulation of force for precise closure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional needle nose pliers are used to close crimp tube covers, then the closure function is achieved, but the crimp tube covers are deformed or marred due to the significant force required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a specialized closing tool as an intermediary between the beader's fingers and the crimp tube cover. This tool features a smooth, rounded tip with a radius of curvature of about 2.1 mm that distributes closing force evenly across the cover surface, preventing deformation while maintaining the cover's aesthetic shape. The tool acts as a mediator that translates the beader's closing action into a gentle, controlled force application.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the closing tool's contact surface - specifically using a smooth surface with a radius of curvature of about 2.1 mm and a depth of about 1.5 mm. This parameter change allows the force to be distributed over a larger area with lower pressure concentration, enabling closure without deforming the fragile crimp tube cover.
2Productivity
If conventional tools are used to handle crimp tube covers, then the closing operation can be performed, but the covers are difficult to pick up and position precisely due to their small size and fragility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an offset angle tip design that adds a dimensional advantage for handling. The offset tip allows the beader to approach the crimp tube cover from an angle, making it easier to pick up the small cover and orient it correctly before placement. This dimensional change in the tool's geometry provides mechanical advantage for precise positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The specialized tip design performs preliminary actions of grasping, orienting, and positioning the crimp tube cover before the actual closing operation. The smooth, rounded tip allows the cover to be gently picked up and positioned with precision, preparing it for closure without requiring forceful manipulation that could cause deformation.
3Reliability
If significant force is applied to close crimp tube covers, then the closure is achieved, but the covers are deformed due to their fragile nature
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the pressure distribution parameters by using a tip with a radius of curvature of about 2.1 mm and depth of about 1.5 mm. This geometric parameter change transforms the force application from a concentrated point load to a distributed load over a larger surface area, reducing pressure intensity while maintaining sufficient closing force for reliable closure.
Solution Approach 2:
The specialized closing tool serves as a mediator that transforms the beader's closing action into a controlled, distributed force. The tool's smooth tip interface mediates between the closing requirement and the cover's fragility, ensuring reliable closure without exceeding the cover's structural strength limits.
Data Source
AI summary
A crimp cover closing tool is provided with a pair of curved force transmitting members joined at a fulcrum and forming opposed jaws. The jaws each have an angularly offset tip with interiorly disposed opposable spherical forming surfaces, a radius of curvature of about 2.1 mm and a depth of about 1.5 mm. The overall length of the tool is about 130 mm. The opposable spherical forming surfaces are spaced from the fulcrum by a distance of at least 30 mm. The tip of the forming tool has an angle of offset of about 30°.