Pipe Wrench Adjustable Jaw Dynamics

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing pipe wrench designs face challenges in quick jaw width adjustment and efficient force application, often requiring excessive user effort and complex manufacturing processes, while compromising on stability and ease of use.

Innovation Solution

A pipe wrench design featuring intersectingly and rotatably connected pliers parts with a pivot pin, a lever extension, and a threading section, along with a locking mechanism that allows quick jaw width adjustment and secure locking, enabling high force application without user strain and simplified manufacturing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a support member with internal toothing is used to adjust and lock the pliers limbs, then the jaw width can be adjusted and locked, but the two pliers handles have to be pushed far apart to readjust, and the pliers lack a toggle lever limiting force application

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvejaw width adjustmentVSAvoidreadjustment operation
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamic adjustment mechanism where the support member can be easily moved along the lever extension between locked and unlocked positions. The toggle lever arrangement dynamically transitions between open and closed positions, enabling easy readjustment of jaw width without pushing handles far apart.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The support member acts as an intermediary element that mediates between the locking mechanism and the pliers limbs. It provides a convenient interface for adjustment while maintaining structural integrity, allowing users to adjust jaw width without excessive force or complex operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Device complexity

If the pivot pin fulfills dual function as carrier for counter-toothing and bearing for tong parts, then device complexity is reduced, but the support member has to absorb large force components

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepivot pin structureVSAvoidforce on support member
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the force-bearing functions from the pivot pin by introducing a separate lever extension structure. The pivot pin is relieved of dual functions and serves primarily as a bearing, while the lever extension absorbs the large force components through its structural design and connection to the support member.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The lever extension introduces an additional structural dimension between the pivot pin and the support member. This dimensional addition allows forces to be distributed and absorbed more effectively, reducing the burden on the pivot pin while maintaining the dual-function advantage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Adaptability or versatility

If existing pipe wrench designs use complex adjustment mechanisms, then jaw width can be adjusted, but manufacturing complexity increases and stability may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvejaw width adjustmentVSAvoidmanufacturing process
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The support member serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as an adjustment mechanism, a locking mechanism, and a structural support element. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate complex components, simplifying manufacturing while maintaining adjustability and stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the adjustment and locking functions into a single integrated support member structure that works in conjunction with the lever extension. This consolidation reduces the number of parts and manufacturing steps while ensuring stability through the unified design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

Enables quick and easy jaw width adjustment, secure clamping force without excessive user effort, and reduced manufacturing complexity without compromising stability, providing a user-friendly and cost-effective solution.

Implementation Method 1

a swivel pin which connects the two parts of the wrench in a crossing manner

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 2

a locking means which enables the support point of the support member to be locked or unlocked

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical interlocking: Mechanical Fastener

Implementation Method 3

a spring element, in that its spring force urges the locking means into the locking position

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring force: Spring

Data Source

PatentEP2406040B1Pipe wrench with an adjustable jaw width
Publication Date: 2016.05.04 RENNSTEIG WERKZEUGE GMBH
  • EP2406040B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2406040B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP2406040B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The invention relates to a pipe wrench with a first and a second wrench part (02, 20), which are connected in an intersecting manner to each other by a pivot pin (16). The threading-through section (26) has a threading-through opening (27) which is located in the main plane of extent and permits the wrench handle (06) on the finger side and the lever extension (08) of the first wrench part (02) to be threaded through. The pipe wrench furthermore comprises a supporting element (30) which is coupled pivotably to the second wrench part (20) and is supported on the first wrench part (02) via a locking means (32). In this case, the supporting point of the supporting element (30) can be changed along the section (12) on the handle side in order to displace the two wrench parts (02, 20) axially with respect to each other and therefore to adjust the jaw width between the two wrench jaws (04, 22).