Universal Fastener Tool with Pivot Jaws for Cable Gland Access

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fastener tightening tools are limited in their ability to engage different fastener types and often face access interference issues, particularly with cord grip or cable gland sealing nuts, which can lead to nut stripping and damage.

Innovation Solution

A universal fastener tightening tool with a pivot connection and adjustable nut engaging portions, allowing for lateral offset engagement of nuts and adjustable spacing to accommodate different nut sizes, while a closure limiting portion prevents overclosure and damage to plastic nuts.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a socket or closed end ratchet or wrench is used to tighten nuts, then proper torque can be applied, but the tool cannot get over the cable to be properly positioned on the nut when a cable extends outwardly from the nut

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess to nutVSAvoidcompatibility with cable gland nuts

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The tool is divided into separate handle portions (first handle portion and second handle portion) connected by a pivot connection portion, allowing the jaws to pivot independently and adapt to nuts with cables extending from them

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The pivot connection portion allows dynamic adjustment of the angle between handle portions, enabling the tool to adapt its configuration to accommodate cables and access nuts in various positions and orientations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If open-ended adjustable wrenches are used, then access to nuts is improved, but the wrenches are not easily tightened to the proper nut size which can lead to stripping of the nut and/or an inability to use the required amount of torque

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess to nutVSAvoidproper torque application

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The closure limiting portion provides mechanical feedback by preventing over-closure of the tool, ensuring the nut is tightened to the proper size without stripping while still allowing sufficient torque application

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The adjusting portion allows precise adjustment of the spacing between nut engaging portions to match the specific dimensions of different nut sizes, ensuring proper fit and torque application

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If cord grip or cable gland sealing nuts are closely spaced adjacent each other, then compact design is achieved, but the limited space causes problems accessing the nuts, grasping the handles of the tool, and turning/rotating the tools without interference

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehandling closely spaced nutsVSAvoidaccess and manipulation

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The pivot connection portion enables the tool to operate in multiple angular dimensions, allowing the handles to be positioned at angles that avoid interference from adjacent nuts while still engaging the target nut effectively

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

4Ease of operation

If plier-style tool is used to tighten or loosen the sealing nut, then access is improved, but it can damage the plastic sealing nut by crushing the nut due to overclosure or deforming the outer surface of the nut with teeth on the jaws of the tool

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess to nutVSAvoiddamage to plastic nut

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The closure limiting portion preemptively prevents over-closure before damage can occur to plastic nuts, while the smooth jaw surfaces prevent deformation of the nut outer surface

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Solution Approach 2:

The tool provides controlled closure parameters through the closure limiting portion, ensuring sufficient compression to tighten the nut without exceeding the threshold that would damage plastic materials

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS20250187147A1Universal fastener tightening tool structurally configured to engage different fastener types and/or mitigate against access

Publication Date: 2025.06.12 PPC BROADBAND INC

AI summary

A fastener tightening tool may include a first handle portion configured to pivot relative to the first handle portion. The first handle portion may have a first grasping portion and a first fastener engaging portion and the second handle portion may have a second grasping portion and a second fastener engaging portion. The tool may include an adjusting portion structurally configured to adjust the spacing between the first fastener engaging portion and the second fastener engaging portion when the tool is in a closed position and a closure limiting portion structurally configured to limit the minimum spacing between the first fastener engaging portion and the second engaging portion when the tool is in a closed position. The first fastener engaging portion and the second fastener engaging portion may be laterally offset to mitigate against access interference.