Plier Tool Pivoting Upper Die for Clam Shell Connector Closure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing plier tools often fail to apply sufficient and controlled force uniformly when closing hinged or clam shell type electrical connectors, leading to potential damage or breakage of the connectors.
Innovation Solution
A plier tool with a pivotally connected upper die member and a fixed lower die member, featuring a planar upper contact surface with parallel grooves for reduced friction and angled positioning, along with a lower contact surface with ledges to secure the connector in place, ensuring controlled closure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If sufficient force is applied to close the clam shell connector, then the connection reliability is improved, but the connector may be broken or damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The upper die member is pivotally connected to allow rotational movement, enabling the contact surface to maintain optimal alignment with the connector lid throughout the closing operation. This localized adaptability ensures uniform force distribution across the contact area, preventing stress concentration that could cause damage while maintaining sufficient closing force for reliable connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The upper die member transitions from a static position to a dynamically adjustable position through pivotal movement. As the jaws close, the upper die member rotates to follow the curvature of the connector lid, maintaining continuous contact and uniform force application throughout the closing sequence, thereby preventing damage while ensuring reliable connection.
2Reliability
If force is applied to close the connector, then the connection is formed, but the force may not be uniformly directed causing damage
Solution Approach 1:
The upper die member features a contact surface specifically designed with particular geometry and orientation to match the connector lid surface. This localized customization ensures that force is applied uniformly across the contact area, preventing uneven stress distribution that could compromise connection precision or cause damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The pivotal connection enables the upper die member to dynamically adjust its orientation during closing, maintaining optimal alignment with the connector lid. This dynamic adjustment ensures that the force vector remains perpendicular to the contact surface throughout the operation, guaranteeing uniform force distribution and precise connection formation.
3Device complexity
If a simple plier device is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the control and uniformity of force application deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The upper die member is pivotally connected to the upper jaw, allowing it to rotate freely during the closing operation. This dynamic element adds minimal structural complexity while dramatically improving force control and uniformity, as the pivotal movement automatically adjusts the contact angle to maintain optimal alignment with the connector lid throughout closing.
Solution Approach 2:
The upper die member acts as an intermediary between the upper jaw and the connector lid. It translates the closing motion into controlled, uniform force application through its pivotal connection, mediating the interaction between the simple plier structure and the connector to achieve precise force control without significant structural complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A plier tool for closing clam shell type electrical connectors onto electrical wires includes a pair of handles, an upper jaw and a lower jaw. The upper jaw and the lower jaw are movable between an open position and a closed position. The jaws move relatively closer together during a closing operation upon squeezing together of the handles. An upper die member having a pivotal connection point is pivotally attached to the upper jaw for pivotal movement during the closing operation. The upper die member also has a generally planar upper contact surface. The upper contact surface is adapted to continuously contact and slide upon a lid portion of a clam shell type electrical connector during the closing operation. A lower die member is rigidly attached to said lower jaw and has a lower contact surface. The lower contact surface has a cavity therein sized to receive and retain a base portion of clam shell type electrical connector during the closing operation.