Pliers Opening Stop for Faster Ferrule Crimping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing manually operable pliers tools struggle to limit the opening movement of the second manual lever effectively, especially when crimping ferrules of different cross-sections, requiring full opening of the pliers mouth which is inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A manually operable pliers tool with a pivotably mounted second pressing jaw and a u-shaped node element, featuring an adjustable stop that limits the opening movement of the second handle by engaging with a stopping edge, allowing for partial opening based on the stop's position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the pliers mouth is opened to maximum extent for every operation, then all ferrule cross-sections can be accommodated, but the operation becomes inefficient when partial opening suffices
Solution Approach 1:
The stop is made adjustable and pivotable between passive and active positions, allowing the maximum opening angle of the pliers to be dynamically changed according to the specific crimping task. This enables the operator to set a limited opening angle when full opening is not needed, thereby reducing the time for each operation while still accommodating the required ferrule sizes.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the parameter of maximum opening angle from a fixed value to an adjustable value. By providing a stop with multiple stopping edges that can be positioned at different angles, the pliers can be configured to open to different degrees depending on the ferrule cross-section being crimped, optimizing the operation for each specific task.
2Productivity
If a stop mechanism is added to limit opening movement, then operational efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The stop is segmented into multiple stopping edges (first stopping edge, second stopping edge, third stopping edge) that can be independently positioned. Each stopping edge corresponds to a different maximum opening angle, allowing the operator to select the appropriate limit for each crimping task. This segmentation provides versatility without requiring a completely different stop mechanism for each application.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a complex motorized or spring-loaded mechanism to actively control the opening angle, the invention uses a passive stop that simply limits the opening movement. The stop is pivoted into position to block further opening, rather than actively driving the pliers to a specific angle. This inverted approach simplifies the mechanism while achieving the desired control.
Data Source
AI summary
A manually operable pliers tool has first and second pressing jaws pivotally connected about a first pivot axis. A first handle extends from the first pressing jaw and a second handle is linked to the second pressing jaw. The second pressing jaw has a u-shaped node element with a base mounted on the first pressing jaw via the first pivot axis and a first limb mounted on the second handle via a second pivot axis. A stop, which is adjustable between a passive position and an active position, is arranged on the first pressing jaw, wherein opening movement of the second handle can be limited by a second limb of the node element coming to a stop on the stop by setting the stop into the active position.