Remote Operation Pliers With Constant-Feel Angle Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing remote operation pliers with adjustable gripping angles are difficult to operate in confined spaces due to the need for both hands to adjust the angle and maintain the tool, and the change in gripping feel makes it cumbersome for operators without specialized skills.
Innovation Solution
Remote operation pliers with a base, fixed-side and movable-side gripping pieces pivotally supported by a pivot shaft, a length adjustment section, and a biasing unit allowing for independent angle and length adjustments using a simple nested mechanism, lever unit, and index plunger for easy operation with one hand.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the fixed gripping piece is made adjustable in angle, then the gripping angle can be changed to adapt to different work environments, but both hands are required to support the tool and operate the lock pin, making angle adjustment difficult in confined spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The tool supports itself during angle adjustment through the self-weight of the gripping piece, eliminating the need for the operator to manually support it. The indexing mechanism automatically maintains position at predetermined angles without requiring additional locking operations by the operator.
Solution Approach 2:
The angle adjustment mechanism is segmented into discrete predetermined angles through an indexing system with notches and detents. This allows the gripping piece to be positioned at specific angles (e.g., 0°, 45°, 90°) without requiring continuous manual control, simplifying the adjustment operation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the fixed gripping piece angle is changed, then the gripping angle is adjusted, but the movable range of the operation rod changes consequently, altering the gripping feel and making it difficult for non-skilled operators to adapt
Solution Approach 1:
The operation rod length is preliminarily adjusted to compensate for the change in movable range that occurs when the gripping piece angle is changed. This pre-adjustment maintains the operational feel consistent across different gripping angles, allowing operators to use the tool uniformly regardless of the selected angle.
3Adaptability or versatility
If additional adjustment mechanisms are added to both gripping pieces, then more comprehensive angle adjustment is achieved, but the operation becomes extremely cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The indexing mechanism serves multiple functions: it provides angle adjustment, maintains position at predetermined angles, and works in conjunction with the operation rod length adjustment to compensate for range changes. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate mechanisms on both gripping pieces, reducing overall complexity while achieving comprehensive adjustability.
Data Source
AI summary
Remote operation pliers are configured by pivotally supporting pliers such that the angle thereof can bechanged by a pivot shaft relative to a base provided to the tip of a main operation rod. A fixed-side gripping piece and a movable-side gripping piece of the pliers can open and close about the pivot shaft. The fixed angle of the fixed-side gripping piece can be changed relative to the base by positioning an index plunger. The movable-side gripping piece is capable of opening and closing by a sub operation rod coupled to a coupling end. The sub operation rod has a length adjustment section between a tool-side end and an operator-side end. The length adjustment section has a nested structure of a cylinder part and a core part in order to maintain a movable range of the sub operation rod constant when changing the gripping angle of the pliers.