Split Ring Manipulation Tool Wedge Jaw Mechanism
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hand tools are inefficient and hazardous for manipulating and opening small, high Young's modulus split rings, particularly in terminal fishing tackle, where environmental requirements demand biodegradable materials and expensive lures are difficult to maintain due to awkward and time-consuming handling of split rings.
Innovation Solution
A hand tool with pivotally movable jaws, one having a supporting surface and the other a protrusion with a wedge edge or point, allowing the jaws to spread apart split ring convolutions safely and easily, accommodating a range of split ring diameters and wire gauges without the limitations of prior art tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual manipulation of small split rings is used, then no special tool is needed, but the operation becomes hazardous and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a specialized tool as an intermediary device between the operator and the split ring. This tool includes a supporting surface for stabilizing the ring and a protrusion with wedge edge that acts as a mediator to safely insert between convolutions, enabling controlled opening without direct manual manipulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The tool is segmented into distinct functional components: a supporting surface element and a protrusion element with wedge edge. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function - the supporting surface stabilizes while the protrusion inserts and pries open the convolution, making the overall operation more efficient.
2Ease of operation
If manual manipulation of small split rings is used, then no special tool is needed, but the operation becomes hazardous
Solution Approach 1:
The tool serves as a protective intermediary that eliminates direct finger contact with the split ring's sharp edges and small convolutions. The protrusion with wedge edge is specifically designed to safely insert between convolutions, preventing pinching injuries while the supporting surface prevents slippage that could cause accidental punctures.
Solution Approach 2:
The tool is designed as a simple, inexpensive device that can be easily replaced if damaged, providing a safe disposable solution rather than risking injury from manual manipulation of hazardous small components.
3Adaptability or versatility
If existing hand tools are used, then some manipulation capability is provided, but they have limitations for small, high Young's modulus split rings
Solution Approach 1:
The tool is designed with universal features that make it adaptable to various split ring sizes and materials. The supporting surface can accommodate different ring diameters, and the wedge-shaped protrusion can effectively pry open convolutions of high Young's modulus materials that existing tools cannot handle.
Solution Approach 2:
The tool concentrates its functional properties at specific locations: the supporting surface provides localized stabilization at the ring's inner diameter, while the protrusion with wedge edge provides concentrated force application exactly where needed between the convolutions, making the tool effective for high-modulus materials.
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
The tool enables safer, faster, and more versatile manipulation of split rings, reducing dexterity requirements and tool interference, allowing for a wider range of split ring sizes and types to be handled efficiently, especially in the context of terminal fishing tackle maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
the other of said jaws having a protrusion with a wedge edge or point adapted as the jaws are moved from the closed to the open position to pass between the convolutions of a split ring
Data Source
AI summary
A hand tool adapted to manipulate and open split rings is provided. The hand tool has two elements both having handles operatively associated so that the distal end jaw portions of the elements are movable between a closed and an open position. An opening jaw has a penetrating probe for opening convolution of a split ring, while the opposing supporting jaw provides a supporting surface acting as an anvil providing opposing force to the other linear elements probe. The split ring is generally disposed around the spaced apart opposing jaws, permitting the probe to penetrate the convolutions over a deeper range because there is no limitation created by the opposing jaw.