Spring-Loaded Crimping Pliers for Variable Cable Diameters

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing hand tongs lack the necessary rigidity and adaptability for efficient crimping and cutting of cables, especially when handling cables of varying diameters.

Innovation Solution

The hand tool incorporates partially comb-like ribs on the crimp cheeks, a joint linear guidance system for the crimp cheeks, and a spring-loaded mechanism that allows the second crimp cheek to move against spring force, ensuring consistent crimping and cutting performance across different cable diameters.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a fixed crimping jaw design is used, then structural simplicity is maintained, but adaptability to different cable diameters deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different cable diametersVSAvoidcrimping jaw mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The second crimping jaw is designed as a movable component that can deflect against spring force, transforming a static crimping jaw system into a dynamic one. This allows the jaw to adapt its position based on the cable diameter being crimped, solving the contradiction between structural simplicity and adaptability to different cable sizes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The spring-loaded mechanism allows the second crimping jaw to change its position parameter dynamically. By varying the spring force and jaw displacement, the system can accommodate different cable diameters without requiring multiple fixed jaw configurations, thus improving adaptability while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If the crimping jaw displacement path varies with cable diameter, then adaptability is improved, but actuation path consistency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecrimping of varying dimensionsVSAvoidactuation path constancy
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The spring-loaded second crimping jaw acts as an intermediary element between the user's actuation force and the crimping action. It absorbs variations in displacement path caused by different cable diameters, allowing the user to apply a consistent actuation force regardless of the specific cable size being crimped.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The dynamic spring-loaded jaw system automatically adjusts its displacement based on the cable diameter, while the overall actuation path remains constant. The spring mechanism translates varying jaw travel requirements into a consistent user input motion, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and operational consistency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Strength

If high stiffness is achieved through mechanical parallel connection, then structural rigidity is improved, but adaptability to varying crimp dimensions deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecrimping jaw stiffnessVSAvoidcrimping of varying dimensions
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses a dynamic spring-loaded jaw that can deflect during the crimping process. This dynamic element maintains structural rigidity when needed (providing the necessary stiff support for effective crimping) while simultaneously allowing adaptation to varying crimp dimensions through controlled deflection, resolving the contradiction between strength and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

This design provides enhanced rigidity and adaptability, allowing for efficient crimping and cutting of cables with varying diameters, ensuring a constant activity path and complete crimping process.

Implementation Method 1

the second crimping jaw is retractable against spring force in a crimping jaw receptacle of the hand pliers

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring force: Spring

Implementation Method 2

a crimping jaw is supported in a mechanical parallel connection via an elastic support element and a sensor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP4200946B1Hand pliers designed to carry out crimping, and hand pliers comprising a plier head
Publication Date: 2025.04.30 RENNSTEIG WERKZEUGE GMBH
  • EP4200946B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4200946B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4200946B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to hand pliers (1) which are designed to carry out crimping and have one stationary and one moving plier leg (4, 5) and a first and a second crimping jaw (20, 21), wherein the first crimping jaw (20) is acted upon by a drive tappet (24). In order to further improve a hand tool of the type in question with a design that is favourable in terms of handling, according to the invention the second crimping jaw (21) can be moved back inside a crimping jaw receptacle (19) in the hand pliers (1) against spring force. The invention also relates to hand pliers (1) comprising a plier head which is formed by mutually pivotable plier jaws (2, 3) that interact, for example for stripping, wherein: the plier head has a broad side (B), a narrow side (S), and an end face (T); a pivot axis (x) of the plier jaws (2, 3) extends at right angles to an extent of the broad side (B), and the narrow side (S) extends approximately at right angles to the broad side (B); and crimping jaws (20, 21) for carrying out crimping are also provided. Improved hand pliers can be achieved in that a crimping opening (18) formed by the crimping jaws (20, 21) opens into the narrow side (S).