Staple Remover With Segmented Jaws And Lever Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing staple removers are inefficient in removing larger, barbed staples from fence posts without damaging the wire or requiring excessive force, and are limited in their ability to handle staples located close to the ground or on non-square posts.
Innovation Solution
A staple remover with a main body featuring a first and second jaw with elongate channels for the wire, a moveable gripping part actuated by a lever, and a block portion to increase contact surface area, allowing for secure gripping and removal of staples without cutting the wire, and capable of handling staples up to 50mm long.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If fencing pliers are used to remove staples, then the staple can be levered out, but the top of the staple often breaks and the operation becomes time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The tool divides the gripping function into two separate jaws (first jaw and second jaw) that independently grip the wire on either side of the staple. This segmentation allows each jaw to apply force optimally without concentrating stress at one point, preventing staple breakage while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The jaws feature elongate channels with closed ends that provide localized contact regions specifically positioned to grip the wire. This local quality ensures force is applied precisely where needed on the wire, improving grip reliability and preventing staple damage during removal.
2Ease of operation
If conventional pliers are used on staples hammered well into the post, then the staple can be accessed, but not enough staple protrudes for the jaws to grip effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The tool extends the leverage action into a longer dimensional space with extended handles and elongate jaws. This allows the user to apply force from a greater distance, amplifying the mechanical advantage to effectively pull out staples that are deeply embedded in the post, where conventional pliers would lack sufficient leverage.
3Ease of operation
If fencing pliers are used on fence battens, then staples can be removed, but the operation becomes fiddly and awkward due to batten movement
Solution Approach 1:
The tool combines multiple functions into a single integrated device: the first and second jaws grip the wire, the block portion stabilizes against the post, and the lever provides mechanical advantage. This merging of functions into one tool eliminates the need for multiple separate operations, reducing complexity and improving ease of use when removing staples from moving fence battens.
4Ease of operation
If a claw hammer is used to remove staples, then the staple can be levered out, but it is difficult to force the claw behind the wire and the operation is time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The wire itself serves as an intermediary element that the tool grips to apply force to the staple. Instead of trying to force a claw behind the wire, the elongate jaws directly grip the wire on either side of the staple, using the wire as a mediator to transmit force and lever the staple out efficiently, significantly improving productivity.
5Force
If known staple remover is used on long barbed staples, then removal force can be applied, but the wire is cut at contact points and the tool loses effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The tool changes the contact parameters by using elongate channels with closed ends that distribute the contact force over a longer length of the wire. This parameter change in contact distribution prevents stress concentration that would cause wire cutting, allowing high removal forces to be applied while maintaining wire integrity and tool effectiveness.
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
Enables faster and easier removal of larger staples with less user force, accommodating staples near the ground and on various post types, while minimizing wire damage and maintaining tool integrity.
Implementation Method 1
a lever configured in mechanical communication with the gripping part member for actuating movement of the gripping part to grip the wire in the first and second channel to remove the staple and wire arrangement
Data Source
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AI summary
A staple removal device (1) for removing a staple and wire arrangement from a fence post is disclosed which comprises a main body having a first jaw (2a) and a second jaw (2b) spaced apart from eachother.The first jaw and second jaw provide a a first and second elongate channel (3) respectively for receiving the wire. Both the first and second elongate channels comprise a closed end in which the wire may be received. A gripping portion (6) is moveably connected to the main body and a lever (12) causes movement of the gripping portion. Beneficially, a first and second block portion (11) is configured at a surface of the main body wherein a side edge of the first and second block portion is substantially in alignment with the closed end of the first and second channel respectively so as to, in use, increase the surface area of the contact region between the staple removal device and the wire.