Tension Locking Tool Jaw Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional locking pliers require adjustments to accommodate various sizes of materials and lack a locking mechanism that allows for quick clamping without continuous user interaction, limiting their versatility compared to regular pliers.
Innovation Solution
A clamping tool with a tension member that applies a locking force between jaw members, allowing for adjustable clamping widths and a locking mechanism that can be engaged or disengaged easily, enabling the tool to function as both regular pliers and locking pliers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional locking pliers use a compression member to lock the jaw members, then the locking capability is achieved, but the device complexity increases and requires adjustment mechanisms for different material sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional compression-based locking mechanism by using a tension member instead. The tension member, when stretched between the handle members, creates a locking action that holds the jaw members in place without requiring compression forces or complex adjustment mechanisms. This inversion simplifies the overall device while maintaining reliable locking capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and eliminates the compression member from the locking mechanism, replacing it with a tension member. By removing the compression component and its associated adjustment mechanisms, the design achieves locking functionality with fewer parts and simpler structure, directly addressing the device complexity issue while preserving reliability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional locking pliers require adjustment of the compression member orientation, then different material sizes can be accommodated, but the ease of operation decreases due to continuous user interaction
Solution Approach 1:
The tension member is designed to automatically adjust and lock at different positions based on the material size being clamped. When the user applies force with the handles, the tension member self-adjusts its tension level and locking position without requiring manual intervention or adjustment operations. This self-service mechanism maintains adaptability to various material sizes while dramatically improving ease of operation by eliminating continuous user interaction.
3Ease of operation
If conventional pliers lack a locking mechanism, then the ease of operation for quick clamping is maintained, but the reliability for maintaining grip without continuous interaction is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The tension member is pre-configured in the device, ready to engage and lock immediately when the handles are closed. The preliminary setup of the tension member allows the locking action to occur automatically and instantly upon applying clamping force, without requiring any additional user actions or adjustments. This preliminary configuration enables both quick clamping operation and reliable grip maintenance simultaneously.
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 provides flexible clamping capabilities for various sizes of materials and maintains a secure grip without continuous user interaction, enhancing its versatility and ease of use compared to traditional locking pliers.
Implementation Method 1
A tension member is attached to the first handle at a first tension attachment location, and attached to the second handle at a second tension attachment location. The tension member is configured to exert clamping force between the first jaw and the second jaw when the tension member is in tension between the first tension attachment location and the second tension attachment location.
Data Source
AI summary
A hand tool having first and second plier units attached to one another where a jaw region is operatively configured to have a work piece to be placed therein and a handle region is configured to be used by the user of the tool to grasp the work piece. A tension member is provided to be positioned past a dead point axis so as to apply a clamping force upon the jaw member and the hand tool maintains a grip upon the work piece without continuous interaction with the user of the tool.