Adjustable Tool Grip Opening Structure for User-Specific Force
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Solution Overview
Problem
Common hand tools lack a mechanism to adjust the force required to open and close the grips, leading to muscle fatigue and operational difficulties, especially for users with less palm strength.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable opening structure featuring a connecting strap with studs and recessed portions on the grips, allowing the user to adjust the force by selecting different engagement positions, thereby modifying the elastic restoring force and opening angle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a spring is used to push the two grips open, then the grips can be automatically opened and finger force is saved, but the elastic force is fixed and cannot be adjusted for users with less palm strength
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the previously static spring force dynamic by introducing an adjustable mechanism. The connecting strap can be repositioned between multiple studs on the grip, allowing the elastic force to be dynamically adjusted according to user needs. This transforms the fixed spring system into a flexible, adaptable system that maintains ease of operation while enabling force customization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameter of the spring system by modifying the effective length and attachment points. By providing multiple studs at different positions and allowing the connecting strap to engage with different stud combinations, the system varies the spring's effective working length and leverage, thereby changing the elastic force parameter to suit different users' palm strengths.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the connecting strap length is fixed, then the structure is simple, but the force required to open the grips cannot be adjusted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the connecting strap into sections with multiple attachment points (studs) along its length. Instead of a single fixed attachment point, the strap has multiple discrete engagement locations that can be selectively used. This segmentation allows the same strap to provide multiple different force configurations without requiring multiple separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting strap is designed as a universal component that serves multiple functions through its multiple studs. The same strap can be configured for different users with different strength levels, and can accommodate various grip configurations. This multi-functionality is achieved by making the strap itself adjustable rather than creating separate straps for different force requirements.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple studs and recessed portions are provided for adjustment, then the force can be customized, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by concentrating the adjustment functionality at specific discrete points (studs and recessed portions) rather than requiring continuous adjustment mechanisms. Each stud and recessed portion pair represents a localized adjustment station. This approach allows customization while keeping the overall manufacturing process relatively simple, as each local feature can be independently formed using standard machining or molding techniques.
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 easier operation by allowing users to customize the force required to open and close the grips, reducing muscle fatigue and accommodating varying user strengths.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic connecting strap (3) provided between the left grip (1) and the right grip (2)... the connecting strap (3) pushes against the left grip (1) and the right grip (2) to open
Data Source
AI summary
An opening structure of a tool grip includes a left grip and a right grip that are intersected and pivoted. An elastic connecting strap is provided between the left and right grips. The left grip has at least two left studs. The right grip has at least two right studs. The connecting strap has a length greater than a distance between the left and right grips. One end of the connecting strap has at least two left recessed portions for engagement of the left studs. Another end of the connecting strap has at least two right recessed portions for engagement of the right studs. By selecting the position where the left recessed portions are engaged with the left studs and the position where the right recessed portions are engaged with the right studs, a force that the connecting strap pushes against the left and right grips to open is adjustable.