Multipurpose Tool Jaw Bias Mechanism for Infinite Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Multipurpose tools face challenges in providing controlled and secure access to various tool members while maintaining a compact and lightweight design, as existing solutions often lack mechanisms for infinite jaw positioning and secure engagement of tool members in different applications.
Innovation Solution
The tool incorporates a bias force mechanism using resilient members and a tool lock with a curved profile to facilitate controlled handle movement and secure engagement of tool members, allowing for infinite jaw positioning and preventing inadvertent opening or closing, while maintaining a compact form factor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a multipurpose tool includes multiple tool members carried by common handles, then the functionality and versatility of the tool is improved, but the size and weight of the tool increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements nesting by storing multiple tool members (knife blade, saw blade, screwdriver, etc.) within the hollow handles of the pliers. Each tool member can be individually accessed and deployed from the handle, allowing the tool to maintain a compact form when closed while providing multiple functions when opened. This nesting approach enables the multipurpose tool to carry numerous tool members without proportionally increasing the overall size and weight.
2Volume of moving object
If the tool is designed to be foldable between closed and open positions, then the compactness of the tool is improved, but the control over handle movement and tool member deployment becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient member (spring) is configured to apply a bias force that resists the closing motion of the handles, creating a controlled resistance that prevents inadvertent closing. This preliminary anti-action allows the user to maintain the handles in any intermediate position between fully open and fully closed, providing infinite positioning capability. The spring force can be overcome by deliberate user action but provides continuous resistance during normal operation.
3Ease of operation
If a resilient member is used to apply bias force to the jaw, then the control over handle movement is improved, but the complexity of the tool structure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient member is designed as a self-contained component that automatically applies bias force to the jaw without requiring external power sources, complex control mechanisms, or user intervention. The spring-loaded system self-regulates the force applied to maintain control over handle movement, and the same resilient member also serves to bias the tool lock into engagement with tool members, providing multiple functions with a single simple component.
4Reliability
If a tool lock is provided to secure tool members in the open position, then the reliability of tool member retention is improved, but the complexity of the tool structure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tool lock is integrated with the resilient member system, combining the biasing function and locking function into a unified mechanism. The resilient member not only provides continuous bias force for control but also drives the tool lock into engagement with tool members. This merging of functions allows the tool to achieve reliable retention of tool members without adding a separate, independent locking mechanism, thereby limiting the increase in structural complexity.
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 solution enables smooth and controlled deployment of tool members, enhances user accessibility, and ensures secure retention of tool members in their respective positions, improving the versatility and reliability of the multipurpose tool.
Implementation Method 1
a resilient member disposed at least partially within the opening in order to apply a bias force to the jaw during rotation of the jaw relative to the handle
Implementation Method 2
a tool lock configured to engage the tool member and to provide a locked condition in which inadvertent opening or closing is prevented
Data Source
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AI summary
A tool is provided in order to facilitate utilization by users in a wide variety of applications. By way of example, a multipurpose tool may include first and second handles configured for relative movement between a closed position and an open position. At least the first handle includes an axle extending thereacross. The multipurpose tool also includes one or more tool members rotatably mounted upon the axle and foldable into the first handle and first and second jaws rotatably connected to the first and second handles, respectively. At least the first jaw defines an opening through which the axle of the first handle extends. The multipurpose tool further includes a resilient member disposed at least partially within the opening in order to apply a bias force to the first jaw during rotation of the first jaw relative to the first handle.