Tweezers With Distal Thumb Wheel for One-Handed Width Adjustment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional tweezers devices require cumbersome manual adjustment of the opening width between the legs using a screw located on the proximal end, necessitating the use of a second hand, which hinders efficient operation.
Innovation Solution
A tweezers device with a rotating shaft connecting the legs, a bias member like a leaf spring to push the legs apart, and a distally positioned width adjustment wheel that can be operated with the thumb, allowing easy adjustment of the opening width without enlarging the device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the screw is arranged on the proximal end to adjust the opening width, then the adjustment function is achieved, but the operation becomes cumbersome requiring a second hand
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment mechanism is inverted from the proximal end to the distal end of the legs. The wheel component is positioned at the distal end where it can be easily operated by the thumb, while the screw mechanism remains functional for adjusting the opening width. This inversion resolves the contradiction by making the adjustment operation simple and accessible without complicating the overall mechanism.
2Ease of operation
If the width adjustment wheel is positioned distally, then ease of operation with thumb is achieved, but device size may increase
Solution Approach 1:
The wheel component is nested within the space between the first leg and the first mounting portion, and also within the space between the second leg and the second mounting portion. This nesting approach allows the adjustment mechanism to be positioned distally for easy thumb operation while utilizing existing spaces in the device structure, thereby avoiding significant increases in device volume.
3Productivity
If the screw is used for adjustment, then precise control is achieved, but the operation requires two hands reducing productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment mechanism is designed to be self-serviceable by the user's dominant hand without requiring assistance from the other hand. The wheel component can be easily rotated by the thumb to adjust the opening width, allowing the user to maintain grip with the holding hand while independently performing the adjustment. This eliminates the need to pause work for two-handed adjustment, thereby improving productivity and reducing adjustment time.
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
Facilitates easy and efficient adjustment of the opening width between the legs, enabling precise handling of small components and dual-use as a soldering iron, while maintaining a compact design.
Implementation Method 1
a bias member to bias said first leg and said second leg in a rotating direction of said rotating shaft, working to push away said first distal end of said first leg and said second distal end of said second leg
Data Source
AI summary
A tweezers device is provided having a first leg, a second leg, and a rotating shaft to rotatably connect the first leg and the second leg. A leaf spring biases the first leg and the second leg in a rotating direction of the rotating shaft, working to push away the end of the first leg and the second leg. An opening width-adjusting member is provided to adjust an acceptable opening width between the end of the first leg and the second leg by the rotation of a width-adjusting wheel. The width-adjusting wheel is positioned distally to the rotating shaft, and is rotatable on the axis along the opening direction of the first leg and the second leg.