Universal Pliers Trigger Mechanism for Single-Handed Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional universal pliers with quick release mechanisms are not sufficiently convenient for single-handed operation, particularly in releasing objects due to complex locking mechanisms that require two-handed manipulation.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a fixed and movable structure with a quick release mechanism featuring a trigger, resilient locking subunit, and guide slots, allowing the pliers to be operated with one hand by switching between locked and non-locked states using a trigger to pivot the movable pin and release the object.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional locking mechanism is used to retain the rigid connection between handles, then the pliers can firmly clamp objects, but the release operation requires two-handed manipulation and is not convenient for single-handed operation
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is segmented into distinct functional components: a movable pin that can occupy different positions within guide slots, a trigger that pivots to drive the pin, and guide slots with locked/releasing segments. This segmentation allows the complex locking function to be broken down into simpler, more manageable parts that can be operated sequentially with one hand.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable pin is designed to be dynamic, capable of transitioning between different positions (locked position in the locked segment, releasing position in the releasing segment) based on trigger activation. This dynamic positioning allows the mechanism to switch between locked and released states, enabling single-handed operation while maintaining firm clamping when locked.
2Reliability
If the movable pin is restricted from moving by the arcuate slot to maintain firm clamping, then the object is firmly held, but the release button mechanism requires complex two-handed manipulation
Solution Approach 1:
The trigger acts as an intermediary mechanism between the user's finger and the movable pin. When the trigger is pivoted, it drives the movable pin along the guide slots from the locked segment to the releasing segment. This intermediary action allows the user to release the clamping force with a simple single-handed trigger pull rather than complex manual manipulation of the pin itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient member (spring) provides self-service by automatically returning the movable pin to the locked position after release. When the trigger is released, the resilient member's elastic force automatically drives the pin back to the locked segment, re-engaging the locking mechanism without requiring additional user action. This ensures the pliers automatically return to the clamping state.
3Ease of operation
If a simple release mechanism is used to allow single-handed operation, then convenience is improved, but the locking reliability and firm clamping capability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The guide slots are pre-designed with specific geometric features including locked segments and releasing segments. The movable pin is pre-positioned in the locked segment during normal operation. When release is needed, the trigger pivots to drive the pin along the predetermined path through the guide slots to the releasing segment. This preliminary design of the path and positions ensures reliable locking during clamping while enabling convenient single-handed release.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide slots incorporate curved or arcuate geometries that guide the movable pin smoothly between locked and releasing positions. The curved path ensures the pin remains properly engaged with the locking structures during transition, maintaining reliability. The arcuate shape also allows the trigger to efficiently transfer motion to the pin throughout the release arc, enabling smooth single-handed operation.
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 single-handed operation of the universal pliers, allowing for easy clamping and releasing of objects with reduced complexity and increased user convenience.
Implementation Method 1
a resilient member connected between the movable pin and the rear movable handle plate to resiliently bias the resilient locking subunit towards the locked state
Implementation Method 2
The pulling member is connected between the movable pin and the trigger, such that the pivot action of the trigger drives the resilient locking subunit to switch between a locked state
Data Source
AI summary
A pair of universal pliers includes a fixed structure, a movable structure movably connected to the fixed structure and including front and rear movable handle plates, and a quick release mechanism including a trigger and a resilient locking subunit. The resilient locking subunit includes a movable pin inserted through and slidable along a first guide slot of the front movable handle plate and a second guide slot of the rear movable handle plate. The resilient locking subunit is switchable between a locked state where the rear movable handle plate cannot pivot relative to the front movable handle plate and a non-locked state where the rear movable handle plate can pivot relative to the front movable handle plate.