Vee-Configured Tweezer Tip for Stable Object Constraint
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tweezer designs often fail to securely grip a wide variety of work objects due to inadequate constraining mechanisms, relying heavily on operator skill and manual dexterity to prevent objects from shifting or dislodging during manipulation.
Innovation Solution
A tweezer tip structure featuring two vee-configured gripping tip bodies on one beam and a single opposing tip body that directs force to push the work object into contact with the vee tips, forming two lines of contact and providing stable support independent of object diameter, with optional variations in included angle and surface geometry to accommodate different shapes and sizes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional flat or tapered tip bodies are used, then the tweezer can grip a wide variety of work object shapes, but the work object is not well constrained and relies on operator skill to prevent shifting or dislodging
Solution Approach 1:
The tip body is segmented into multiple gripping surfaces (first and second gripping surfaces forming a V-configuration) instead of a single flat surface. This segmentation allows the tip to constrain work objects in multiple degrees of freedom, providing reliable gripping security while maintaining versatility across different object shapes and sizes.
2Device complexity
If simple flat gripping surfaces are used, then the tweezer structure remains simple, but the gripping contact pressure is insufficient to securely constrain work objects
Solution Approach 1:
The gripping surfaces are configured asymmetrically in a V-shape arrangement rather than using simple parallel flat surfaces. This asymmetric configuration concentrates the gripping force onto specific contact points, increasing the effective contact pressure on work objects while maintaining a relatively simple overall tip structure.
3Device complexity
If operator skill and manual dexterity are relied upon to secure work objects, then the tweezer design remains simple, but the work object may inadvertently shift or dislodge during manipulation
Solution Approach 1:
The V-configured gripping surfaces automatically constrain work objects in multiple degrees of freedom through their geometric arrangement. This self-constraining mechanism eliminates the need for operator skill to prevent shifting or dislodging, as the tip structure itself provides the constraint stability through its inherent geometry.
Data Source
AI summary
A tweezer device and method of using that provides an improved gripping tip concept for gripping a work object. The tweezer device comprises two gripping tip bodies arranged in a symmetric vee configuration supported on a first flexible tweezer beam, and a third gripping tip body supported on a second flexible tweezer beam arranged in such a manner that the third gripping tip body engages a work object and directs a force on the work object that is approximately coplanar with the plane of symmetry of the vee configured structure in a manner that pushes the work object into contact with the two vee configured gripping tip bodies thus forming two lines of contact between the work object and the vee configured tip bodies.