One-Handed Wire Alignment Tool with Integrated Solder Feeder
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wire alignment tools for soldering do not provide secure yet adjustable clamping mechanisms for holding two wires in position, nor do they efficiently feed solder to the joining point, often requiring additional hands or complex mechanisms, and lack a compact, durable design.
Innovation Solution
A one-handed wire alignment tool with a grip for solder storage, a thumb wheel for advancing solder, and clamping assemblies with secure yet adjustable jaws to hold wires in place, allowing for easy solder advancement to the joining point.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a wire alignment tool is designed to hold wires securely during soldering, then the stability and positioning accuracy improve, but the device complexity increases due to additional clamping mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into a single integrated tool: the clamping assembly, solder feeder, and wire positioning guide are merged into one device. This allows secure wire holding while maintaining relative simplicity through functional integration rather than separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The tool is designed as a multi-functional device that simultaneously performs wire clamping, solder feeding, and alignment guidance. The single tool serves multiple purposes during the soldering process, reducing the need for separate specialized components for each function.
2Ease of operation
If a thumb wheel mechanism is used to advance solder, then the ease of operation improves for one-handed use, but the device complexity increases due to the feeding mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The thumb wheel mechanism is designed to be operated by the natural thumb motion of the user's hand while gripping the tool. The mechanism leverages the user's own hand structure and motion to perform the solder feeding action, making it intuitive and easy to operate without requiring complex control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex automated feeding mechanisms with a simple manual thumb wheel that directly engages the solder wire. This mechanical substitution uses straightforward rotational motion to advance the solder, eliminating the need for motors, sensors, or complex control circuits while maintaining ease of one-handed operation.
3Productivity
If the tool is designed for one-handed operation, then the productivity improves by freeing the other hand for soldering, but the device complexity increases to integrate all functions in one hand-held unit
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the wire alignment, clamping, and solder feeding functions into a single hand-held tool that can be operated with one hand. This integration allows the user to perform multiple functions simultaneously without requiring multiple separate tools or additional hands, thereby improving soldering productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The tool is segmented into distinct functional modules: a handle for gripping, a clamping assembly for securing wires, a thumb wheel for solder feeding, and a guide for wire alignment. This segmentation allows each function to be independently optimized while maintaining overall integration within a compact one-handed form factor.
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 secure, efficient, and adjustable alignment of wires for soldering with minimal hand use, providing a compact and durable solution for multiplicity of soldering operations while being cost-effective.
Implementation Method 1
a thumb wheel that engages the solder and advances it
Data Source
AI summary
A wire alignment tool for use during soldering is disclosed. The tool includes a handle configured to contain a supply of solder, a solder advancement mechanism constructed and arranged to move the supply of solder from the handle to a soldering locus, and a clamping mechanism constructed and arranged to maintain two or more wires to be soldered at the soldering locus.