As a Product Engineering Intern for IRWIN Tools, I worked with the pliers group to help assist in compound action plier development.
My task was to create a desktop-sized test fixture for force measurement (at the user's hand) of cutting pliers.
The final result was a fixture that did just that, cost under my allotted $2000, and was validated with cutting force data from official Instron measurements. In addition, full documentation was provided for duplication or repair should it be necessary.
Final plier force test fixture ready to use
Sketches of the fixture's sub-systems prior to design and build
Calculations to ensure structural rigidity, and force input of the user at the crank handle
Final CAD for the fixture
The final completed fixture
Key Takeaways:
• Sketching before designing
• Design reviews of iterations with coworkers
• Working on a tight timeline
• Staying budget-conscious while accomplishing goals
• Calculating and confirming prior to building
• Full product documentation