u/lcaris

Hey everyone,

I’m looking to hire an Industrial Designer to help refine the aesthetic and ergonomics of a completely new type of adjustable wrench.

I am currently patent-pending on the design and already have a functional, 3D-printed prototype built. The core mechanism is based on a sliding iris (aperture) layout that serves as a direct upgrade to a traditional Crescent wrench for similar daily applications. After digging through roughly a thousand prior art patents, I'm confident this fills a genuinely unique gap in the tool space.

Now, I need the styling to match how revolutionary the function is—and I’m self-aware enough to recognize that my own CAD styling can only go so far.

Key Advantages

Automatically Sizes Itself: Adapts instantly to a wide range of fasteners without manual adjustment. No more worm gear!
Load-Adaptive Grip: The harder you pull, the tighter the iris mechanism grips the fastener. Theoretically can’t slip, and reduces the chance of rounding bolts
Continuous Ratcheting: Operates without a traditional ratchet and pawl for no lift operation
One-Handed Operation: Self-clamping (vs pliers style) and true one-handed operation for ease of use

Design Constraints & Challenges

The Head is Functional: The geometry of the wrench head is tightly coupled to the internal kinematics of the sliding iris. While the handle is a wide-open canvas for styling and grip ergonomics, the head geometry has strict functional boundaries.
Assembly Details: The head enclosure is currently secured via 3 screws, which will need to be thoughtfully integrated into the final industrial design.
Part Count: The total assembly consists of 10 components.

If you’re interested in collaborating on a tangible, mechanical hardware project from prototype to production-ready surfacing, please DM me with a link to your portfolio and your standard rates.

My background/use case: I’ve never used a CNC machine before, but I want to get a 5 Axis CNC to start making metal prototypes of my inventions (two novel hand tools and a clipboard). The tools need to be made in steel, which I plan to heat treat after CNC, so the ability to machine carbon steels like 4340 is critical. The tolerances need to be rather tight, another factor in the final machine choice.

In trying to work with a Chinese company and having a nightmare with them continually changing the prices (weeks or months after the designs were approved, quoted and paid) has led me to want to learn how to make these prototypes myself.

I understand that desktop machines are easily outcompeted by many of the brands and machines that most of you use. However, I have very limited space in my garage, and as I’m coming from 3D printing, the idea of having a desktop machine that has intuitive CAM SW similar to what I’m used to with 3D printers makes sense for me and my use case— if and only if they’re capable of machining steels (as they vaguely advertise).

I’ve narrowed the options down to three, and created a table comparing the specs. If I’ve left off any specs that would be helpful in terms of giving feedback, let me know!

Thanks in advance!

[Hiring] Industrial Designer for patent-pending mechanical wrench (sliding iris mechanism)

Need Advice on New 5-Axis KS Desktop CNC Machines