Cross drive and method of forming and using same

Abstract

As an embodiment, a cross driver is disclosed. The disclosed cross driver includes an axially elongated driver body extending from a first end to a second end; a plurality of slots formed radially about a centerline of the driver body, wherein each slot of the plurality of slots includes: a pair of driving surfaces, wherein each driving surface of the pair of driving surfaces is substantially opposite the other driving surface; a transition surface extending between the pair of driving surfaces; and at least one rib formed in each pair of driving surfaces, wherein the at least one rib extends toward the transition surface.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 18 / 613,096, filed March 21, 2024, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference as if fully set forth in this specification. Background Technology

[0003] Cross-shaped actuators (such as Phillips head actuators) may slip off the head of the corresponding fastener when subjected to high torque. Repeated slippage or cam-out processes can cause fastener deformation and other damage, and may also damage the actuator itself. As used herein, "cam-out" describes a load and mechanical condition in which, under torsional loads, the actuator slips off the fastener and otherwise unintentionally disengages from it. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The embodiments described herein relate to a cross-shaped actuator and tool configured to reduce the effects of cam disengagement by increasing mechanical engagement with a corresponding fastener. The disclosed cross-shaped actuator and tool enable the application of large torque loads mechanically to the corresponding fasteners while reducing the likelihood of cam disengagement leading to damage or deformation of any component. The disclosed cross-shaped actuator and tool include axially extending ribs formed on each of the respective drive surfaces within four quadrants defined as part of a cross-shaped shape.

[0005] In one embodiment, a cross-shaped actuator is disclosed. The cross-shaped actuator includes an axially elongated actuator body extending from a first end to a second end; a plurality of slots formed radially around a centerline of the actuator body. Each of the plurality of slots further includes a pair of drive surfaces, wherein each of the pair of drive surfaces is substantially opposite to the other drive surface; a transition surface extending between the pair of drive surfaces; and at least one rib formed in each pair of drive surfaces, wherein the at least one rib extends toward the transition surface.

[0006] In one embodiment of the cross-shaped actuator, the elongated actuator body is made of round bar stock.

[0007] In one embodiment of the cross-shaped actuator, the elongated actuator body includes a hexagonal cross-section.

[0008] In one embodiment of the cross-shaped actuator, the first end of the elongated actuator body includes at least a first tapered portion.

[0009] In one embodiment of the cross-shaped actuator, the plurality of slots are formed around the centerline at 90-degree intervals.

[0010] In one embodiment of the cross-shaped actuator, the pair of driving surfaces are non-parallel surfaces, and the distance between the pair of driving surfaces increases with the distance away from the transition surface.

[0011] In one embodiment of the cross-shaped actuator, the transition surface separates each of the pair of drive surfaces, and the transition surface is arranged at an obtuse angle relative to the pair of drive surfaces.

[0012] In one embodiment of the cross-shaped actuator, the transition surface and the pair of drive surfaces are combined with an irregular surface treatment.

[0013] In one embodiment of the cross-shaped actuator, the irregular surface treatment is a particulate surface treatment applied to increase surface friction.

[0014] In one embodiment of the cross-shaped actuator, each of the slots is formed at a first angle α relative to the centerline of the actuator body.

[0015] In one embodiment of the cross-shaped actuator, the at least one rib is arranged to be inclined relative to the centerline of the actuator body.

[0016] In one embodiment of the cross-shaped actuator, the at least one rib includes a first rib and a second rib, the first rib being formed on a first surface of the pair of drive surfaces, the second rib being formed on a second surface of the pair of drive surfaces, and the first rib extending toward the second rib.

[0017] In one embodiment of the cross-shaped driver, at least the first rib is a pointed rib including a apex.

[0018] In one embodiment of the cross-shaped actuator, at least the first rib is a round-headed rib.

[0019] In one embodiment of the cross-shaped actuator, the first rib is substantially parallel to the second rib.

[0020] In one embodiment of the cross-shaped actuator, the first rib and the second rib extend from the first end of the actuator body toward the second end.

[0021] In another embodiment, a method for forming a cross-shaped actuator is disclosed. The method includes securing an axially elongated actuator body having a first end and a second end, wherein the second end is engaged by a clamp, and wherein the first end extends away from the secured second end; and forming a plurality of grooves at the first end of the axially elongated actuator body. The method further includes forming each of the plurality of grooves by indexing the clamp to position the axially elongated actuator body in a shaped position; and forming a pair of drive surfaces separated by a transition surface, wherein each of the pair of drive surfaces is substantially opposite to the other drive surface and includes at least one rib formed in each pair of drive surfaces, wherein the at least one rib extends toward the transition surface.

[0022] In one embodiment of the method, the clamp is a radially symmetrical chuck.

[0023] In one embodiment of the method, the forming positions are arranged at 90° intervals.

[0024] In one embodiment of the method, the method further includes applying a particulate surface to each of the pair of driving surfaces, such that the particulate surface is configured to increase surface friction.

[0025] In one embodiment of the method, forming the rib includes forming a pointed rib including a vertex.

[0026] In one embodiment of the method, forming the rib includes forming a rounded rib.

[0027] In one embodiment of the method, the plurality of slots are aligned at an angle relative to the centerline of the axial elongated driver body.

[0028] In another embodiment, a cross-shaped actuator tool is disclosed. A handle of the cross-shaped actuator tool supports a tool shaft, wherein the tool shaft extends along a centerline of the handle; and an axially elongated actuator extends along the centerline from a first end of the tool shaft opposite the handle. The axially elongated actuator includes a plurality of slots formed radially around the centerline. Each of the plurality of slots includes a pair of drive surfaces, wherein each of the pair of drive surfaces is substantially opposite to the other drive surface; and at least one rib formed in each pair of drive surfaces, wherein the at least one rib extends toward one of the drive surfaces in the pair of drive surfaces.

[0029] In another embodiment, a method for reducing cam disengagement is disclosed using a cross-shaped actuator, the cross-shaped actuator including a handle disposed at a second end of a tool shaft and a plurality of slots disposed at a first end of the tool shaft. The method includes inserting the plurality of slots into complementary plurality of recesses formed within a fastener head; applying a torque load about a centerline of the tool shaft, wherein the torque load is applied to the handle; and, in response to the applied torque load, engaging a pair of drive surfaces formed as part of each of the plurality of slots with complementary receiving surfaces formed within each of the plurality of recesses within the fastener head. The method further includes engaging the pair of drive surfaces by engaging at least one rib formed in each pair of drive surfaces, wherein the at least one rib extends toward the complementary receiving surface formed within the fastener head.

[0030] Other embodiments will become clear to those skilled in the art upon reading the following detailed description and referring to the accompanying drawings where appropriate. Attached Figure Description

[0031] This article describes exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0032] Figure 1A A tool including a cross-shaped driver is shown according to an example embodiment.

[0033] Figure 1B The diagram illustrates a parallel between a specific embodiment and... Figure 1A Tool-compatible fasteners.

[0034] Figure 2 A perspective view of a cross-shaped driver according to an example embodiment is shown.

[0035] Figure 3 A top view of a cross-shaped drive according to an example embodiment is shown.

[0036] Figure 3A An example embodiment of a method for manufacturing is shown. Figure 3 The outline of the cross-shaped driver is shown.

[0037] Figure 4 A side view of a cross-shaped driver according to an example embodiment is shown.

[0038] Figure 4A The tool path for manufacturing a cross-shaped drive is shown according to an example embodiment.

[0039] Figure 4B The tool path for manufacturing a cross-shaped drive is shown according to another example embodiment.

[0040] Figure 5A perspective view of the tip of a cross-shaped actuator according to an example embodiment is shown.

[0041] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating a method for reducing cam disengagement according to an example embodiment.

[0042] Figure 7 This is a flowchart illustrating a method for forming a cross-shaped actuator according to an example embodiment.

[0043] The accompanying drawings are schematic and not necessarily drawn to scale. In the drawings, unless the context otherwise requires, similar symbols are generally used to identify similar parts. Detailed Implementation

[0044] I. Introduction

[0045] This patent document describes exemplary embodiments of a cross-shaped actuator. The cross-shaped actuator disclosed in the exemplary embodiments can be implemented as part of a hand tool, as a bit actuator, or as another tool intended to engage fasteners. The cross-shaped actuator of the exemplary embodiments incorporates a profile configured to restrict and otherwise prevent cam disengagement between the actuator and the complementary fastener. In other words, the construction and profile of the disclosed cross-shaped actuator prevent the actuator from disengaging from the complementary fastener under torsional loads.

[0046] The disclosed cross-shaped actuator provides a user with an actuator by which high torque loads are mechanically applied to the corresponding fastener while reducing the likelihood of cam disengagement or damage to any component. The disclosed cross-shaped actuator includes slots incorporating axially extending ribs formed on each of the respective drive surfaces within four quadrants defined as part of the cross-shaped shape. For example, in the disclosed configuration, the four quadrants correspond to slots spaced at ninety-degree (90°) intervals around the centerline of the actuator, hand tool, and other axial elongated shafts. Similarly, the axially extending ribs formed as part of each slot are arranged inclined relative to the centerline of the actuator, hand tool, and other axial elongated shafts.

[0047] II. Exemplary cross-shaped drive

[0048] Figure 1A An example embodiment of a hand tool 100 according to an exemplary embodiment is shown. The hand tool 100 includes an elongated shaft 102 having a first end 104 and a second end 106. The elongated shaft 102 extends along a centerline CL and supports a handle 108 at the second end 106. The first end 104 may be configured as a cross-shaped actuator 110. The elongated shaft 102 may be manufactured from bar stock, such as heat-treated round bar stock. In some embodiments, the elongated shaft 102 may be manufactured from bar stock having a hexagonal cross-section. The elongated shaft 102 may be hardened and heat-treated.

[0049] Figure 1B An example embodiment of a complementary fastener 120 configured to receive a cross-shaped actuator 110 of a hand tool 100 is shown. The complementary fastener 120 includes a complementary recess 122, the size and shape of which are configured to mechanically receive and engage the cross-shaped actuator 110.

[0050] Figure 2 An enlarged perspective view of the cross-shaped actuator 110 is shown. As shown, the cross-shaped actuator 110 is configured to resist cam disengagement and ensure mechanical contact when torque is applied to the complementary fastener 120. The cross-shaped actuator 110 may be manufactured as a drive head 200 comprising extending axially along a centerline CL from a first end 104 to a second end 206.

[0051] The drive head 200, which incorporates the cross-shaped drive 110, can be formed to include slots 214 machined into each quadrant that is part of the cross-shaped shape. In other words, the drive head 200 includes four (4) slots milled, ground, or otherwise machined into the elongated shaft 102 at ninety-degree (90°) intervals around the centerline CL.

[0052] For example, each groove 214 formed in the drive head 200 extends axially between a first end 104 and a second end 208 defined substantially adjacent to a second end 206. Each groove 214 includes a pair of drive surfaces 210 that are connected to each other and separated by a transition surface 212. The pair of drive surfaces 210 are substantially opposing surfaces that combine to form a generally V-shaped configuration in each groove 214. Each drive surface 210 may also include a rib 216 extending axially along a length of a centerline defined as part of an elongated axis 102. Each rib 216 extends outward from one drive surface 210 and toward a complementary rib 216 formed in the opposing drive surfaces 210 of the pair of drive surfaces 210.

[0053] Figure 3 A top view is shown of the first end 104 of a drive head 200 configured to include a cross-shaped actuator 110. The cross-shaped actuator 110 comprises four quadrants, designated Q1-Q4, arranged at 90-degree intervals (90°) around a center line CL. As shown, each of the four quadrants is substantially identical and symmetrical to one or more of the remaining quadrants.

[0054] For example, such as Figure 3As shown, the first quadrant (Q1) depicts a pair of drive surfaces 210 forming a generally V-shaped configuration. Each of the pair of drive surfaces 210 includes a rib 216. Each drive surface 210 and corresponding rib 216 can be identified as drive surface 210a and rib 216a, and drive surface 210b and rib 216b, respectively. Each drive surface 210a and drive surface 210b can be separated from each other by a transition surface 212. Rib 216a extends obliquely relative to the centerline CL as part of drive surface 210a. Similarly, rib 216b extends obliquely relative to the centerline CL as part of drive surface 210b. As shown, ribs 216a and 216b extend along the centerline CL such that they are arranged neither parallel to nor perpendicular to the centerline CL. The second quadrant (Q2), third quadrant (Q3), and fourth quadrant (Q4) may each have similar features and elements to the first quadrant (Q1).

[0055] Figure 3A The outline 300 characterizing the generally V-shaped structure is shown. Outline 300 reflects an example of the generally V-shaped structure formed as part of the groove 214. Figure 3 As shown, each of quadrants Q1 to Q4 extends 90° around the centerline CL, and, for example, when forming each groove 214, a generally V-shaped configuration of profile 300 may extend around the centerline CL. In some embodiments, the generally V-shaped configuration may be formed to present a Phillips configuration or a Pozidriv configuration. For example, profile 300 may be a tool profile. The tool profile including profile 300 may be the shape of an exemplary cutting or grinding tool configured to create grooves 214 in an elongated shaft 102. In some embodiments, transition surface 212 may be a continuous surface extending between drive surface 210a and rib 216a and drive surface 210b and rib 216b. In some embodiments, each rib 216a, rib 216b may be a pointed rib extending inward toward the centerline CL and terminating at a apex. In some embodiments, each rib 216a, rib 216b may be a rounded rib extending inward toward the centerline CL. In some embodiments, each rib 216a may be embodied as a plurality of ribs, and rib 216b may be embodied as a plurality of ribs, such that these ribs extend inward toward the centerline CL of the groove 214.

[0056] Figure 4 A side view of a cross-shaped actuator 110 is shown, which is arranged to engage a corresponding fastener 120 via a first end 104. Figure 4 It also describes, as mentioned above, about Figure 3AThe groove 214 discussed is formed as part of the first quadrant (Q1). As shown in Q1, as part of the drive surface 210, the groove 214 includes a rib 216 extending parallel to the centerline CL between the first end 104 and a position 208 substantially adjacent to the second end 206. Similarly, as part of the opposite drive surface 210, the groove 214 includes a mirror version of the rib 216 extending parallel to the centerline CL.

[0057] Figure 4 The diagram also depicts a cross-shaped actuator 110 formed as part of an elongated shaft 102, which may be a round bar having a first width or cross-section at distance 230. The elongated shaft 102, such as a round bar, may also include a first tapered portion at distance 240 and a second tapered portion at distance 250. A first end 104 may include additional tapered portions or tips to aid engagement with a corresponding fastener. In some embodiments, the elongated shaft 102 may include a hexagonal cross-section. For example, a bar having a hexagonal cross-section may be cut to a desired length to form the elongated shaft 102.

[0058] Figure 4A and Figure 4B This shows, for example, how to include Figure 3A The example shown illustrates a carbide tool with profile 300 forming a groove 214 in each of quadrants Q1-Q4. For instance, the centerline CL of the carbide tool and profile 300 can be aligned with the centerline CL of the elongated shaft 102 and used to machine each groove 214. In one example, alignment between the carbide tool and the centerline CL of the elongated shaft 102 can be achieved by holding the workpiece in the desired position using a radially symmetrical jig or chuck. In operation, the chuck can be configured to index the workpiece at 90-degree intervals.

[0059] Figure 4A An example of an elongated shaft 102 is shown with its first end 104 superimposed with a rotary path 400 of a carbide tool, for example, including a profile 300. As the rotary path 400 removes material along the machining path 402 in the direction indicated by arrow A, grooves 214 and ribs 216 are formed. In this configuration, the elongated shaft 102 and the first end 104 may be further tapered, shaped, or otherwise machined in one or more additional steps.

[0060] exist Figure 4B In the alternative configuration shown, the elongated shaft 102 can be a machined blank including a tapered portion identified as 250. Figure 4BThe first end 104 of the elongated shaft 102 is shown as a tapered end, overlaid with a rotational path 400 of an exemplary carbide tool including profile 300. Because the tapered end contains less material, the groove 214 and rib 216 can be formed at a higher speed because the rotational path 400 requires the removal of less material along the machining path 402 in the direction indicated by arrow A. The machining path 402 can be defined at an angle α relative to the centerline CL. By adjusting the angle α relative to the centerline, the overall size and shape of the cross-shaped actuator 110 can be defined. The angle α reflects a corresponding angle formed as part of the wall of the complementary recess 122 formed in the complementary fastener 120. Different dimensions of the cross-shaped actuator 110 can be defined based on angular offset, the dimensions of the elongated shaft, and other physical characteristics of the hand tool 100.

[0061] Figure 5 A perspective view of a cross-shaped actuator 110 is shown, which is arranged to engage a corresponding fastener via a first end 104. The cross shape includes four slots 214, which are equidistantly arranged around a center line CL in a quadrant (e.g., ...). Figure 3 (Q1-Q4 shown). Each pair of drive surfaces 210, defined as part of the groove 214, is formed with ribs 216 extending along the length of the groove 214, such that the two features are aligned substantially parallel to the centerline CL and inclined relative to the centerline CL.

[0062] The arrangement of each rib 216 relative to the slot 214 limits the clearance between the cross-shaped actuator 110 and the complementary fastener 120. In effect, increasing the number of ribs 216 reduces the mechanical clearance between the drive surface 210 and the wall of the complementary recess 122. This reduction in mechanical clearance prevents slippage between the cross-shaped actuator 110 and the corresponding fastener 120. For example, when a torque load is applied via the handle 108, the reduced clearance helps prevent cam disengagement between the cross-shaped actuator 110 and the corresponding fastener 120.

[0063] In other examples, surface treatments or other means of increasing mechanical friction may be applied to the drive surface and corresponding ribs to further reduce clearance and increase the mechanical engagement between the driver and the fastener. Exemplary surface treatments and surface finishing processes may be applied to enhance the appearance, corrosion resistance, and other properties of the cross-shaped driver 110. For example, surface treatments may include polishing, grinding, or coating with materials such as chromium or nickel. In other embodiments, surface treatments may also include the deposition of tungsten carbide, carbide, ceramic, or diamond particles.

[0064] Figure 6This is a flowchart related to an example of forming a cross-shaped actuator. The method at 602 includes securing an axially elongated actuator body having a first end and a second end, wherein the second end is engaged by a clamp, and wherein the first end extends away from the secured second end. The method continues at 604 by forming a plurality of slots at the first end of the axially elongated actuator body. As specified in the method at 606, forming each of the plurality of slots includes indexing the clamp to position the axially elongated actuator body in a shaped position. The method at 608 further includes, for each of the plurality of slots, forming a pair of drive surfaces separated by a transition surface, wherein each of the pair of drive surfaces is substantially opposite to the other drive surface and includes ribs formed in each pair of drive surfaces, wherein the ribs are arranged obliquely relative to the centerline of the actuator body and extend toward the transition surface.

[0065] Figure 7 This is a flowchart relating to an example method for reducing cam disengagement. The disclosed example method utilizes a cross-shaped actuator 110, which includes a handle 108 positioned at a second end 106 of a tool shaft and a plurality of slots 214 disposed at a first end 104 of the tool shaft. At 702, the method includes engaging and inserting the plurality of slots 214 with a plurality of complementary recesses 122 formed within a fastener 120. At 704, the method continues by applying a torque load about a centerline CL of the elongated shaft 120, wherein the torque load is applied to the handle 108. At 706, the method continues such that, in response to the applied torque load, a pair of drive surfaces formed as part of each of the plurality of slots engages with a complementary receiving surface within each of the plurality of recesses formed within the fastener head. At 708, the method further includes engaging ribs formed in each pair of drive surfaces, wherein the ribs are arranged obliquely relative to the centerline of the tool shaft and extend toward the complementary receiving surface formed within the fastener head.

[0066] IV. Conclusion

[0067] It should be understood that the arrangements described herein and / or shown in the accompanying drawings are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to be limiting. Therefore, those skilled in the art will recognize that other arrangements and elements (e.g., machines, interfaces, functions, sequences, and / or functional groupings) may be used alternatively, and some elements may be omitted entirely.

[0068] While various aspects and embodiments have been described herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for illustrative purposes and are not intended to be limiting; the true scope is indicated by the full scope of the claims and their equivalents. It should also be understood that the terminology used herein is for descriptive purposes only and is not intended to be limiting.

[0069] In this specification, the articles “a,” “an,” and “the” are used to introduce elements and / or functions of the example embodiments. The intent of using these articles is that one or more of the introduced elements and / or functions are present.

[0070] In this specification, the use of the term “and / or” within a list of at least two elements or functions, and the use of the terms “at least one of…”, “at least one of the following”, “one or more of…”, “from one or more of…” and “one or more of the following” immediately preceding a list of at least two components or functions, are intended to cover each embodiment that independently includes the listed components or functions as well as each embodiment that includes a combination of the listed components or functions. For example, embodiments described as including A, B, and / or C, or at least one of A, B, and C, or at least one of A, B, or C, or at least one of A, B, or C, or one or more of A, B, and C, or one or more of A, B, and C, or one or more of A, B, or C, are intended to cover each of the following possible embodiments: (i) embodiments including A but not B and not C, (ii) embodiments including B but not A and not C, (iii) embodiments including C but not A and not B, (iv) embodiments including A and B but not C, (v) embodiments including A and C but not B, (v) embodiments including B and C but not A, and / or (vi) embodiments including A, B, and C. For embodiments including component or function A, the embodiment may include one or more A's. For embodiments including component or function B, the embodiment may include one or more B's. For embodiments that include a component or function C, the embodiment may include one C or more Cs. Based on the above examples and at least some example embodiments, "A" may represent a component, "B" may represent a system, and "C" may represent a symptom.

[0071] Unless the context of using these terms explicitly indicates otherwise, ordinal numbers such as “first,” “second,” and “third” are used to distinguish the corresponding elements, not to indicate the order of these elements. Furthermore, the description of a “first” element (e.g., the first plate) does not require the existence of a second element or any other element (e.g., the second plate).

Claims

1. A cross-shaped actuator, comprising: An axially elongated actuator body extending from the first end to the second end; A plurality of slots are formed radially around the centerline of the driver body, wherein each of the plurality of slots includes: A pair of driving surfaces, wherein each of the pair of driving surfaces is substantially opposite to the other driving surface; A transition surface extends between the pair of driving surfaces; and At least one rib is formed in each pair of drive surfaces, wherein the at least one rib extends toward the transition surface.

2. The cross-shaped actuator according to claim 1, wherein, The elongated actuator body is made of round bar material.

3. The cross-shaped actuator according to claim 1, wherein, The elongated actuator body has a hexagonal cross-section.

4. The cross-shaped actuator according to claim 1, wherein, The first end of the elongated driver body includes at least a first tapered portion.

5. The cross-shaped actuator according to claim 1, wherein, The plurality of grooves are formed around the center line at 90-degree intervals.

6. The cross-shaped actuator according to claim 1, wherein, The pair of driving surfaces are non-parallel surfaces, and the distance between the pair of driving surfaces increases with the distance away from the transition surface.

7. The cross-shaped actuator according to claim 1, wherein, The transition surface separates each of the pair of drive surfaces, and the transition surface is arranged at an obtuse angle relative to the pair of drive surfaces.

8. The cross-shaped actuator according to claim 1, wherein, The transition surface and the pair of driving surfaces combine to form an irregular surface.

9. The cross-shaped actuator according to claim 8, wherein, The irregular surface is a particle surface to which increased surface friction is applied.

10. The cross-shaped actuator according to claim 1, wherein, Each of the slots is formed at a first angle α relative to the centerline of the driver body.

11. The cross-shaped actuator according to claim 1, wherein, The at least one rib is arranged to be inclined relative to the centerline of the driver body.

12. The cross-shaped actuator according to claim 1, wherein, The at least one rib includes a first rib and a second rib, wherein the first rib is formed on a first surface of the pair of drive surfaces, wherein the second rib is formed on a second surface of the pair of drive surfaces, and wherein the first rib extends toward the second rib.

13. The cross-shaped actuator according to claim 12, wherein, At least the first rib is a pointed rib including its apex.

14. The cross-shaped actuator according to claim 12, wherein, At least the first rib is a round-headed rib.

15. The cross-shaped actuator according to claim 12, wherein, The first rib is substantially parallel to the second rib.

16. The cross-shaped actuator according to claim 12, wherein, The first rib and the second rib extend from the first end of the driver body toward the second end.

17. A method of forming a cross-shaped actuator, the method comprising: An axially elongated driver body having a first end and a second end is fixed, wherein the second end is engaged by a clamp, and wherein the first end extends away from the fixed second end; A plurality of grooves are formed at the first end of the axially elongated actuator body, wherein each of the plurality of grooves comprises: The fixture is indexed to position the axially elongated actuator body in the forming position; and A pair of drive surfaces separated by a transition surface are formed, wherein each of the pair of drive surfaces is substantially opposite to the other drive surface and includes at least one rib formed in each pair of drive surfaces, wherein the at least one rib extends toward the transition surface.

18. The method of claim 17, further comprising: A particulate surface is applied to each of the pair of driving surfaces, such that the particulate surface is configured to increase surface friction.

19. The method of claim 17, wherein, Forming the at least one rib includes forming a pointed rib including a apex.

20. The method of claim 17, wherein, Forming the at least one rib includes forming a round-headed rib.

21. The method according to claim 17, wherein, The plurality of slots are aligned at an angle relative to the centerline of the axial elongated drive body.

22. A cross-shaped driver tool, comprising: A handle that supports a tool shaft, wherein the tool shaft extends along the centerline of the handle; An axially elongated actuator extending along the centerline from a first end of the tool shaft opposite the handle, wherein the axially elongated actuator comprises: A plurality of grooves are formed radially around the centerline, wherein each of the plurality of grooves includes: A pair of driving surfaces, wherein each of the pair of driving surfaces is substantially opposite to the other driving surface; and At least one rib is formed in each pair of drive surfaces, wherein the at least one rib extends toward one of the drive surfaces in the pair of drive surfaces.

23. A method for reducing cam disengagement using a cross-shaped actuator, the cross-shaped actuator comprising a handle located at a second end of a tool shaft and a plurality of slots disposed at a first end of the tool shaft, wherein, The method includes: The plurality of slots are inserted into complementary recesses formed within the fastener head; A torque load is applied around the centerline of the tool axis, wherein the torque load is applied to the handle; and In response to an applied torque load, a pair of drive surfaces, formed as part of each of the plurality of slots, engage with complementary receiving surfaces, the complementary receiving surfaces being formed within each of the plurality of recesses in the fastener head, wherein engaging the pair of drive surfaces includes: At least one rib formed in each pair of drive surfaces engages, wherein the at least one rib extends toward the complementary receiving surface formed within the fastener head.

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