Adjustable Fastener Tool with Sliding Jaws for Torque and Grip

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fastener tools, such as box-end wrenches and sockets, require multiple sizes to accommodate various fasteners, and current adjustable tools like crescent wrenches and Bionic Wrench™ limit torque and rotational range due to inadequate grip on fasteners, often damaging them.

Innovation Solution

An adjustable fastener engaging tool with a retainer and multiple jaws that can be actuated to securely grip the facets and corners of fasteners, allowing for a wide range of sizes to be accommodated with a single handle, providing maximal rotational range and preserving fastener integrity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple sizes of box-end wrenches and sockets are used to accommodate various fasteners, then all fastener sizes can be securely gripped, but the device complexity and quantity of tools required increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefastener size accommodationVSAvoidnumber of wrench sets

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal wrench that can accommodate multiple fastener sizes through a single device. The adjustable jaw mechanism allows the wrench to adapt to different fastener dimensions, eliminating the need for multiple specialized wrenches and sockets for various fastener sizes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs dynamic adjustment capabilities through movable jaws that can be repositioned along the wrench body. This dynamic structure allows the wrench to change its gripping dimensions on-demand, providing versatility across different fastener sizes without requiring multiple static tool configurations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If an adjustable open-end wrench (crescent wrench) is used to reduce the number of wrenches, then convenience is improved, but the torque application capability deteriorates due to gripping only two faces and two corners

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconvenience of useVSAvoidtorque application capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the gripping surface into multiple segments or contact points along the jaw edges. Instead of a single curved gripping surface like traditional crescent wrenches, the jaw is segmented to provide multiple flat contact surfaces that can engage with multiple faces of the fastener, distributing the torque load more effectively.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies different local qualities to different portions of the jaw, creating specific gripping zones with optimized geometries. Certain sections of the jaw have flat surfaces for face contact while other sections have angled surfaces for corner engagement, allowing simultaneous multi-point contact that enhances torque capability while maintaining adjustability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Adaptability or versatility

If a plier-type closed-end wrench (Bionic Wrench) is used to achieve one-size-fits-most capability, then adaptability is improved, but the torque application and rotational range are limited due to two-handle operation and middle-face gripping

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveone-size-fits-most capabilityVSAvoidtorque application

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the traditional plier mechanism by using a fixed handle and an adjustable jaw assembly instead of two movable handles. This inversion allows the wrench to function more like a traditional single-handle wrench while incorporating adjustable features, thereby restoring full rotational range and improved torque application through a single-lever action.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent copies the essential gripping function from plier-type wrenches but implements it through a different mechanical approach. Instead of using two handles that squeeze together, the patent uses a single handle with an adjustable jaw that can be positioned to match various fastener sizes, achieving adaptability without compromising torque or rotation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

4Adaptability or versatility

If a socket with spring-loaded pins is used to grip various sized fasteners, then adaptability is improved, but the grip security and measurement precision deteriorate due to limited pin size resolution and point-contact gripping

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefastener size adaptationVSAvoidfit resolution

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the spring-loaded pin mechanism with a different adjustment system that provides continuous or finer-discrete positioning. Instead of relying on fixed-size pins that contact at discrete points, the patent uses an adjustable jaw with a sliding or telescoping mechanism that can be precisely positioned to match the exact dimensions of various fasteners, thereby improving measurement precision and fit resolution.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS12036639B2Adjustable fastener engaging tool

Publication Date: 2024.07.16 WACH RYAN ROBERT

AI summary

An adjustable fastener engaging tool includes a plurality of jaws slidably disposed in a retainer. An actuator engages a driver jaw resulting in the jaws either moving in a first direction to enlarge a fastener-receiving aperture cooperatively formed by the jaws, or the jaws moving in a second direction to reduce the fastener-receiving aperture to grip or release a fastener.