Adjustable Ratcheting Socket Wrench with Segmented Jaws
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing adjustable sockets are limited in their ability to accommodate fasteners of varying sizes and often fail to grip worn fasteners securely, requiring multiple fixed-size sockets and lacking integration with ratcheting wrench mechanisms for efficient torque transfer.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable socket with a housing and rotatable member that moves along a longitudinal axis, featuring beveled jaws and a biasing element, integrated with a ratcheting wrench mechanism through gear teeth engagement, allowing for adjustable jaw movement and secure fastener gripping across different sizes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a single adjustable socket is used to fit fasteners of different sizes, then the quantity of sockets needed is reduced, but the grip security on worn fasteners deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable socket is segmented into multiple independent jaws (typically three jaws) that can be individually adjusted and positioned. Each jaw can be independently set to engage with the fastener, allowing the socket to maintain secure grip on worn fasteners while still accommodating different sizes through the adjustable positioning of each jaw segment.
2Reliability
If fixed-size sockets are used to securely grip worn fasteners, then grip security is improved, but the quantity of sockets required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable socket is designed as a universal tool that can accommodate multiple fastener sizes within a single device. By incorporating adjustable jaws that can be positioned to match different fastener dimensions, the socket achieves multi-functionality, replacing the need for multiple fixed-size sockets while maintaining secure grip through proper jaw positioning and engagement surfaces.
3Adaptability or versatility
If an adjustable socket mechanism is added to accommodate varying fastener sizes, then adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable socket employs dynamic adjustment mechanisms that allow the jaws to be moved and locked at different positions. This dynamic capability enables the socket to adapt to various fastener sizes through simple jaw repositioning rather than complex internal mechanisms, maintaining relatively simple overall structure while achieving high adaptability.
4Power
If gear teeth engagement is integrated with ratcheting wrench mechanism, then torque transfer efficiency is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable socket is merged with the ratcheting wrench mechanism through integrated gear teeth engagement. The gear teeth on the socket directly mesh with the ratcheting mechanism, combining the adjustment function and torque transfer function into a unified system. This integration eliminates the need for separate coupling mechanisms, reducing overall complexity while improving torque transfer efficiency through direct mechanical engagement.
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 engagement and adjustment of fasteners of various sizes, enhancing grip on worn fasteners and facilitating efficient torque transfer with a ratcheting wrench, reducing the need for multiple sockets and improving user convenience.
Implementation Method 1
a biasing element biasing said each jaw away from the longitudinal axis of the housing
Implementation Method 2
a rotatable member engageable with the housing such that the rotation of the rotatable member causes the housing to move upwardly or downwardly along the longitudinal axis
Implementation Method 3
The gear teeth on the adjusting collar are constructed and arranged to engage with a pawl of the at least one pawl arrangement so as to allow the adjustable socket to ratchet in either clockwise or counter-clockwise direction
Data Source
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AI summary
An adjustable socket that includes a housing, a rotatable member engageable with the housing such that the rotation of the rotatable member causes the housing to move upwardly or downwardly along the longitudinal axis, an adjusting collar engageable with the rotatable member and the housing, a plurality of jaws, a retainer, and a lock member. Each jaw is received in a corresponding one of apertures of the housing. The lock member is operatively connected with the rotatable member and is constructed and arranged to secure the adjusting collar to the housing and the plurality of jaws. The jaws are movable towards and away from the longitudinal axis of the housing through a range of positions upon the rotation of the rotatable member.