Adjustable Socket Tool Holder With Size-Indicative Stem

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing socket tool holders do not efficiently accommodate socket tools of various sizes and depths, and lack a mechanism to indicate the size of the socket tools.

Innovation Solution

A socket tool holder with an adjustable stem featuring reduced size width sections and a display surface for indicia, allowing it to accommodate socket tools of different sizes and depths, and display their corresponding sizes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a fixed-size stem is used in the holder, then the manufacturing is simple, but it cannot accommodate socket tools of various sizes and depths

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccommodation of various socket tool sizes and depthsVSAvoidstem structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The stem is divided into multiple reduced size width sections at different heights, allowing the stem to be segmented or adjusted to accommodate different socket tool depths and sizes while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The stem transitions from a fixed structure to an adjustable one through the reduced size width sections, enabling dynamic adaptation to various socket tool configurations without requiring multiple different holder designs

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Loss of information

If no indication mechanism is added to the holder, then the structure remains simple, but the size of socket tools cannot be clearly identified

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveidentification of socket tool sizeVSAvoidholder structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses visual indicators (such as colored bands or markings on the stem) to indicate socket tool sizes, allowing quick identification without adding complex mechanical or electronic identification systems

Inventive Principle:

Principle #32Color changes

Solution Approach 2:

The holder replicates the size information of the socket tool through visual indicators on the stem, creating a visual copy of the tool's identity that can be seen without removing the tool from the holder

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

3Ease of manufacture

If the stem width is uniform throughout, then the manufacturing is easy, but it cannot provide organized storage for tools of different depths

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestem manufacturing simplicityVSAvoidorganized storage for various tool depths

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The stem incorporates reduced size width sections at specific intervals, creating segmented zones that can accommodate tools of different depths while maintaining a relatively simple manufacturing process compared to completely variable geometry designs

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS20260077474A1Socket tool holder

Publication Date: 2026.03.19 HURLEY JONATHAN

AI summary

A socket tool holder 100 for holding and supporting a socket tool 102 in upright orientation includes a base section 104 and a stem 106 that extends upwardly from the base section and through the socket tool 102 to terminate above top of the socket tool. An indicia 108 is located at the top of the stem to indicate some aspect of the socket tool 102 being held, in this case that the size of the socket tool is 15 mm and 16 mm, respectively. A plurality of reduced size sections or locations 140 are spaced apart along the length or height of the stem 106. The reduced size sections serve as locations where the stem 106 can be conveniently severed to thereby adjust the length of the stem to the length or depth of the socket tool 102.