Adjustable Socket Oblique Jaw Pathway Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Adjustable sockets with radially-moveable jaws have limited operational range and shared surface area, leading to reduced force potential and increased slippage when gripping fasteners.
Innovation Solution
The design features jaws that travel along oblique pathways, allowing for a wider range of operation and increased shared surface area with fasteners, reducing slippage and enhancing force application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If jaws travel along direct radial paths toward the fastener, then the socket structure is simpler, but the operable range is limited and shared surface area is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from radial jaw movement (one-dimensional convergence toward center) to oblique jaw movement (two-dimensional pathways at angles to the center). This dimensional change allows jaws to travel along longer, angled paths that provide greater adjustment range while maintaining structural simplicity through standardized oblique guide channels.
2Area of stationary object
If jaws are made narrower to allow wider direct radial contraction, then more jaws can fit in the socket, but the shared surface area with fasteners decreases
Solution Approach 1:
By changing from radial to oblique jaw pathways, the patent enables jaws to maintain maximum possible width while still achieving wide adjustment range. The oblique angles create longer contraction paths that accommodate various fastener sizes without requiring narrow jaws, thereby maximizing the shared surface area between jaw faces and fastener surfaces.
3Adaptability or versatility
If fewer jaws are used to allow wider direct radial contraction, then each jaw can be wider, but the number of adjustable sizes is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The oblique pathway design allows multiple jaws to be arranged at angular intervals around the socket center, with each jaw following its own angled guide channel. This configuration enables a greater number of jaws to coexist without interference, providing finer adjustment increments across a wide size range while each jaw maintains sufficient width for adequate shared surface area with fasteners.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the drive interface between drive core and jaws is simplified, then the device is easier to manufacture, but the range of locking sizes is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The drive core incorporates a universal engagement mechanism with multiple drive channels arranged at standard oblique angles. Each channel can engage with corresponding drive features on different jaw configurations, allowing a single drive core design to control jaws across the entire range of adjustable sizes. This multi-functional drive interface simplifies manufacturing by standardizing the drive mechanism while maintaining full adjustability.
Data Source
AI summary
An adjustable socket including a housing designed on a longitudinal axis, with a series of grooves extending longitudinally along the interior wall. A disc with drive channels intruding obliquely off-center from the perimeter is locked into position within the housing. Jaw members with drive rods are mounted in the disc drive channels, free to move laterally along fixed paths. An axially rotatable drive core with a drive surface is positioned within the housing, engaging the drive rod of each jaw. Rotation of the drive core forces the jaws to travel inwardly along the disc drive channels as dictated by the drive elements of the drive surface, to be forced against a fastener within the jaws. A locking mechanism holds the jaws in position on the fastener. Release of the locking mechanism allows rotation of the drive core in the opposite direction to release the fastener.