Adjustable Wrench Constraint Structure for High-Torque Jaw Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing adjustable wrenches suffer from increased fit clearance between the worm wheel and worm when applying torque, leading to reduced maximum torque application and potential workpiece slippage due to deformation of the adjustable jaw.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable wrench with a constraint structure that includes clamping grooves and reinforcement features to prevent the side walls from opening, maintaining the fit clearance between the worm wheel and worm, thereby increasing the maximum torque applied.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If the adjustable wrench applies torque to the workpiece, then the workpiece is clamped and torqued, but the fit clearance between the worm wheel and worm increases due to deformation of the adjustable jaw
Solution Approach 1:
The constraint structure is pre-installed on the adjustable jaw before torque application. It proactively prevents the side walls from opening during torque application, rather than correcting the problem after deformation occurs. This preliminary constraint maintains the fit clearance between the worm wheel and worm even under high torque loads.
Solution Approach 2:
The constraint structure applies a counteracting force to prevent the opening of side walls before the deformation can occur. By providing this preliminary anti-action, the structure counteracts the tendency of the adjustable jaw to deform under torque, thereby maintaining the precise fit between the worm wheel and worm.
2Ease of operation
If the adjustable jaw deforms under torque, then the side walls tilt outward, but the fit clearance increases and the adjustable jaw displaces from its initial position
Solution Approach 1:
The constraint structure is pre-installed on the adjustable jaw before torque application. It proactively prevents the side walls from opening during torque application, rather than correcting the problem after deformation occurs. This preliminary constraint maintains the fit clearance between the worm wheel and worm even under high torque loads.
Solution Approach 2:
The constraint structure acts as an intermediary element between the adjustable jaw and the external torque load. It mediates the stress distribution and prevents the transmission of deforming forces to the critical fit interface between the worm wheel and worm, thereby maintaining positioning precision.
3Power
If the side walls open under torque, then the worm wheel deviates from the worm, but the maximum torque that can be applied decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The constraint structure is divided into multiple functional segments: constraint portions that prevent side wall opening, reinforcement portions that strengthen the adjustable jaw, and connection portions that integrate these features. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while keeping the overall structure manageable and effective.
Solution Approach 2:
The constraint structure merges multiple functions into a single integrated component: it combines the constraint function (preventing side wall opening), the reinforcement function (strengthening the adjustable jaw), and the positioning function (maintaining worm wheel alignment). This merging reduces the number of separate components needed while achieving multiple objectives simultaneously.
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
The constraint structure effectively prevents the side walls from opening, ensuring the adjustable wrench maintains the fit clearance and increases the maximum torque applied to the workpiece by 2-2.5 times that of the American standard.
Implementation Method 1
the constraint structure is configured to prevent the two opposite side walls from opening when applying a torque to the workpiece
Implementation Method 2
The worm wheel and the worm have a self-locking capability. When a workpiece is initially clamped by turning the worm wheel, the adjustable jaw is locked at an initial clamping position
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
An adjustable wrench, comprising: a handle (100); and a fixed jaw (200) and an adjustable jaw (400) that are arranged at one end of the handle (100); wherein an abutment position of the fixed jaw (200) and the handle (100) is provided with a track slot (500), and two sides of the track slot (500) extend to form two opposite side walls (600); the adjustable jaw (400) comprises a shaft portion (401), a neck portion (402), and a clamping portion; the shaft portion (401) is accommodated in the track slot (500) and is configured to move along the track slot (500); the clamping portion protrudes out of the track slot (500) and is configured to cooperate with the fixed jaw (200) to clamp a workpiece; and the neck portion (402) is located between the two opposite side walls (600); wherein the adjustable wrench further comprises a constraint structure, and the constraint structure is configured to prevent the two opposite side walls (600) from opening when applying a torque to the workpiece clamped between the adjustable jaw (400) and the fixed jaw (200).