Adjustable Wrench Constraint Structure for Stable Torque Clamping

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

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

The adjustable wrench incorporates a constraint structure comprising 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

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Force

If torque is applied to the workpiece through the adjustable wrench, then the workpiece can be clamped and torqued, but the fit clearance between the worm wheel and worm increases due to deformation of the adjustable jaw

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetorque applicationVSAvoidfit clearance between worm wheel and worm

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The constraint structure is designed to preemptively counteract the deformation of side walls that occurs during torque application. By incorporating the constraint structure before use, the wrench prevents the side walls from tilting outward, thereby maintaining the proper fit clearance between the worm wheel and worm even under load

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

2Adaptability or versatility

If the adjustable jaw is allowed to deform under torque, then the wrench can accommodate workpiece clamping, but the side walls tilt outward causing loss of worm positioning function

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveworkpiece clamping capabilityVSAvoidside wall position stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The constraint structure pre-establishes geometric constraints that prevent the side walls from tilting outward during operation. The constraint structure's geometry is designed to counteract the outward tilting force, maintaining stable side wall positions while still allowing the adjustable jaw to function for clamping workpieces

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

3Ease of operation

If the fit clearance between worm wheel and worm increases, then the adjustable jaw can move, but the wrench cannot maintain the adjustable jaw at the initial clamping position

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadjustable jaw movementVSAvoidclamping position stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The constraint structure pre-prevents the excessive fit clearance that would occur during torque application. By maintaining proper clearance, the constraint structure ensures the worm wheel remains properly engaged with the worm, allowing the adjustable jaw to be positioned and locked reliably at the initial clamping position without slippage

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

4Reliability

If the maximum torque capacity is limited by fit clearance increase, then the wrench can prevent workpiece slippage, but the torque application capability is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveworkpiece gripping stabilityVSAvoidmaximum torque capacity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The constraint structure pre-prevents the fit clearance increase that would otherwise occur during torque application. By maintaining proper engagement between the worm wheel and worm, the constraint structure enables the wrench to achieve higher maximum torque capacity without workpiece slippage, directly resolving the limitation on torque application capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

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 side wall deformation, ensuring stable clamping and doubling the maximum torque applied to the workpiece compared to standard adjustable wrenches.

Implementation Method 1

the constraint structure is configured to prevent the two opposite side walls from opening when applying a torque to the workpiece

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical constraint: Mechanical Force

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

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSelf-locking: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS20260014676A1Adjustable wrench

Publication Date: 2026.01.15 HANGZHOU GREAT STAR IND CO LTD

AI summary

An adjustable wrench, comprising: a handle; and a fixed jaw and an adjustable jaw that are arranged at one end of the handle; wherein an abutment position of the fixed jaw and the handle is provided with a track slot, and two sides of the track slot extend to form two opposite side walls; the adjustable jaw comprises a shaft portion, a neck portion, and a clamping portion; the shaft portion is accommodated in the track slot and is configured to move along the track slot; the clamping portion protrudes out of the track slot and is configured to cooperate with the fixed jaw to clamp a workpiece; and the neck portion is located between the two opposite side walls; wherein the adjustable wrench further comprises a constraint structure, and the constraint structure is configured to prevent the two opposite side walls from opening when applying a torque to the workpiece clamped between the adjustable jaw and the fixed jaw.