Articulating Chain Wrench for High Torque in Confined Spaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wrenches face challenges in applying sufficient torque in confined spaces due to size constraints and limited articulation capabilities, with current solutions either being too large for tight spaces or lacking the necessary flexibility for high-torque applications.
Innovation Solution
A modular wrench design featuring an elongate handle, articulable chain, and drive shaft that allows for articulation about multiple transverse axes, enabling both high-torque applications and flexibility to reach confined spaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If a wrench is made strong enough to apply sufficient torque, then torque capability is improved, but the wrench size increases making it unsuitable for confined spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The wrench is divided into separate modular components: a handle, an articulable chain, and a drive shaft. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the handle can be sized for user comfort and torque application, while the chain and drive shaft can be configured to fit confined spaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The chain is designed to be articulable about multiple transverse axes, allowing it to dynamically adjust its configuration. This dynamic articulation enables the wrench to adapt to various confined space geometries while maintaining the structural integrity needed for high-torque applications.
2Ease of operation
If a smaller wrench is used to fit confined spaces, then accessibility is improved, but torque capability becomes insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the wrench into modular components connected by an articulable chain, the design allows the handle to be sized for optimal user interaction while the chain can flex to reach into confined spaces. The drive shaft can be appropriately sized for the fastener while the overall configuration adapts to the space constraints.
Solution Approach 2:
The articulation of the chain about multiple transverse axes changes the spatial parameters of the wrench configuration. This allows the wrench to transform from a rigid structure into a flexible configuration that can navigate confined spaces while maintaining the mechanical leverage needed for high-torque operations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a universal socket articulating across two perpendicular axes is used, then versatility is improved, but the wrench cannot tolerate more than articulation about a single direction axis in certain situations
Solution Approach 1:
The chain is segmented into multiple links that can articulate independently about different transverse axes. This segmentation provides granular control over the articulation, allowing the wrench to adapt to specific spatial constraints while maintaining the flexibility needed for versatile application.
Solution Approach 2:
The multi-axis articulation of the chain creates a dynamic structure that can adjust its configuration based on the specific task requirements. The chain can articulate about multiple transverse axes simultaneously or sequentially, providing adaptability to various confined space geometries while maintaining control over the orientation and force application direction.
4Adaptability or versatility
If flexible wire-wound extensions are used, then flexibility is improved, but torque application is limited to low torque applications
Solution Approach 1:
The chain provides a flexible connection between the handle and drive shaft, allowing the wrench to adapt to confined spaces. Unlike wire-wound extensions, the chain's articulated structure maintains sufficient rigidity to transmit high torque while preserving the flexibility needed to reach into tight spaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The chain is constructed from composite elements that combine flexibility and strength. The articulated links provide flexibility for navigation through confined spaces, while the material composition and structural design maintain the rigidity necessary for high-torque torque transmission, overcoming the limitations of traditional wire-wound extensions.
Data Source
AI summary
An elongate wrench for rotating a threaded fastener. The wrench has a connected to a chain which, in turn, is connected to a drive shaft which receives a socket for engaging various threaded fasteners. The chain has alternating pins and links. The chain has an aspect ratio, defined as the ratio of the width across the rollers to the height of a link plate which is greater than 1. This aspect ratio advantageously provides high polar moment of inertia for torque and a narrow thickness for fitting into confined spaces. The chain articulates about as many pins as necessary to reach into the confined space.