Bidirectional Magnetic Extractor Tool for Corner-Safe Fastener Driving
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing socket tools often damage fasteners due to improper sizing, leading to rounded corners, and struggle with bidirectional driving of damaged or corroded fasteners, especially in hard-to-reach locations, and conventional tools fail to retain fasteners for reuse.
Innovation Solution
A bidirectional extractor tool with a fastener engagement recess featuring inwardly extending engagement ribs and a magnet carrier assembly that allows for bi-directional driving without contacting fastener corners, and a floating magnet to retain the fastener post-extraction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If traditional sockets are used to drive fasteners, then high torque can be applied, but the corners of the fastener become rounded and damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The socket is divided into multiple engagement ribs instead of a single continuous contact surface. Each rib engages with a specific face of the fastener, distributing the applied torque across multiple contact points rather than concentrating it at corners, thus preventing corner damage while maintaining high torque capability
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the socket have different engagement characteristics. The engagement ribs are positioned and dimensioned to contact specific faces of the fastener, creating localized contact zones that optimize torque transmission while avoiding corner areas. This localizes the contact quality to prevent harmful stresses at corners
2Ease of operation
If conventional extraction tools are used, then damaged fasteners can be removed, but they cannot be retained for reuse
Solution Approach 1:
The extraction tool is designed to not only remove damaged fasteners but also retain them for potential reuse. The magnetic retention mechanism allows the extracted fastener to be held securely in the tool body, enabling the operator to recover and potentially reinstall the fastener, thus transforming a disposal-oriented tool into a recovery-oriented tool
3Ease of operation
If unidirectional extraction sockets are used, then fasteners can be removed in one direction, but they cannot be driven in the opposite direction
Solution Approach 1:
The extraction tool is designed with multi-functionality to perform both extraction and driving operations in either direction. The engagement ribs are configured to engage with fastener faces bidirectionally, and the magnetic retention system works for both removal and installation, making the tool universally applicable for both extraction and driving operations regardless of direction
4Ease of operation
If adjustable wrenches or pliers are used, then fasteners can be gripped, but forces get concentrated on corners causing rounding
Solution Approach 1:
The gripping function is segmented into multiple engagement ribs that contact different faces of the fastener. This segmentation distributes the gripping force across multiple contact points rather than concentrating it at corners, allowing effective gripping while preventing corner rounding that occurs with traditional adjustable wrenches or pliers
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
Enables effective, damage-free bidirectional driving and retention of fasteners, even those with rounded corners, facilitating reuse and universal applicability across various fastener types and conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a magnet which is configured to engage with the fastener at different depths of the fastener engagement recess
Data Source
AI summary
An extractor tool may include a driven end configured to receive drive power from a driving device, a drive end configured to interface with a fastener, and a body portion extending between the driven end and the drive end about an axis of the extractor tool. The drive end may include a fastener engagement recess which may extend into the body portion and coaxial with the body portion. The fastener engagement recess may include a plurality of engagement ribs that may be configured to engage with the fastener such that the fastener is drivable in either a clockwise or a counterclockwise direction while avoiding contact with corner portions of the fastener. The extractor tool may further include a magnet carrier assembly which may be operably coupled to a magnet which may be configured to engage with the fastener at different depths of the fastener engagement recess.