Bidirectional Ratchet Structure with Segmented Pawl Elements

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional bidirectional ratchet wrenches are unstable and have an unreliable, easily damaged, and difficult-to-operate switching mechanism, leading to operation inconvenience.

Innovation Solution

A bidirectional ratchet structure with a base, first and second pawl elements, reset elements, a direction controller, and a driving element, where the first and second pawl elements are pivotally disposed and surrounded by the direction controller, allowing for stable direction change through a larger operation area and distribution of forces across multiple elements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a conventional bidirectional ratchet structure is used with a switching button, then the wrench can change direction, but the structure becomes unstable and the switching mechanism is unreliable and difficult to operate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedirection changing capabilityVSAvoidswitching mechanism reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The single switching button is segmented into multiple pawl elements (first pawl element with first engaging portion, second pawl element with second engaging portion). Each pawl element is independently controllable and engages with the driving element to achieve direction change, distributing the functional load and improving reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The pawl elements are designed to be pivotally disposed and can dynamically switch between engaged and disengaged states. The reset elements provide dynamic reset functionality, allowing the pawl elements to automatically return to their initial positions after engagement, enabling reliable repeated direction changes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Device complexity

If a small switching button is used for direction control, then the structure remains simple, but the operation becomes inconvenient and the switching mechanism is easily damaged

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveswitching mechanism structureVSAvoiddirection switching operation

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple pawl elements are merged within the same operational space around the driving element. The direction controller integrates control over both first and second pawl elements, combining multiple functions into a unified control mechanism that improves ease of operation without significantly increasing overall device complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The pawl elements are arranged in different spatial dimensions and orientations around the driving element. The first pawl element and second pawl element are disposed at different positions and can be independently actuated, providing multiple dimensional approaches for direction control that enhance operational ease

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Reliability

If multiple pawl elements are used to improve stability, then the structure becomes more complex, but the force distribution and operational stability improve

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveratchet structure stabilityVSAvoidpawl element configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Both the first pawl element and second pawl element serve the same fundamental function of engaging with the driving element to control rotation direction. They are structurally similar components with analogous functions, allowing for standardized manufacturing and assembly while improving overall system reliability through redundancy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

Reset elements act as intermediary components between the pawl elements and the base. These reset elements automatically reset the pawl elements to their initial positions after engagement, mediating the interaction between the pawl elements and providing automatic reset functionality without requiring complex external mechanisms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS9662773B2Bidirectional ratchet structure, bidirectional ratchet wrench and method for changing a direction thereof

Publication Date: 2017.05.30 KABO TOOL COMPANY

AI summary

A bidirectional ratchet structure includes a base, a first pawl element, a second pawl element, two reset elements, a direction controller and a driving element. The first pawl element, the second pawl element, the direction controller and the driving element are pivotally disposed at the base. The first pawl element includes a first engaging portion. The second pawl element includes a second engaging portion. The first engaging portion and the second engaging portion are pushed to protrude from the base alternatively. The two reset elements are for pushing the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion to protrude from the base respectively. The first pawl element and the second pawl element are surrounded by the direction controller and the driving element. The direction controller is for pressing the first pawl element or the second pawl element toward the base.