Bidirectional Mechanical Converter With One-Way Clutch Reversing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing manual tools, such as screwdrivers and torque wrenches, face inefficiencies due to the inability to continuously rotate in one direction, requiring manual repositioning and bit changes for bidirectional operations, leading to inconvenient and potentially lost parts.

Innovation Solution

A bidirectional mechanical converting unit with a driving mechanism incorporating one-way clutches and a reversing mechanism, allowing the main shaft to switch rotation direction conveniently through a compact and integral design, utilizing bevel gears and rolling elements or pawls to ensure efficient torque delivery in either direction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a mechanical rectifier with one-way clutches is used to convert bidirectional handle rotations into unidirectional shaft rotation, then the efficiency of hand motion is improved and operation time is saved, but the shaft can only rotate in one direction requiring handle removal and re-mounting to switch directions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperation efficiencyVSAvoiddirection switching convenience
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the shaft's rotation direction adjustable rather than fixed. The shaft can dynamically switch between rotating in the first direction (for tightening) and the second direction (for loosening) based on operational needs, eliminating the need to remove and re-mount the handle to change direction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The shaft is designed to perform multiple functions: it can rotate in the first direction to drive fasteners for tightening, and rotate in the second direction to drive fasteners for loosening. This multi-functionality allows a single handle-shaft configuration to perform both tightening and loosening operations without requiring handle removal or re-mounting.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the handle is removed from the shaft to switch rotation direction for multi-purpose use, then the shaft can adapt to different tool bits, but the integrity of the screwdriver cannot be ensured and parts are easy to get lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetool bit adaptabilityVSAvoidtool integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The shaft is designed with universal adaptability to work with different tool bits while maintaining structural integrity. The shaft can rotate in both directions to drive different types of fasteners (screws, bolts, nuts) without requiring handle removal, ensuring the tool remains assembled and parts do not get lost.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The shaft's rotational direction is dynamically adjustable to suit different fastener types and operations. This dynamic capability allows the shaft to adapt to various tool bits and fastener configurations while remaining permanently attached to the handle, maintaining tool integrity throughout use.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Device complexity

If manual repositioning and bit changes are required for bidirectional operations, then the tool structure remains simple, but operation time is wasted and efficiency is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetool structure simplicityVSAvoidoperation time
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The shaft incorporates dynamic bidirectional rotation capability, allowing it to rotate in the first direction for tightening and the second direction for loosening without requiring manual repositioning or bit changes. This dynamic feature eliminates wasted operation time while maintaining relatively simple tool structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The shaft enables continuous useful action by maintaining engagement with the tool bit throughout both tightening and loosening operations. The shaft rotates continuously in the appropriate direction for each operation without interruption, eliminating the need to stop, reposition, or change bits, thereby reducing operation time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful 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

Enables efficient utilization of bidirectional rotations, simplifies operation by allowing easy direction switching with a push button, and maintains an integral design to prevent part loss, doubling the efficiency of common screwdrivers.

Implementation Method 1

each having a one-way clutch interposed between it and the main shaft, with the clutches oriented in the same way on the shaft

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOne-way clutch mechanism: Ratchet

Implementation Method 2

the two driving elements are a capstan gear and a follower gear respectively; the transmission structure includes at least one idle gear axle perpendicular to the main shaft, at least one idle gear is disposed on the idle gear axle and engaged with the capstan gear and the follower gear together

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectBevel gear transmission: Gear

Implementation Method 3

The reversing means is sleeved on the main shaft, and positioning of the pawls can be controlled, to set rotation direction of the main shaft through changing the positioning of the pawls

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRolling element engagement: Ball Bearing

Implementation Method 4

a pair of opposite swinging pawls is disposed on each of the pawl seats symmetrically; the two driving elements are provided at least partially annularly with a toothed inner circumference which can engage with at least one of the pawls

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPawl mechanism: Ratchet

Data Source

PatentEP2586570B1Two-way mechanical converter
Publication Date: 2021.10.06 HANGZHOU GREAT STAR TOOLS
  • EP2586570B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2586570B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP2586570B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The present invention discloses a bidirectional mechanical converting unit, comprising: a main shaft; a driving mechanism, which including a driving means and a reversing means which are coupled to each other; and a rotation means for inputting torque, an rotation axis of the rotation means being coaxial with the main shaft, the rotation means and the driving mechanism being coupled to each other, and the driving mechanism delivering the torque to output at the main shaft at a predetermined direction, no matter in which direction the rotation means rotates; wherein the predetermined direction can be switched via the reversing means. The present invention is simple structured, not only can efficiently utilizes the movements of .the rotation means in either way, but also can switch the rotation direction of the output shaft conveniently upon demand, with easy operations.