Adjustable Clutch Socket Adapter for Torque Limiting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing socket wrenches and rotary tools lack effective mechanisms to limit torque delivery to a workpiece, potentially leading to over-tightening or damage, as they rely on fixed attachments or strain gauges that are not adjustable or reliable.
Innovation Solution
A socket adapter with a clutch mechanism featuring a first and second clutch surface and an adjustment mechanism that allows for adjustable clamping force, enabling the clutch mechanism to slide when reaction torque exceeds a predetermined limit, and an adjustment tool to modify the torque limit by altering frictional forces between the surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fixed attachment or strain gauge is used to limit torque, then torque delivery can be controlled, but the mechanism is not adjustable or reliable
Solution Approach 1:
The clutch mechanism uses a dynamic friction-based system where the clutch surfaces can slide relative to each other when torque exceeds the set limit. The friction force between the clutch surfaces provides reliable torque limiting, while the adjustable clamping force mechanism allows the torque threshold to be dynamically changed by the user based on different application requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustment mechanism changes the physical parameter of clamping force applied to the clutch surfaces. By adjusting the clamping force, the user directly modifies the friction force between clutch surfaces, thereby changing the torque limit threshold. This allows the same device to adapt to different torque requirements while maintaining reliable limiting through the friction mechanism.
2Adaptability or versatility
If an adjustable clutch mechanism is added to limit torque, then torque control and adaptability are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The clutch mechanism is segmented into distinct functional components: clutch surfaces for friction-based torque limiting, an adjustment mechanism for setting the torque threshold, and a clamping force application system. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while making the overall mechanism more understandable and maintainable despite the added complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The clutch surfaces act as an intermediary friction-based torque limiting element between the drive input and the socket output. The adjustment mechanism serves as an intermediary control system that modifies the clamping force on the clutch surfaces. These intermediary elements enable torque limiting functionality without requiring complex electronic controls or sophisticated mechanisms.
3Ease of operation
If the adjustment mechanism is always accessible, then ease of operation is improved, but risk of unintended adjustment increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment mechanism is designed to be accessible only when the clutch mechanism is removed from the tool, making the system self-protecting. The user must intentionally remove the clutch mechanism to access the adjustment, which ensures that adjustments are made deliberately rather than accidentally during normal operation. This self-service design inherently prevents unintended adjustments while still allowing easy access when needed.
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 socket adapter effectively limits torque delivery, preventing over-tightening by sliding the clutch mechanism when reaction torque exceeds a set limit, allowing for precise control of torque through adjustable friction forces, thus protecting the workpiece from excessive force.
Implementation Method 1
an adjustment mechanism for adjusting a clamping force between the first clutch surface and the second clutch surface. The second clutch surface slides relative to the first clutch surface when a reaction torque exerted on the clutch mechanism exceeds a predetermined torque limit.
Implementation Method 2
The adjustment mechanism is only accessible for adjustment by removing the clutch mechanism from the tool. adjusting the predetermined torque limit of the clutch mechanism by inserting an adjustment tool through the female receiver and rotating an adjustment mechanism along the longitudinal axis, resulting in increased or decreased frictional forces of the clutch mechanism
Data Source
AI summary
A socket adapter for limiting torque delivered from a tool to a socket piece. The socket adapter includes a female receiver that is coupleable to and driven by the tool, and a male drive that is coupled to and driven by the female receiver for transferring torque to the socket piece. The socket adapter further includes a clutch mechanism having a first clutch surface, a second clutch surface that engages the first clutch surface, and an adjustment mechanism for adjusting a clamping force between the first clutch surface and the second clutch surface. The second clutch surface slides relative to the first clutch surface when a reaction torque exerted on the clutch mechanism exceeds a predetermined torque limit.