Combination Bit for Phillips and Robertson Fasteners

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a lack of commercially available drivers that can effectively drive both Phillips head and Robertson® head screws, limiting convenience for users who need to handle multiple fastener configurations with a single tool.

Innovation Solution

A combination bit with a hexagonal shank and a working portion featuring a conical end surface with ribs and flutes, designed to accommodate both Phillips head and Robertson® head fasteners, allowing for secure engagement and driving of both types of screws.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a driver is designed to drive both Phillips head and Robertson head fasteners, then versatility is improved, but the difficulty of engaging the driver with the recess configurations worsens

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to drive both Phillips and Robertson head fastenersVSAvoiddifficulty of engaging driver with cross-slotted and square recess designs
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The driver bit is divided into multiple functional sections: a Phillips head section with cross-slotted geometry for Phillips fasteners, and a Robertson head section with square geometry for Robertson fasteners. Each section can be independently engaged with its corresponding fastener type, allowing the single driver to handle both configurations effectively without interference between the two drive types.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The driver transitions from a two-dimensional flat bit design to a three-dimensional multi-section structure with varying geometries along its length. The Phillips section features cross-slotted contours while the Robertson section features square contours, creating dimensional variation that enables engagement with both recess types through the same continuous bit structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Quantity of substance

If a single driver is used for multiple fastener configurations, then the quantity of tools required is reduced, but the reliability of engagement with specific recess configurations worsens

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of drivers neededVSAvoidengagement reliability with Phillips and Robertson recesses
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The driver bit is designed as a universal tool that performs multiple functions by incorporating both Phillips head and Robertson head geometries in a single continuous structure. The bit can be inserted into and driven against both Phillips cross-slotted and Robertson square recesses, providing reliable engagement with either fastener type while eliminating the need for separate dedicated drivers for each configuration.

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

3Ease of manufacture

If the driver geometry is simplified for ease of manufacture, then manufacturing cost and complexity are reduced, but the ability to effectively engage with both recess types worsens

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesimplicity of driver constructionVSAvoideffectiveness in engaging Phillips and Robertson recess configurations
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The driver combines the Phillips head and Robertson head geometries into a single integrated bit structure rather than using separate bits or interchangeable components. The cross-slotted Phillips section and square Robertson section are merged into one continuous driver body, maintaining manufacturing simplicity through a single-piece construction while achieving versatility in engaging both fastener types.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS8166851B2Combination driving tool for phillips and robertson fasteners
Publication Date: 2012.05.01 CREDO TECHNOLOGY CORP
  • US8166851B2 patent drawing
  • US8166851B2 patent drawing
  • US8166851B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Embodiments of a driving tool are disclosed that comprise a shank portion, and a working portion, wherein the working portion is configured to drive either a Phillips head fastener or a Robertson® head fastener.