Compact Universal Socket Geometry for Higher Torque Range
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional universal sockets have relatively large volumes due to their configurations, which may not be optimal for compactness and efficiency in torque transmission.
Innovation Solution
A universal socket design featuring a barrel seat with a compressible resilient member and a rotating component with a square cross-section and chamfered corner surfaces, along with a retaining unit, allowing for compact size, high torque transmission, and increased rotational range.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If conventional tool components with edge portions or strip portions are used, then torque transmission is achieved, but the volume of the universal socket becomes relatively large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a spherical head configuration with curved surface portions instead of conventional edge portions or strip portions. The spherical geometry allows for compact packaging while maintaining effective torque transmission through the curved contact surfaces that engage with corresponding features in the receiving seat.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the tool component by using a spherical head with specific radius and curvature characteristics. This parameter optimization enables reduced volume while preserving the torque transmission function, as the curved surfaces provide effective mechanical engagement with smaller overall dimensions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional tool components with edge portions or strip portions are used, then torque transmission is achieved, but the rotational range is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The spherical head configuration with curved contact surfaces enables greater rotational freedom compared to conventional edge or strip portions. The curved geometry allows the tool component to rotate more freely within the receiving seat while maintaining continuous surface contact for torque transmission, thereby expanding the operational rotational range.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a dynamic engagement system where the spherical head can rotate and adjust its orientation within the receiving seat. The curved surface portions provide continuous contact during rotation, allowing the tool component to adapt to different angular positions while maintaining reliable torque transmission throughout the rotational range.
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 design achieves a more compact size, higher torque transmission, and greater rotational range compared to conventional sockets, enhancing usability and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a resilient member (2) disposed in the barrel seat (1), and that is compressible
Data Source
AI summary
A universal socket includes a barrel seat, a resilient member and a rotating component. The barrel seat has an inner wall surface having four receiving surface portions, and four linking surface portions each connected between two adjacent ones of the receiving surface portions and having two flat surface segments. The rotating portion is retained in the barrel seat, and has four corner surfaces corresponding in position to the receiving surface portions, respectively, and four contacting surfaces each connected between two adjacent ones of the corner surfaces and biased by the resilient member to abut against one of the flat surface segments.