Dual-Depth Nut Socket for Tightening Jam Nuts in Tight Spaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing nut rotating tools face inefficiencies when there is insufficient space for wide-range pivoting due to complicated structural arrangements, and using multiple wrenches for serially arranged nuts leads to inefficient tightening or loosening.
Innovation Solution
A nut rotation assistance tool with a main body featuring deep and shallow polygonal holes allows simultaneous or sequential rotation of two nuts on a single bolt, using a single wrench, with visual and tactile indicators to distinguish hole types.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single wrench is used to rotate multiple serially arranged nuts, then the number of tools required is reduced, but the operation becomes complex and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The operating portion is divided into multiple independent receiving spaces (first receiving space and second receiving space) with different depths. Each space can independently receive and rotate a nut, allowing selective operation on one or both nuts without confusion. The segmentation of the single tool into functional zones resolves the complexity of managing multiple tools while maintaining operational simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
Different receiving spaces are provided with different local characteristics (different depths) to accommodate different operational requirements. The first receiving space with greater depth accommodates the first nut, while the second receiving space with lesser depth accommodates the second nut. This local differentiation allows the single tool to perform multiple functions clearly and intuitively.
2Ease of operation
If multiple wrenches are used to rotate serially arranged nuts, then each nut can be rotated independently and easily, but the tightening process becomes inefficient and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple nut rotation functions that would traditionally require separate wrenches are merged into a single integrated tool. The first and second receiving spaces allow both nuts to be rotated using one wrench, improving productivity by eliminating tool switching while maintaining the ability to operate each nut independently through selective engagement with the appropriate receiving space.
Solution Approach 2:
The single wrench is designed with universal multi-functionality to accommodate both nuts through different receiving spaces. This allows the tool to perform multiple operations (rotating first nut, rotating second nut, or both simultaneously) that would otherwise require multiple specialized tools, thereby increasing tightening efficiency.
3Ease of operation
If the wrench pivots in a wide fan-like shape to rotate nuts, then sufficient pivot angle is achieved, but insufficient space is required which is not available in complicated structural arrangements
Solution Approach 1:
The tool design transitions from requiring large planar pivot space to utilizing axial depth differentiation. By providing receiving spaces with different depths along the axial direction, the system achieves functional differentiation without requiring additional lateral space. This dimensional shift allows adequate pivot angle within confined spaces by exploiting the depth dimension rather than the planar dimension.
Data Source
AI summary
A nut rotation assistance tool (1), such as a socket designed to be rotated by a wrench (90a; 90b), assists in simultaneously rotating a main nut (70A) and a jam nut (70B) about a bolt (60). An operating portion (30) is defined at a first end portion of a tubular main body portion (20), and a driven portion (40) is defined at a second end portion thereof. The operating portion includes a deep polygonal hole (30A) and a shallow polygonal hole (30B) that axially overlap but are circumferentially offset. The deep hole has a first axial depth that is at least greater than the axial thickness of the jam nut, whereas the shallow hole has a second axial depth that is equal to or less than the axial thickness of the jam nut, such that only the jam nut can be, partially or completely, accommodated in the shallow hole.