Elastic Holding Screw Socket for Remote Bolt Handling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing screw sockets are not suitable for remote screwing or unscrewing of bolts in high-voltage overhead power line infrastructure due to limitations in material compatibility and the inability to securely hold multiple bolt elements, particularly in live work contexts where insulating poles and non-ferromagnetic materials are required.

Innovation Solution

A screw socket design featuring a body with multiple recesses for different bolt elements and an elastic holding member arranged around the longitudinal axis, allowing for the reduction of the opening diameter to securely hold and release bolt elements without lateral stress, preserving necessary clearances for remote operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If magnetic elements are used to hold bolt elements, then holding capability is improved, but material compatibility deteriorates (ferromagnetic materials cannot be used with non-ferromagnetic bolt elements)

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveholding capabilityVSAvoidmaterial compatibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the magnetic field-based holding system with a mechanical elastic holding member. The elastic member deforms under the weight of bolt elements to provide holding force, eliminating the need for ferromagnetic materials and enabling compatibility with non-ferromagnetic bolt elements while maintaining reliable holding capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical state of the holding member from rigid (magnetic) to elastic, allowing it to deform and adapt to different bolt element configurations. This parameter change enables the holding mechanism to work with various materials including non-ferromagnetic ones

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Stability of the object's composition

If friction elements are used to hold bolt elements, then lateral play is eliminated, but operational flexibility deteriorates (lateral play is needed for remote screwing operations)

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelateral stabilityVSAvoidoperational flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a dynamic holding mechanism where the elastic holding member can adapt its state based on operational needs. During remote screwing operations, the elastic member allows lateral movement; during stationary phases, it provides stable holding, thus reconciling operational flexibility with lateral stability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Productivity

If multiple bolt elements are held in a single socket, then operational efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational efficiencyVSAvoidsocket structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs the elastic holding member to perform multiple functions: holding nuts, holding washers, and accommodating different combinations of bolt elements. This universal holding capability allows a single socket design to handle various bolting operations, improving operational efficiency without proportionally increasing complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The elastic holding member acts as a flexible element that can deform to accommodate different bolt element configurations. This flexibility allows the same structural component to serve multiple holding functions, managing complexity while enabling multi-element operations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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 secure and ergonomic remote screwing or unscrewing of multiple bolt elements, including nuts and washers, in high-voltage live work environments without risk of loss, while maintaining necessary lateral play and compatibility with non-ferromagnetic materials.

Implementation Method 1

an elastic holding member is provided to hold said at least one bolt element in said at least one recess

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

to retract elastically in a second folding arrangement to allow the passage of said at least one bolt element through the opening of the second face under longitudinal stress

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP4265374A1Screwing socket for holding at least one bolt element

Publication Date: 2023.10.25 RTE RESEAU DE TRANSPORT DELECTRICITE

Figure 1~2A
Figure 2B
Figure 3A~3B

AI summary

This screw socket (52) comprises a body (54) having a longitudinal screw axis (56) and two opposing faces, the first face (58) of which is shaped to receive an end (60) of a screw tool. At least one recess (66, 68, 70) is cut into the body (54) of the socket (52) from its second face (62), which is then opened to receive the entirety of at least one bolt element (42, 44, 46).An elastic retaining member (72), intended to hold the bolt element (42, 44, 46) in the recess (66, 68, 70), is arranged around the longitudinal axis (56), in a longitudinal position established outside an internal volume (V) intended to receive the entire bolt element (42, 44, 46), so as to reduce the opening (64) of the second face (62) in a first rest position and to retract elastically in a second folding position to allow the passage of the bolt element (42, 44, 46) through the opening (64) under longitudinal stress.