Elastic Adapter for Secure Tool Retention Without Magnetization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional adapters for hand tools face issues with securing strength due to magnet size limitations and magnetization of wrenches, which can lead to insecure engagement and attraction of metallic dust.

Innovation Solution

An adapter with a body having a cavity for an elastic member and cover, where the elastic member, made of materials like Polyurethane or Polypropylene, provides a secure retention force by abutting against the hole wall, and a sloped edge and rim design facilitate easy installation and prevent dust attraction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If a magnet is used to provide securing strength between the adapter and the wrench, then the securing strength is improved, but the wrench can be easily magnetized and metallic dust can be attracted, preventing secure engagement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecuring strengthVSAvoidmagnetization of wrench and attraction of metallic dust

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the magnet from the adapter structure entirely, replacing the magnetic securing mechanism with an elastic member that provides retention force through mechanical contact against the hole wall, thereby eliminating the harmful effects of magnetization and dust attraction while maintaining securing strength

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the magnetic field-based retention mechanism with a mechanical elastic retention system, where the elastic member deforms under load and provides continuous contact force against the hole wall, achieving secure engagement without magnetic properties

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Volume of moving object

If the size of the adapter is made small, then the adapter can be compact and easy to handle, but the magnet cannot be large enough to provide sufficiently strong securing strength

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesize of adapterVSAvoidsecuring strength

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the retention mechanism from magnetic to elastic, allowing the adapter to maintain compact size while achieving sufficient securing strength through the elastic member's deformation capability and continuous contact force against the hole wall

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses elastic materials (such as rubber or polymer) for the retention member, leveraging their unique combination of flexibility and strength to provide adequate securing force in a compact adapter design

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

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 adapter achieves secure engagement without magnetization, ensuring reliable tool operation and preventing dust interference, with the elastic member providing consistent retention force.

Implementation Method 1

The elastic element (40) provides a force for pushing the cover (30) to abut against the wall of the hole (90) such that the adapter (10) is securely retained in the hole (90)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS7757588B2Adapter

Publication Date: 2010.07.20 INFAR IND CO LTD

AI summary

An adapter engagable in a hole of a driving end of a tool includes a body receivable in the hole. The body includes a cavity in which an elastic member and a cover can be received. The elastic element can provide a force for pushing the cover to abut against the wall of the hole such that the adapter is securely retained in the hole.