Elastomeric Hex Bit Storage with Hourglass Holes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current hex bit storage devices face issues with high cost, large size, rigid construction, inadequate holding force, and inconsistent holding force, which can result in either excessively tight or loose retention of hex bits, failing to effectively store a wide range of hex bit sizes and weights.
Innovation Solution
A hex bit storage device utilizing an elastomeric sheet with holes that are sized and shaped to occupy a specified percentage of the annular groove volume, providing a consistent and reliable holding force through the use of elastomeric materials with varying hardness levels, such as nitrile/buna-N or silicone, and featuring hourglass or asymmetrical hourglass hole shapes to ensure secure retention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If magnets are used to retain hex bits, then consistent holding force is provided, but the holding force is weak and cannot retain larger hex bits and the cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the elastomeric material, specifically its hardness (Shore A scale from 20-60), to achieve the desired holding force. By adjusting the hardness parameter, the material can provide sufficient retaining force for various hex bit sizes while maintaining consistent performance across different weights and dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an elastomeric sheet with holes that deform flexibly to engage with hex bits. The flexible elastomeric material deforms to allow insertion and then springs back to provide consistent retaining force, eliminating the weakness of magnetic holding while maintaining reliability across different hex bit sizes.
2Reliability
If storage devices hold bits tightly, then secure retention is achieved, but bits cannot be easily removed by hand
Solution Approach 1:
The elastomeric material provides dynamic retention where the holding force automatically adapts to the applied load. During normal use, the material deforms to accommodate hex bit insertion and provides secure retention. During removal, the elastic properties allow the material to deform and release the bit easily when pulled, creating a dynamic system that is secure during operation but easy to remove when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastomeric material's effective stiffness changes based on deformation state. In the undeformed state, it provides gentle retention that allows easy removal. When deformed by insertion, it provides secure holding force. This parameter change with deformation resolves the contradiction between secure retention and ease of removal.
3Ease of operation
If storage devices hold bits loosely, then easy removal is achieved, but bits fall out from the weight of the hex bit
Solution Approach 1:
By changing the hardness parameter of the elastomeric material within the 20-60 Shore A range, the material provides sufficient elastic restoring force to counteract the weight of hex bits and prevent them from falling out, while still allowing easy manual removal. The material's elasticity ensures reliable retention without excessive tightness.
4Stability of the object's composition
If receptacles are made rigid, then structural stability is achieved, but receptacles become loose over time with use
Solution Approach 1:
The elastomeric sheet replaces rigid receptacles with a flexible material that maintains its elastic properties over time. The flexible material continuously adapts to hex bit insertion and removal, preventing the loosening that occurs with rigid receptacles. The elastomeric material's resilience ensures consistent holding force even after repeated use.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastomeric material provides dynamic adaptation to wear and repeated use, unlike static rigid receptacles. The material's elastic properties allow it to recover from deformation cycles without permanent set, maintaining reliable holding force over time while rigid structures would become loose.
5Adaptability or versatility
If storage devices are made large, then adequate space for diverse hex bits is provided, but the device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The elastomeric sheet with precisely sized holes provides an compact storage solution that accommodates diverse hex bit sizes without requiring a large device. The flexible material allows each hole to adapt to different hex bit dimensions, providing versatility in a compact form factor that would be impossible with rigid, fixed-size receptacles.
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 solution provides a cost-effective, compact, and reliable storage solution that consistently holds hex bits of various sizes and weights, ensuring easy insertion and removal while maintaining secure retention, addressing the limitations of existing devices.
Implementation Method 1
The elastomeric sheet has a hole with a minimum inner diameter that is less than the minor diameter of the hex bit. The annular groove is disposed in the hole. This size relationship assures that flexing and deformation of the elastomeric sheet is necessary for inserting and removing the hex bit.
Data Source
AI summary
A storage device for hex bits with an annular groove 22. The storage device comprises an elastomeric sheet with holes that mate with the annular groove. The holes are sized such that the annular groove is at least partially occupied by the elastomeric sheet when the annular groove is disposed in the hole. The holes have a minimum diameter that is smaller than a major diameter or minor diameter of the hexagonal portion of the hex bit. The hex bit is retained in the hole because removing the hex bit requires stretching/deformation of the elastomeric sheet. The holes can have an hourglass shape. The holes can be symmetrical or asymmetrical. The holes can be non-circular, such as polygonal, square, or triangular. The elastomeric sheet can be made of rubber.