Expanded-Stretch Retaining Ring for Multi-Size Socket Fit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing retaining devices for power tools face safety hazards due to worn sockets being hard to identify for discard and the need for multiple sizes of retaining rings to fit different socket groove diameters, leading to confusion and increased inventory needs.
Innovation Solution
A universal, one-piece RET RING with a smaller cross-sectional diameter that can expand up to 200% to fit various groove diameters, featuring a center holding pin and a full-length crush gauge for secure retention, reducing the number of required retaining rings from thirteen to three part-numbers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a smaller cross-sectional diameter O-ring is used to allow expansion to fit various groove diameters, then the adaptability and size range are improved, but the tensile strength and holding power may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining ring uses a composite construction with an inner polyurethane layer providing elasticity for expansion and an outer resin layer providing tensile strength for holding power. This composite material approach allows the O-ring to expand to fit various groove diameters while maintaining sufficient tensile strength to retain the crush gauge pin securely.
Solution Approach 2:
The O-ring is designed with a smaller cross-sectional diameter that allows it to expand by up to 200% during installation to fit different groove diameters. The material parameters are specifically selected to enable this expansion range while maintaining structural integrity and holding power across the expanded size range.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple sizes of RET RINGS are maintained to fit all different groove diameters, then the fit precision is improved, but the device complexity and inventory requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single universal RET RING design with a smaller cross-sectional diameter and expanded stretch capability can fit multiple groove diameters that previously required different sized rings. This multi-functional design allows one RET RING to replace multiple size-specific rings, reducing inventory requirements from thirteen sizes to just three part-numbers while maintaining proper fit across different socket sizes.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the O-ring is allowed to expand significantly to fit larger sockets, then the adaptability is improved, but the structural integrity and retention reliability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The outer resin layer provides high tensile strength and structural integrity that remains stable even when the inner polyurethane layer expands significantly. This composite construction ensures that the RET RING can expand to fit larger sockets while the resin layer maintains the structural integrity needed for reliable pin retention under centrifugal force.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the RET RING have different material properties optimized for their specific functions: the inner polyurethane layer provides elasticity and expansion capability, while the outer resin layer provides tensile strength and structural stability. This local differentiation of material quality allows the ring to expand significantly while maintaining retention reliability.
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
This solution enhances operator safety by simplifying the selection and storage of retaining rings, reducing inventory needs, and ensuring proper fit across a wide range of sockets without sacrificing holding power, thus addressing the challenges of worn sockets and size compatibility.
Implementation Method 1
smaller cross section diameter on the RET RING that can allow ring expansion during installation of up to 200% to fit the ring on the various groove diameters
Implementation Method 2
full-length crush gauge for secure retention
Data Source
AI summary
A retaining device to secure a socket to an anvil using provided socket holes and anvil hole, including an O-ring and an integral projecting member extending inwardly from the O-ring, the projecting member having a cross-sectional diameter that conforms with the diameter of the holes in the socket and anvil. The O-ring, though integrally formed with the projecting member, is formed at a reduced cross-sectional diameter so that the overall retaining device can be stretched onto a wider range of socket sizes. The preferred projecting member includes a full-length crush gauge that is positioned in at least one of the juxtapositions between the socket holes and the anvil hole.