Flex Head Tool Retaining Device for Angular Positioning Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
The prior art flex head wrenches suffer from defamation of the positioning block after long use and lack stable support for retaining positions, leading to instability in angular positioning.
Innovation Solution
A flex head tool design featuring a first and second body pivotally coupled with a retaining device that includes a retainer and actuator, allowing for selective engagement and disengagement at different angular positions, supported by a resilient member for stable operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a positioning block and pin structure is used to retain the head at various angular positions, then the head can be positioned at multiple angles, but the positioning block suffers defamation after long use and lacks stable support
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning device is segmented into multiple discrete components: a retainer with multiple retaining positions, an actuator with multiple actuating positions, and a resilient member. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, improving reliability while maintaining multi-angular positioning capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient member acts as an intermediary between the actuator and retainer, providing stable support and cushioning during the positioning process. This intermediary element absorbs stresses and prevents direct impact between hard surfaces, eliminating defamation while ensuring stable retention at each angular position.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a pin and block structure is used for positioning, then angular positions can be retained, but the pin does not support the block in retained positions stably
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning system transitions from a static pin-block structure to a dynamic system where the resilient member can compress and expand. This dynamic capability allows the system to adapt to varying loads and maintain stable support at each retained position, preventing instability while preserving position retention functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient member provides beforehand cushioning by being pre-loaded in a compressed state. This pre-cushioning ensures that when the retainer engages with the actuator at any angular position, there is already stable support in place, preventing instability and ensuring reliable position retention from the outset.
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 design enhances the stability and durability of angular positioning, preventing defamation and ensuring reliable operation over time by using a retainer and actuator mechanism with resilient support.
Implementation Method 1
a resilient member adapted to be resiliently deformed to move the actuator from the first position to the second position and resiliently restored to move the actuator from the second position to the first position
Data Source
AI summary
A flex head tool includes a first body and a second body and a. retaining device adapted to position the second body at various angular positions with respect to the first body. The retaining device includes a retainer and an actuator adapted to move the retainer in a first position and a second position. The retainer and the actuator respectively have a first interacting structure and a second interacting structure abutting each other. The second interacting structure has a first and a second position at which the first interacting structure respectively abuts when the actuator is at a first position and a second position. The first and the second positions of the second interacting structure are at different distances from the end of the actuator.