Flex Joint Button Lock for Dirt-Resistant Angle Retention

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing flex head ratchet wrenches face manufacturing difficulties and dirt ingress issues with button locks, making them hard to use effectively in accessing hard-to-reach areas.

Innovation Solution

A rotatable button lock with button teeth that engage with handle teeth to selectively retain the angle of the wrench head relative to the handle, allowing easy adjustment and torque application, featuring a button base with teeth and a clearance portion for smooth operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a button lock is incorporated into the handle of the wrench, then the head can be selectively retained against the handle at desired angles, but the button lock allows dirt to enter and jam the mechanism

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveselective retention of head at desired anglesVSAvoiddirt ingress into button lock

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The button lock mechanism is nested within the head assembly rather than being exposed on the handle. The button is received within a button recess in the head, and the button spring is contained within the head, creating a protected internal mechanism that prevents dirt ingress while maintaining the locking function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The button recess and button cover act as intermediary structures that shield the button lock mechanism from the external environment. The button recess provides a protected cavity for the button and spring, while the button cover seals this cavity, preventing dirt and contaminants from entering the mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If various different forms of flex joints are incorporated into existing wrenches, then the head can pivot about the flex joint, but the designs become difficult to manufacture

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehead pivoting capabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The flex joint mechanism is segmented into distinct functional components: the button lock mechanism for angular retention, the button spring for providing locking force, and the button recess for housing these elements. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured separately using standard machining operations and then assembled, reducing overall manufacturing complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The button lock mechanism serves multiple functions: it retains the head at desired angles relative to the handle, provides a simple manual operation interface through the button, and enables quick release and repositioning. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional complex mechanisms, simplifying the overall design and manufacturing process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS11511401B2Flex joint lock button

Publication Date: 2022.11.29 SNAP ON INC

AI summary

A button lock that selectively retains the angle of an object relative to a handle. The button lock is rotatable between an engaged position, where the angle is retained, and a disengaged position, where the object is disengaged from the handle and can pivotally move about the handle to change the angle. In the engaged position, button teeth on the button engage with handle teeth on the handle. In the disengaged position, the button teeth disengage the handle teeth to space the button from the handle and therefore allow free movement of the handle about the button. The button therefore quickly and easily retains the angle between the object and the handle.