Grooved Elastic Element for Secure, Easy-Release Hand Tools
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hand tools face issues with fasteners that get stuck due to material or shape, leading to operational inconvenience and reduced service life, as they often deform irreversibly.
Innovation Solution
An elastic element with a groove and protruding portions made of thermoplastic rubber, allowing deformation and secure fitting of objects, enhancing operational efficiency and preventing permanent deformation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fastener is compressed and deformed to secure an object in the hand tool, then the object can be held securely, but the fastener may get stuck and cannot be detached, causing operational inconvenience
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic element is designed with dynamic deformation capability through the groove structure, allowing it to transition between compressed and relaxed states. The groove enables the inner annular wall to deform elastically during insertion and then recover automatically, providing both secure fitting and easy detachment without getting stuck.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic element utilizes parameter changes in its physical state through elastic deformation. The groove structure allows the material to change its dimensional parameters (expanding and contracting) in response to applied forces, enabling the fastener to adapt its grip strength and release when needed.
2Reliability
If a fastener is excessively deformed to secure an object, then the object can be held firmly, but the fastener fails to restore its original shape, shortening service life
Solution Approach 1:
The groove structure acts as a cushioning feature that absorbs excessive deformation energy. When the elastic element is compressed beyond normal operating limits, the groove provides additional deformation space, preventing the material from undergoing irreversible deformation and extending the service life.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic element is designed as a flexible component with a groove that allows controlled deformation. This flexible structure with the groove feature enables the fastener to undergo large deformations during operation and then fully recover its original shape, preventing permanent damage and extending service life.
3Device complexity
If a rigid fastener is used to secure objects, then the structure is simple, but it cannot adapt to objects of different sizes and shapes
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic element with groove structure provides flexibility while maintaining relative structural simplicity. The groove enables the fastener to adapt to different object sizes and shapes through elastic deformation, achieving versatility without requiring complex adjustable mechanisms or multiple components.
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 elastic element ensures secure fitting and smooth operation of hand tools, extending their service life and enabling operation on various sizes and shapes without getting stuck.
Implementation Method 1
the elastic element includes an inner annular wall, at least one outer annular wall, and a groove. The at least one outer annular wall is connected to the inner annular wall and surrounds the inner annular wall. The groove is formed between the inner annular wall and the at least one outer annular wall.
Data Source
AI summary
An elastic element includes an inner annular wall, at least one outer annular wall, and a groove. The at least one outer annular wall connects with the inner annular wall and surrounds the inner annular wall. The groove is formed between the inner annular wall and the at least one outer annular wall. The structural designs of the inner annular wall, the at least one outer annular wall, and the groove are such that when the elastic element is applied to a hand tool, the groove provides a space that allows the inner annular wall to be deformed, making it easier for a user to fit a to-be-operated object securely in the hand tool to enhance work efficiency.