Adjustable Hand Tool Splined Engagement Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hand tools with adjustable swing angles have complex mechanisms that are difficult to manufacture and assemble, leading to high costs and potential mis-operation due to numerous components and intricate engagement structures.
Innovation Solution
A hand tool design featuring a simplified engagement structure with a splined hole system and an elastic restriction ring, allowing for adjustable swing angles with reduced components, where an engagement member with a bulged section and holding sections in an annular groove enables easy angle adjustment and secure engagement without the need for springs or C-shaped retainers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a complex engagement structure with springs, steel balls, and C-shaped retainers is used to locate and prevent detachment of the engagement pin, then the reliability of the engagement mechanism is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates unnecessary components (springs, steel balls, C-shaped retainers, annular grooves, and drilled holes) from the engagement mechanism. The simplified design uses only the engagement pin moving within splined holes to achieve both location and detachment prevention functions, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The engagement pin serves multiple functions simultaneously: it locates the relative angle between handle and head section, prevents upward detachment through the splined hole geometry, and enables angle adjustment when moved to the release position. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate components for each function.
2Reliability
If multiple components including springs and steel balls are installed in the engagement pin, then the engagement position is securely maintained, but the ease of manufacture decreases due to additional drilling and assembly steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes springs, steel balls, and annular grooves from the engagement pin design. The engagement pin becomes a simple cylindrical component that fits within the splined holes, eliminating the need for drilling holes or forming grooves, and removing multiple assembly steps for installing elastic components.
Solution Approach 2:
The splined holes themselves provide the retention function through their geometry, eliminating the need for separate retention mechanisms. The engagement pin is retained by the splined hole structure without requiring additional components or assembly operations.
3Reliability
If a complex engagement structure with multiple components is used, then the engagement pin is securely retained, but the ease of operation decreases due to difficulty in locating and the risk of mis-operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates C-shaped retainers and other complex retention components that obstructed the operator's view and made locating difficult. The simplified engagement pin within splined holes provides clear visual feedback and easy manual operation for angle adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
While not explicitly using color changes, the patent provides visual feedback through the mechanical structure itself - the engagement pin's position within the splined holes and the relative orientation of handle and head section provide clear visual indication of the adjustment state, reducing the risk of mis-operation.
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 simplifies assembly, lowers manufacturing costs, and enhances operational accuracy by allowing single-handed adjustment of the angle, reducing the risk of mis-operation through a straightforward engagement mechanism.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic restriction ring including at least two holding sections in parallel to each other and a surrounding section connected between the holding sections
Data Source
AI summary
A hand tool with adjustable swing angle includes a first and a second ends connected with each other to contain an adjustable angle. The first end has an upper wall section having a first splined hole and a lower wall section having a through hole. An annular groove is formed on a circumferential wall of the through hole. The second end is formed with a second splined hole positioned between the first splined hole and the through hole. An engagement member having a bulged section is positioned in the splined holes. An elastic restriction ring is positioned in the annular groove and has at least two holding sections positioned in the through hole. When moving the engagement member up and down, the elastic restriction ring is expanded by the bulged section, permitting the engagement member to engage with both the first and second ends or only the second end.