Hex Key Plastic Coating for Holder Friction Fit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hex key sets with thermoplastic sleeves for improved grip and color differentiation face difficulties in fitting and removing the hex keys from their holders due to the cumbersome process of the sleeve passing through the fitting hole.
Innovation Solution
A hex key with a plastic coating that includes a cylindrical portion and a truncated cone-shaped end, allowing for easy insertion and secure friction fit into the holder, combined with a rough outer surface for enhanced grip.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a thermoplastic cylindrical sleeve is placed on the hex key body for improved grip and color differentiation, then the grip is improved and color coding is achieved, but the process of fitting and removing the hex key from the holder becomes cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The coating is divided into two distinct portions: a first cylindrical portion and a second truncated cone-shaped portion. This segmentation allows the cylindrical portion to pass through the holder's fitting hole easily, while the cone-shaped portion remains outside to provide grip and color differentiation, thus resolving the contradiction between improved grip and simplified fitting process
Solution Approach 2:
The coating transitions from a uniform cylindrical shape to a truncated cone shape at one end, introducing a dimensional change that enables the coating to pass through the circular fitting hole while maintaining its functional properties for grip and color coding
2Ease of operation
If a thermoplastic cylindrical sleeve is placed on the hex key body for improved grip, then the grip is improved, but the sleeve is costly to insert into the holder
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the coating into a cylindrical portion for passing through the holder and a cone-shaped portion for grip, the design enables a simpler and more cost-effective fitting process while maintaining the grip improvement benefit
Solution Approach 2:
The coating has different geometries at different locations: the cylindrical portion at one end is optimized for passing through the holder, while the truncated cone portion at the other end is optimized for providing grip and color differentiation, allowing each portion to serve its specific function efficiently
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
Facilitates quick and comfortable fitting and removal of hex keys from the holder while providing improved grip and ergonomic handling.
Implementation Method 1
comprises a plastic coating on at least one part of the body, which is overinjected on the outer surface of the body
Implementation Method 2
the second cone-shaped portion is located, that the fastening is carried out, which, being by means of this cone shape, takes place in a uniform and comfortable way by friction
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The present invention corresponds to the technical field of hand tools, specifically to a hex key of the type grouped in a holder (4), in such a way that the same has a longitudinal body (1) with a first end (1.1) and a second end (1.2) and a plastic coating (2) overinjected on the outer surface thereof, such that said coating (2) comprises a first cylindrical portion of constant diameter and, in addition, a second portion (3) of truncated cone shape, so that when the hex key is inserted into the circular fitting hole of the holder (4), the first cylindrical portion of the coating (2) passes easily through the said hole, but the second tapered portion (3) is friction-fitted into the said hole up to a certain intermediate section of the said hole.