Impact Socket Collar Assembly for Multi-Size Fastener Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional impact sockets are limited by their fixed sizes, requiring multiple sockets for different nut or bolt head sizes, leading to inefficiency and increased risk of loss due to frequent changes and the need for a large set of sockets at a work site.
Innovation Solution
An impact socket with a collar assembly that linearly moves between two positions, providing multiple fastener driving structures at a single end, allowing for the use of different sized fasteners without removing the socket from the wrench, such as a 1 inch and 1⅛ inch square openings, reducing the need for multiple sockets.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional impact sockets are designed with fixed sizes for specific fastener types, then each socket is optimized for its specific fastener size, but operators must carry multiple sockets for different fastener sizes, increasing the risk of loss and reducing efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The impact socket is designed with a collar assembly that can be positioned to provide multiple fastener driving structures (e.g., 1 inch and 1 1/8 inch square openings) within a single socket body, allowing one socket to perform the function of multiple dedicated sockets for different fastener sizes
Solution Approach 2:
The collar assembly is configured to move linearly between different positions along the longitudinal axis of the socket body, dynamically changing which fastener driving structures are exposed and accessible at the distal end of the socket
2Adaptability or versatility
If operators carry a large set of impact sockets for different fastener sizes, then all fastener sizes can be accommodated, but the risk of losing or misplacing sockets increases
Solution Approach 1:
A single impact socket incorporates multiple fastener driving structures through the movable collar assembly, eliminating the need for operators to carry and manage multiple separate sockets for different fastener sizes, thereby reducing the risk of loss while maintaining comprehensive fastener size coverage
3Ease of manufacture
If operators use conventional single-size impact sockets, then each socket is simple in design, but frequent removal and attachment of appropriately sized sockets is required, reducing job site efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The collar assembly can be quickly repositioned along the longitudinal axis to expose different fastener driving structures, allowing operators to switch between fastener sizes during a job without removing the socket from the impact wrench, thereby maintaining productivity while requiring minimal structural complexity changes
4Manufacturing precision
If conventional impact sockets are used for different fastener sizes, then specialized sockets are needed for each size, but this increases the time and cost to complete tasks
Solution Approach 1:
The collar assembly is designed to move linearly between positions that expose different fastener driving structures, enabling rapid switching between fastener sizes without removing the socket from the impact wrench, thereby eliminating time loss associated with frequent socket changes while maintaining the precision required for different fastener types
Data Source
AI summary
An impact socket includes a socket body having a first end configured to mount to a drive shaft of an impact wrench and an opposing second end, the socket body defining at least one socket body fastener driving structure at the second end. The impact socket includes a collar assembly carried by the socket body, the collar assembly defining at least one collar assembly fastener driving structure. The collar assembly is configured to move linearly between (i) a first position relative to the socket body where a distal end of the collar assembly extends beyond a distal end of the socket body and (ii) a second position where the distal end is disposed at least equidistant to the second end of the socket body.