Indexable Pry Tool Splined Coupling Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hand tools with radial indexing and ratchet heads are complex in structure and unreliable in operation for selectively locking and unlocking rotary positions between tool components.
Innovation Solution
A splined coupling arrangement with a push button, serrated inserts, a retainer, and a spring mechanism that allows for selective locking and unlocking of the handle and indexable body, enabling rotary adjustment by engaging and disengaging external splines with splined orifices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a radial indexing head and ratchet head with floating splined pin are used for coupling, then the tool components can be locked in various rotary positions, but the structure becomes complex and operation becomes unreliable
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling mechanism is divided into separate functional components: a push button for actuation, a retainer for positioning, and a spring for biasing. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function reliably without the complexity of a floating splined pin system that must simultaneously manage multiple functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The complex floating splined pin mechanism is extracted and replaced with a simpler push-button actuated retainer system. The essential locking function is retained while removing the unnecessary complexity of the floating pin, plunger, and splined cylinder arrangement.
2Ease of operation
If a floating splined pin with plunger and splined cylinder is used, then rotary positioning is achieved, but the number of parts increases and operation becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple functions are merged into fewer components. The retainer serves both as a positioning element and a locking element, while the spring provides both biasing force and return action. The push button directly actuates the retainer, eliminating the need for separate plunger and splined cylinder components.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring automatically returns the retainer to its locked position after the push button is released, eliminating the need for manual resetting or complex resetting mechanisms. The system self-acts through the spring's stored energy.
3Reliability
If multiple serrated inserts and splined orifices are used for selective engagement, then reliable locking in specific positions is achieved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The serrated inserts serve multiple functions: they provide friction engagement for torque transmission, they engage with the splined orifices for positioning, and they guide the retainer movement. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized components.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling mechanism uses uniform splined interfaces and serrated engagements throughout, allowing for standardized manufacturing processes and interchangeable components. The consistent use of splined geometry simplifies tooling and production.
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 solution simplifies the structure and enhances reliability by allowing easy switching between locked and unlocked positions, ensuring secure locking in one position and free rotation in another, improving operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a spring is interposed between the cap and the fastener
Implementation Method 2
the spring is biased to hold the external splines of the first and second serrated inserts into common engagement
Data Source
AI summary
An indexable tool includes a handle having a first prong formed with a first splined orifice and a second prong formed with a second splined orifice. An indexable body has a third splined orifice aligned with the first and second splined orifices. A splined coupling arrangement rotatably joins and selectively locks and unlocks the handle and the indexable body together. The coupling arrangement includes a push button, first and second adjacently disposed inserts, a retainer, a cap and a spring. In a locked position, the spring is biased to hold external splines of the first and second serrated inserts in common engagement with the first, second and third splined orifices to prevent relative rotation between the indexable body and the handle. In an unlocked position, the push button is pushed against the bias of the spring to move external splines of the first serrated insert into exclusive engagement with the third splined orifice of the indexable body, and to move the external splines of the second serrated insert into engagement with the splined orifice of the second prong enabling rotary adjustment of the indexable body relative to the handle and about the cylinder.