Lighted Socket Wrench Illumination Circuit Design

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing socket wrenches lack illumination at the fastener receiving end, making it difficult for users to see and align fasteners, especially in low-light environments.

Innovation Solution

A lighted socket wrench design that incorporates a ratchet body, power supply, ratchet drive member, lighted socket, and power circuit, where the light source is positioned at the fastener receiving end of the socket and energized by electric current from the power supply.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If a light source is added to the socket wrench, then visibility of fasteners is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevisibility of fastenersVSAvoidstructure of socket wrench

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the light source, power supply, and control circuitry directly into the socket wrench body, merging illumination functionality with the mechanical tool. The light source is positioned within the socket assembly, and the power supply is integrated into the handle, creating a unified device that provides both mechanical fastening and illumination functions through a single tool rather than requiring separate flashlight and wrench equipment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The socket wrench is designed to perform multiple functions: mechanical fastening through the ratchet and socket mechanism, and illumination through the integrated light source. The device can operate in different modes (light on/off, different illumination intensities) and serves as both a traditional wrench and a portable light source, making it a universal tool for low-light mechanical work

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If a power supply and light source are integrated into the socket wrench, then user convenience is improved, but weight of the tool increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser convenienceVSAvoidweight of socket wrench

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The illumination function is localized to where it is most needed - directly at the fastener receiving end of the socket. The light source is positioned to illuminate only the work area around the fastener, rather than providing general illumination throughout the entire tool or environment. This localized approach provides maximum convenience for the specific task while minimizing the amount of power supply and lighting components required, thereby reducing overall weight

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Adaptability or versatility

If electrical components are added to the socket wrench, then functionality in low-light environments is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctionality in low-light environmentsVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The electrical components are segmented into separate functional modules: the light source assembly, the power supply unit, and the control circuitry. The light source is contained within the socket portion, the power supply is housed in the handle, and the electrical connections are made through defined interfaces. This modular segmentation allows each component to be manufactured and tested independently before final assembly, reducing overall manufacturing complexity while maintaining adaptability for low-light operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 lighted socket wrench provides improved visibility and alignment of fasteners, enhancing user convenience and accuracy, especially in low-light conditions, while maintaining the functionality of a standard socket wrench.

Implementation Method 1

The light source is adapted to be energized by electric current, and when so energized, to emit light

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight emission from electric current: Light Emitting Diode

Data Source

PatentUS20250135609A1Lighted socket wrench

Publication Date: 2025.05.01 KOLAVO MICHAEL

AI summary

A lighted socket wrench having a ratchet body, a ratchet drive member and a lighted socket. The ratchet body houses a power supply connected to wiring that terminates at a pair of leads disposed in a head recess of the ratchet body. The head recess retains the ratchet drive member, the ratchet drive member carrying a pair of proximal electrical contacts that are ring-shaped (such as washer contacts) so as to remain in contact with the ratchet body leads as the ratchet drive member rotates in the head recess. A pair of distal electrical contacts of the ratchet drive member touch a pair of contacts of the lighted socket when the lighted socket is connected to the ratchet drive member, so that current is delivered from the power supply through the ratchet drive member contacts to the lighted socket to illuminate a light source connected to the lighted socket.