Lockable Grip Wrench with Variable Jaw Spacing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wrenches are cumbersome for handling multiple sizes of fasteners and often require multiple tools, with limited torque application due to user grip strength, making them unsuitable for various fastener types like TORX brand fasteners.
Innovation Solution
A locking grip wrench with rotatable handles and movable jaw elements, featuring a locking mechanism with an actuator and cam surface that allows variable jaw spacing, enabling secure gripping of fasteners across a range of sizes without relying on user grip strength.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional box end wrenches are used, then they can tighten or loosen fasteners, but they require repositioning numerous times which is cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The wrench incorporates a ratcheting mechanism that allows periodic motion in one direction only, enabling the user to apply torque repeatedly without repositioning the wrench. The ratchet pawl engages with teeth on the drive mechanism, permitting rotation in the tightening direction while preventing reverse motion, thus eliminating the need to reposition the wrench for each torque application.
2Ease of operation
If ratcheting box end wrenches are used, then easier use is achieved, but they are designed for specific sizes requiring multiple wrenches
Solution Approach 1:
The wrench features adjustable jaw elements that can be repositioned along the handle to accommodate different fastener sizes. The jaw adjustment mechanism allows the user to change the opening width dynamically, enabling a single wrench to handle multiple fastener sizes from small to large, eliminating the need for multiple specialized wrenches.
Solution Approach 2:
The wrench is designed with universal compatibility across multiple fastener types and sizes through its adjustable jaw system and ratcheting mechanism. A single wrench can perform tightening and loosening operations on various fastener sizes, replacing the need for multiple size-specific wrenches in the toolset.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional ratcheting box end wrenches are used, then they work for some fasteners, but they are unsuited for TORX brand fasteners
Solution Approach 1:
The wrench incorporates interchangeable or adjustable jaw elements that can be configured to match different fastener geometries including TORX profiles. The jaw adjustment mechanism allows the user to reposition and potentially reconfigure the jaw shape to properly engage with TORX fasteners, ensuring reliable operation across multiple fastener types rather than being limited to hexagonal nuts only.
4Force
If grip wrenches with pivoting handles are used, then multiple jaw elements can grip the nut, but user grip strength limits the torque applied
Solution Approach 1:
The wrench incorporates a lock mechanism that acts as an intermediary between the user's gripping action and the torque application to the fastener. When the jaws are closed on the fastener, the lock mechanism engages to maintain the gripping force without requiring the user to continuously exert grip strength. This allows the full torque to be applied to the fastener without being limited by the user's hand strength.
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 wrench provides secure gripping and adjustable torque application for fasteners of various sizes, enhancing usability and reducing the need for multiple tools, while allowing for efficient tightening or loosening of fasteners without user strength limitations.
Implementation Method 1
The actuator is mounted for rotational movement about the first axis and has a peripheral cam surface eccentrically disposed relative to the first axis and selectively engagable against a lock element
Data Source
AI summary
A wrench includes a locking mechanism that provides variable locking positions. The wrench has handles that are rotatably connected such that a closing motion of the handles allows the wrench to grip workpieces as desired by moving a plurality of jaw elements inward toward the workpiece. The locking mechanism advantageously allows the jaws and handles of the wrench to be locked precisely on any size workpiece within the working range of the wrench. Related methods are also described.