Magnetic Roller Socket Wrench for Tight-Space Reversible Drive
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional socket wrenches with reversible one-way drives are limited by the need for angular movement to change ratchet teeth and pawl positions, making them unsuitable for use in confined spaces.
Innovation Solution
A socket wrench with a reversible one-way roller drive mechanism using permanent magnets and inclined ramps allows for small handle movements to achieve clockwise or counterclockwise rotation of sockets, enabling use in tight spaces without backlash or play, and is coated with titanium nitride for durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional ratchet teeth and pawls are used in socket wrenches, then the drive mechanism can transmit torque, but the handle must be angularly moved to a minimum distance to change interengaging positions, making the wrench unusable in confined spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the conventional mechanical ratchet teeth and pawls with a magnetic field-based drive mechanism. Permanent magnets mounted on the selector and collector create magnetic forces that replace the mechanical interengagement of ratchet teeth and pawls, allowing torque transmission without requiring angular movement to change positions. This substitution enables the wrench to operate in confined spaces where minimal handle movement is possible.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental operating parameter from mechanical interengagement requiring angular displacement to magnetic field interaction that can occur with minimal movement. By using magnetic forces instead of mechanical teeth engagement, the system allows for infinitely variable strokes of the handle, transforming the minimum angular movement requirement into a system that can operate with very small handle movements.
2Ease of operation
If permanent magnets are used to retain selector and rollers in drive positions, then the wrench can operate with small handle movements, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The permanent magnets serve multiple functions simultaneously: they retain the selector and rollers in selected drive positions, transmit torque from the handle to the collector, and enable reversible one-way drive operation. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate retaining mechanisms, thereby limiting the increase in structural complexity despite the advanced magnetic field-based operation.
3Reliability
If titanium nitride coating is applied to the wrench components, then durability and wear resistance are improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies titanium nitride coating to the handle, selector, collector, and rollers, creating a composite structure where the base metal provides structural integrity while the titanium nitride layer provides enhanced durability, wear resistance, and corrosion protection. This composite approach improves reliability by combining the advantages of different materials, with the coating providing surface hardness and chemical resistance while the underlying metal provides mechanical 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
Enables efficient and effective operation in confined areas by allowing small handle movements to transmit torque to sockets, enhancing usability in tight spaces and maintaining durability through titanium nitride coatings.
Implementation Method 1
Permanent magnets mounted on the selector and collector having the same polarities selectively retain the selector and rollers in clockwise or counterclockwise drive positions. The permanent magnets on the selector and collector have mutual repulsive or separation magnetic forces that retain the selector and rollers in selected clockwise or counterclockwise drive positions.
Implementation Method 2
Rollers cooperate with ramps and the inside cylindrical surface of the head to drivably couple the head to the body for one way rotation of the body in response to reciprocating arcuate movement of the handle.
Implementation Method 3
The handle, selector, collector and rollers are coated with a layer of titanium nitride. Alternatively, the socket wench can be titanium or titanium alloy structure.
Data Source
Figure 1~3
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Figure 8~9
AI summary
A socket wrench (10) for turning sockets (14) has a handle (11) joined to a head (22) having an inside wall (24) accommodating a body (26) including a socket holder (31). A permanent magnet (109) attached to the socket holder (31) holds a socket (14) on the socket holder (31). The body (26) has a plurality of ramps (86,87,88,89,90,91) facing the inside wall (24) of the head (22). Rollers (63,64,65,66,67,68) engage the ramps (86,87,88,89,90,91) and inside wall (24). A member (77) mounted on the body (26) engages the rollers (63,64,65,66,67,68) to selectively shift the rollers (63,64,65,66,67,68) relative to opposite end sections of the ramps (86,87,88,89,90,91). First and second permanent magnets (69,70,71,79,80,81 ) on the body (26) and the member (77) maintain the member (77) in selected shifted positions to retain the rollers (63,64,65,66,67,68) adjacent the end sections of the ramps (86,87,88,89,90,91).