Multi-Angle Socket Drive for Torque Access in Tight Spaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing socket body tools face challenges in providing effective angular access and rotational torque in compact spaces with minimal access, as they often require large adaptive mechanisms that compromise on adjustability and torque transmission.
Innovation Solution
A connecting driver shaft with a multi-angular receiving cavity, drive pins, and a magnet, along with an engagement component featuring a spherical end and pin registration groove, allows for angular displacement and retention of a fastener driver, enabling adjustable torque transfer and access in tight spaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If large angle adaptive mechanisms are used to ensure adjustability and angle, then angular access capability is improved, but device complexity and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The tool is divided into modular components: a handle, a bit retainer assembly, and interchangeable bit adapters. The bit retainer assembly can be independently adjusted to different angles and securely locked, allowing angular access without requiring the entire tool to be large or complex. This segmentation enables compact overall design while maintaining adjustability.
Solution Approach 2:
The bit retainer incorporates a dynamic adjustment mechanism that allows the user to set and lock the bit at various angles relative to the handle. This dynamic positioning capability provides angular adaptability without requiring permanent structural modifications or large fixed mechanisms, thus reducing overall device complexity.
2Force
If large angle adaptive mechanisms are used to impart rotational torque, then torque transmission is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The torque transmission function is separated into distinct components: the handle provides leverage, the bit retainer maintains angular position, and the bit adapter transfers torque to the fastener. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function without requiring a complex integrated mechanism, enabling effective torque transmission with simpler overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The bit retainer assembly acts as an intermediary between the handle and the bit adapter. It receives rotational input from the handle, maintains the desired angular orientation, and transfers torque to the bit adapter. This intermediary mechanism enables torque transmission while preserving angular adjustability without requiring direct complex coupling between all components.
3Volume of moving object
If compact design is used for minimal access, then access to tight spaces is improved, but angular adjustability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The compact tool design incorporates a segmented bit retainer assembly that can be independently adjusted to multiple angles. This allows the tool to maintain a compact overall size while providing full angular adjustability through the movable retainer component, enabling access to tight spaces at various angles.
Solution Approach 2:
The bit retainer features dynamic adjustment capability that allows it to be positioned at different angles and locked in place. This dynamic feature enables a compact tool design to achieve angular adaptability equivalent to larger fixed-angle tools, as the small retainer mechanism can assume multiple angular positions without increasing the tool's base size.
4Volume of moving object
If compact design is used for minimal access, then access to tight spaces is improved, but torque transmission capability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The compact tool design segments the torque transmission path into efficient components: a leveraged handle for input force, a secure bit retainer for force transfer, and a rigid bit adapter for output torque. This segmentation allows compact dimensions while maintaining effective torque transmission through optimized force transfer between components.
Solution Approach 2:
The bit retainer assembly serves as an effective intermediary that efficiently transfers torque from the handle to the bit adapter in compact dimensions. Its secure locking mechanism and rigid construction ensure minimal force loss during torque transmission, enabling a small tool to deliver adequate rotational force for fastener applications.
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 enables efficient angular access and rotational torque transmission in compact spaces by using a magnetically retained, multi-angled drive system that maintains alignment and adaptability, enhancing the tool's ability to engage fasteners in hard-to-reach locations.
Implementation Method 1
The engagement component is retained within the receiving cavity of the drive shaft and held in position by the magnet therein
Data Source
AI summary
An angle drive socket tool that provides interchangeable multi-angular socket for inserting a tool. A drive shaft has a driver engagement end and a magnetic enabled concave fastener receiving end with retainment and drive engagement pins. A driver component having a spherical insert end with a drive pin engagement channel extending there about an oppositely disposed drive configured input end, such as a hex socket suitable to drive a fastener of choice as illustrated in the preferred embodiment.