Multi-Component Ring Tool for Rotating Frozen Fasteners
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional tools like pipe wrenches struggle to access and rotate stuck or frozen fasteners, such as meter nuts, without causing undue strain on the operator, especially in environments where conduits obstruct the use of sockets or closed-end wrenches.
Innovation Solution
A tool featuring an annular-shaped inner and outer ring assembly that can be positioned around the fastener, with the inner ring capable of rotating within the radial plane of the outer ring, utilizing a gear assembly to convert rotational forces into translational motion for efficient nut rotation, reducing operator strain.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional pipe wrench or open end wrench is used to rotate a stuck or frozen nut, then the tool can be positioned about the nut from one side, but the operator must apply large manual rotational force that exposes muscles to undue strain
Solution Approach 1:
The tool employs nested rings where an inner ring is positioned within an outer ring. The inner ring engages the nut while the outer ring provides structural support and acceptance for rotational forces. This nested configuration allows the tool to convert operator-applied rotational force into effective torque on the nut with mechanical advantage, reducing operator strain while maintaining sufficient rotational force.
Solution Approach 2:
The inner ring is designed to rotate relative to the outer ring within a radial plane, creating a dynamic mechanism. This relative rotation allows the tool to adapt to the nut's position and convert the rotational motion into effective torque application, improving ease of operation while maintaining the necessary force transmission.
2Reliability
If a socket or closed-end wrench is used to rotate a nut, then the tool provides enclosed engagement with the fastener, but the tool cannot be positioned about the nut when conduits obstruct access from all directions
Solution Approach 1:
The tool divides the engagement function between two separate rings: the inner ring that contacts the nut and the outer ring that provides structural support. This segmentation allows the inner ring to be positioned about the nut from one side through obstructing conduits, while the outer ring can be subsequently placed over the inner ring to complete the engagement, achieving both accessibility and reliable engagement.
Solution Approach 2:
The outer ring is designed to be placed over the inner ring after the inner ring has been positioned about the nut. This nested arrangement allows the tool to be assembled in a sequence that accommodates obstructed access, first inserting the inner ring through conduits, then adding the outer ring to complete the engagement mechanism.
3Productivity
If the inner ring is capable of rotating relative to the outer ring within a radial plane, then the tool can convert rotational forces effectively, but the mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The tool incorporates a dynamic element where the inner ring can rotate relative to the outer ring within a radial plane. This single degree of freedom relative motion is sufficient to convert the rotational forces applied to the outer ring into effective torque on the nut through the inner ring, achieving high rotation efficiency without requiring complex multi-axis mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
A tool for rotating an object includes an assembly comprising an inner ring and an outer ring wherein each of the rings include multiple components which can be moved relative to one another between a first condition which accommodates the positioning of the assembly about the object to be rotated and a second condition at which the multiple components of each of the rings form the annular shape of the inner or outer ring to which the multiple components correspond. When the rings are arranged in the second condition, the inner ring is capable of rotating relative to and within a radial plane of the outer ring. In addition, a gear arrangement is connected to the assembly for transferring rotational forces applied from a power tool to the inner ring so that rotation of the inner ring relative to the outer ring effects the rotation of the object desired to be rotated.