Multi-Functional Vehicle Coupler Integrating Fastener Tool
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle components require separate tools for installation and removal of fasteners, which can be inconvenient and unavailable when needed, as these tools are typically stored and handled separately from the vehicle components and fasteners.
Innovation Solution
A multi-functional coupler with a shank, head, and tool integrated into the coupler, allowing for both connection and disconnection of vehicle components, including a tool with a fastener engaging portion for installing or removing fasteners, eliminating the need for separate tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate tools are used for fastener installation and removal, then tool functionality is specialized, but tool availability and convenience deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the coupler (used for coupling vehicle components) and the fastener removal tool into a single integrated device. The coupler body incorporates a tool receiving cavity that accepts a fastener removal tool, allowing the same device to perform both coupling and fastener removal functions. This merging eliminates the need to separately store and handle tools, making them conveniently available when the coupler is used.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupler is designed as a multi-functional device that serves dual purposes: (1) coupling vehicle components together through its connector mechanism, and (2) removing fasteners through the integrated tool. The tool receiving cavity is specifically designed to accommodate fastener removal tools, enabling the coupler to universally handle both coupling and fastener removal tasks without requiring separate specialized tools.
2Ease of operation
If separate tools are stored independently, then tool storage is simple, but tool accessibility and convenience deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The fastener removal tool is nested within the coupler body through a tool receiving cavity. The tool is stored inside the coupler when not in use, and can be easily accessed when needed. This nesting arrangement provides convenient tool accessibility while integrating the tool storage into the existing coupler structure, minimizing additional complexity.
3Ease of operation
If integrated multi-functional coupler is used, then tool availability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupler and fastener removal tool are merged into a single integrated device. The coupler body includes a tool receiving cavity that accommodates the fastener removal tool, creating a unified structure that provides both coupling and fastener removal functionality. This merging improves tool availability while keeping the structural complexity manageable by utilizing the existing coupler body as the housing.
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-functional coupler for one or more vehicle components includes a shank, a head connected to the shank, a connector carried by the shank, and a tool. The tool is carried by the head or shank spaced from the connector, and the tool has a fastener engaging portion by which a fastener may be moved to install or remove the fastener from a component. The coupler may be used to both coupled together two or more components, and to remove fasteners or other connections via the tool of the coupler. Conveniently, as the coupler is normally installed on the vehicle to couple together two or more vehicle components, the coupler is readily available to a user wanting to remove fasteners compatible/drivable with the tool of the coupler.