Multi-Functional Tool Structure With Rotating Sleeve

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional hand tools with fixed screwdriver heads are cumbersome and require multiple tools for different locking specifications, making them inconvenient to carry and use in workplaces with varied locking parts.

Innovation Solution

A multi-functional tool structure featuring a handle with an annular opening and engaging recesses, a base with staggered stops and slots, and a hollow sleeve with side opening and grooves, allowing tool heads to be easily removed and swapped by rotating the sleeve, enabling compact storage and convenient use.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple separate hand tools are used for different locking specifications, then the tool can handle various locking parts, but the tool becomes cumbersome and difficult to carry

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to handle different locking specificationsVSAvoidconvenience of carrying and using

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates multiple screwdriver head functions into a single handle assembly. The base contains multiple slots for different tool heads, and the sleeve mechanism allows selective access to each slot, enabling one tool to perform multiple functions that previously required separate tools

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The tool heads are stored within the base structure, which is itself part of the handle assembly. The sleeve rotates to reveal different slots, creating a nested configuration where multiple tool heads are contained within the single tool body, reducing the number of separate tools needed

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Device complexity

If screwdriver heads are fixed and unremovable, then the tool structure is simple, but the tool cannot be easily adapted to different locking specifications

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimplicity of tool structureVSAvoidability to adapt to different locking specifications

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The tool is divided into separable components: the handle, base, sleeve, and multiple removable tool heads. The engaging protrusions and recesses create discrete engagement points that allow tool heads to be easily attached and detached, providing both structural simplicity and adaptability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The sleeve is designed to rotate, dynamically changing which slot is accessible through the side opening. This rotational mechanism allows the user to select different tool heads based on the locking specification needed, transforming a static structure into a dynamic, adaptable system

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Volume of moving object

If the tool is made compact for easy storage, then portability is improved, but tool heads cannot be easily removed or accessed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompactness of toolVSAvoidease of removing and accessing tool heads

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of expanding the tool lengthwise to accommodate multiple tool heads, the patent uses a radial arrangement with slots positioned around the base perimeter. The rotating sleeve accesses these slots through a side opening, utilizing the circumferential dimension to store multiple heads within a compact cylindrical footprint

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The sleeve acts as an intermediary mechanism between the user and the tool heads. By rotating the sleeve, the user can bring any desired slot into alignment with the side opening without directly manipulating the tool heads themselves, simplifying the access process while maintaining compact dimensions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 quick tool head exchange and compact storage, reducing the need for multiple tools and enhancing usability by allowing the tool head to be easily removed and fixed for different locking specifications.

Implementation Method 1

the elastic assembly is abutted against the grooves; in addition, when the sleeve is rotated by an external force, the elastic assembly is temporarily deformed in order to switch to the corresponding groove

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS11110586B2Multi-functional tool structure

Publication Date: 2021.09.07 CHIN CHEN HUANG

AI summary

This invention is a multi-functional tool structure, consisting of a handle, a base, a cover and a sleeve. The base is engaged to the handle, and has multiple slots for placing tool heads, while the bottom part is provided with tool positioning recesses for fixing tool heads. The sleeve is set on the base, and has a side opening. Hence, when the side opening is set in line with the too heads by the rotation of the sleeve, the tool head can be removed from the side opening, and fixed to the tool fixing recess on the base before use.