Multi-segment bendable joint for confined wrench access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional ratchet wrenches have a fixed angle between the socket joint and the wrench body, limiting their ability to bend relative to the main body of the wrench, which restricts their use in confined spaces.
Innovation Solution
A multi-segment bendable joint is introduced, featuring a jointer with a first ball head and a second ball head at its ends, allowing for assembly into connector slots for two-segment bending between the socket and the wrench body, thereby increasing the bending angle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed angle structure is used between socket joint and wrench body, then the structure is simple and stable, but the bending angle is limited and cannot reach confined positions
Solution Approach 1:
The joint structure is divided into multiple segments: the wrench body, the jointer with rod portion, and the socket joint, connected through first and second ball heads. This segmentation allows each segment to rotate independently, achieving multi-directional bending while maintaining relatively simple individual components.
Solution Approach 2:
The joint structure transitions from a fixed angle design to a dynamic multi-segment design where the jointer can bend relative to both the wrench body and the socket joint. This dynamic configuration enables the socket to reach various angles and positions, significantly improving adaptability to confined spaces.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a single ball joint is used between socket joint and wrench body, then the structure is simpler, but the bending capability is insufficient for reaching more positions
Solution Approach 1:
The joint is segmented into two independent ball joint connections: the first ball head connects the jointer to the wrench body, and the second ball head connects the jointer to the socket joint. This segmentation provides two degrees of freedom, enabling the socket to bend in multiple directions and reach positions that a single ball joint cannot achieve.
3Ease of operation
If the socket joint is rigidly connected to the wrench body, then the structure is stable and simple, but it requires larger operational space and frequent repositioning in confined areas
Solution Approach 1:
The rigid connection is replaced with a dynamic multi-segment joint structure that allows the socket to bend and adjust its angle relative to the wrench body. This dynamic capability enables the tool to operate in confined spaces without requiring frequent removal and repositioning, significantly improving ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The joint structure allows continuous change of the bending angle parameter between the socket and the wrench body, enabling adaptation to various operational requirements and confined spaces, thereby reducing the operational space requirement.
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 multi-segment bendable joint achieves a larger bending angle between the socket and the wrench body compared to conventional products, enhancing the tool's ability to reach more positions without the need for repositioning.
Implementation Method 1
a jointer with a rod portion, a first ball head and a second ball head connected at two ends of the rod portion
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a multi-segment bendable joint, comprising: a jointer, having a rod portion, a first ball head and a second ball head connected at two ends of the rod portion; a first connector, at opposite ends thereof, with a first connecting portion and a first joint slot for receiving the first ball head therein, respectively; and a second connector, at opposite ends thereof, with a second connecting portion and a second joint slot for receiving the second ball head therein, respectively. When one of the first and second connectors is linked to a wrench body and the other acts as a socket, two-segment bending between the socket and the wrench body is allowed, resulting in larger bending angle between the socket and the wrench body compared to conventional products.