Multi-Spec Socket Structure With Elastic Locking Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional sockets are limited in versatility due to having only three different sleeve portions, making assembly inconvenient and requiring significant force to fit the sleeve ring, and restricting members complicate fabrication.

Innovation Solution

A socket structure comprising a first body with multiple mounting portions of different specifications, combined with elastic members and locking mechanisms to securely hold additional bodies, allowing for the assembly and rotation of tools with various specifications.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the conventional socket includes only three different sleeve portions of different specifications, then the structure is simple, but the versatility is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveversatilityVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The socket is divided into a first body and a second body that can be detachably assembled. The first body contains three sleeve portions of different specifications, while the second body can be mounted in the first mounting portion to provide additional functionality. This segmentation allows the socket to accommodate more tool specifications without requiring a completely new design for each specification.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The second body is mounted within the first body structure, specifically in the first mounting portion. The second body has a third mounting portion that can accommodate additional tools. This nested configuration allows multiple mounting portions of different specifications to be integrated into a single socket structure, enhancing versatility without proportionally increasing overall size.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Reliability

If at least two restricting members are mounted between the first element and the second element to prevent detachment, then the connection is secure, but the fabrication becomes inconvenient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection securityVSAvoidfabrication convenience
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The restricting function is merged into the locking member that extends through both the first body and the second body. Instead of using separate restricting members mounted between elements, a single locking member provides both the connection and the restricting function. This integration simplifies the assembly process while maintaining secure connection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The locking member serves multiple functions: it connects the first body and second body, prevents detachment of the second body from the first mounting portion, and restricts the movement of the third body relative to the second mounting portion. This multi-functionality reduces the total number of parts needed while maintaining connection security.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If the sleeve ring is closely fitted on the first element, then the connection is secure, but the operator has to exert larger force to fit it or machine assembly is required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection securityVSAvoidassembly convenience
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The elastic member provides a dynamic, flexible connection between the first body and the second body. Instead of a rigid close fit that requires excessive force, the elastic member allows for slight deformations and adjustments during assembly, making the fitting process easier while maintaining secure connection through elastic retention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The elastic member changes its physical state between compressed and relaxed states to facilitate assembly and provide secure connection. During assembly, the elastic member can be compressed to allow easier insertion, then returns to its relaxed state to provide secure retention, changing the mechanical parameters of the connection dynamically.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 socket structure enhances versatility by accommodating tools of multiple specifications with simplified assembly and secure attachment, reducing the need for complex assembly processes and minimizing the number of parts.

Implementation Method 1

The first elastic member is elastically biased between the first abutting face and the third abutting face and provides a restoring force to the second body

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS20260042190A1Socket structure for hand operated tool
Publication Date: 2026.02.12 YANG CHENG PU
  • US20260042190A1 patent drawing
  • US20260042190A1 patent drawing
  • US20260042190A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A socket structure for a hand operated tool includes a first body, a second body, a first elastic member, and a first locking member. The first body is provided with a first rotation portion, a first mounting portion, a first abutting face, a second mounting portion, a second abutting face, and a perforation. The second body is movable in the first mounting portion and non-rotatable relative to the first mounting portion. The second body is provided with a first fitting portion, a third mounting portion, a first receiving groove, a first limit portion, and a second receiving groove. The first elastic member provides a restoring force to the second body. The first locking member extends through the first body and the second body, to prevent the second body from being detached from the first mounting portion.