Multifunction Socket Tool with Sliding Nested Components
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing socket tools are limited in their ability to apply torque to a variety of threaded fasteners, particularly those with hexagonal, square, eyebolt, wing nut, and ring nut drive portions, and fail to accommodate different sizes effectively, which is a challenge in industries like electric power distribution.
Innovation Solution
A multifunction socket tool with two interlocking socket components that translate along a longitudinal axis, allowing engagement with hexagonal and square drive portions of different sizes, and featuring a compression spring for biasing the second socket component to a position that aligns with the first, enabling torque transfer to a range of threaded fasteners, including eyebolts and ring nuts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single socket component is used, then the device complexity is low, but the adaptability to different fastener sizes and types is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The socket tool is divided into multiple socket components (first socket component and second socket component) that can be selectively positioned. Each component is designed with specific dimensions and slot configurations to engage different fastener types, allowing the tool to handle various fastener sizes and types without requiring a complete tool change.
Solution Approach 2:
The second socket component is nested within or alongside the first socket component, with both components capable of being positioned along the longitudinal axis. This nested arrangement allows multiple socket sizes to be integrated into a single tool body, enabling the user to select the appropriate socket component for each fastener type while maintaining a compact overall structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple socket components are added to increase functionality, then the adaptability improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The socket tool is designed as a universal tool that can engage multiple fastener types (hexagonal nuts, bolts, eyebolts, wing nuts, ring nuts) through its multiple socket components. Each component maintains a standardized interface with the driver component while providing different engagement geometries at the working end, allowing a single tool to perform multiple functions across different fastener types.
Solution Approach 2:
The socket components are designed to be dynamically positionable along the longitudinal axis, allowing the user to select which socket component is active for a given task. This dynamic positioning capability enables the tool to adapt its configuration based on the specific fastener being worked on, providing versatility without requiring a completely different tool for each fastener type.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the second socket component is positioned to engage smaller fasteners, then the adaptability to small fasteners improves, but the first socket component cannot simultaneously engage larger fasteners
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple socket components are pre-configured within the tool body at different positions along the longitudinal axis, each ready to engage specific fastener sizes. The user can quickly select and position the appropriate pre-configured socket component without requiring time-consuming adjustments or tool changes, as the components are already in place and ready for immediate engagement.
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 tool effectively transfers torque to multiple sizes of hexagonal and square drive portions, as well as eyebolts and ring nuts, enhancing functionality and compatibility with various fasteners, particularly in applications like hot line clamps.
Implementation Method 1
a compression spring for biasing the second socket component to a position that aligns with the first
Implementation Method 2
transferring a drive torque from a driver component to a variety of threaded fasteners
Data Source
AI summary
A multifunction socket tool is provided that has first socket component for engagement with a first size drive portion of a threaded fastener, and a second socket component for engagement with a second size drive portion of a threaded fastener, with the second size being smaller than the first size The second socket component translates from a first position where it can torque a drive portion of the second size to a second position where the first socket component can torque a drive portion of the first size. The first socket component includes a first pair of opposed slots for receiving and torqueing the eye of an eyebolt, and the second socket component includes a second pair of opposed slots for aligning the first pair of slots with the eye prior to engagement of the eye by the first pair slots.