Nested Socket with Tapered Sleeve for Multi-Size Fasteners
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sockets require multiple sizes and types to accommodate various fasteners, leading to reduced efficiency and increased storage needs due to the need for frequent socket changes during operation.
Innovation Solution
A socket design featuring a first sleeve member with a connecting portion for a driving tool and a second sleeve member with a tapered external circumferential wall and internal restriction unit, allowing for automatic selection of the appropriate connecting portion based on fastener size, eliminating the need for socket changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple sockets of different sizes are prepared to fit various fasteners, then the socket can accommodate different fastener sizes, but the factory has to store multiple sockets and the user has to change sockets during operation, reducing efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple socket sizes into a single integrated tool by nesting smaller socket members inside a larger socket body. The socket assembly includes a first socket member with a first opening and a second socket member with a second opening, where the second socket member can be positioned inside the first socket member. This allows the user to select and use different socket sizes from the same tool, eliminating the need to carry and change multiple separate sockets, thereby improving operational efficiency while maintaining adaptability to various fastener sizes
Solution Approach 2:
The socket assembly is designed as a universal tool that can perform multiple functions by accommodating different socket sizes. The first socket member and second socket member are both configured to engage with fasteners of different dimensions, allowing a single tool to replace multiple specialized sockets. This multi-functional design enables the user to work with various fastener sizes without needing to switch between different socket tools, thus resolving the contradiction between versatility and productivity
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple sockets of different sizes are prepared to fit various fasteners, then the socket can accommodate different fastener sizes, but the factory has to store multiple sockets, increasing storage needs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the nesting principle by placing the second socket member inside the first socket member when not in use. The smaller socket member is stored within the larger socket body, creating a compact, space-efficient storage solution. This nested configuration allows the factory or workshop to store multiple socket sizes in a single location rather than requiring separate storage space for each socket, thereby reducing the volume of stationary storage needed while maintaining the ability to accommodate different fastener sizes
Data Source
AI summary
A socket includes a first and a second sleeve members. The first sleeve member has a first end for connecting to a driving tool and a second end having a first connecting portion for sleeving onto a first fastener, and has an internal space and an internal circumferential wall. The second sleeve member is movably inserted into the internal space and has an external circumferential wall and a second connecting portion connected together. The second connecting portion is for sleeving onto a second fastener whose size is different from a size of the first fastener. One of the external and the internal circumferential walls is tapered from the first end toward the second end to form a gap. The other one of the external and the internal circumferential walls has a restriction unit extending into the gap.