Offset Drive Link Assembly for Tightening Inaccessible Fasteners
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing link attachments for torque power tools struggle to access and tighten or loosen threaded fasteners that are inaccessible or unreachable due to protruding threads, limited clearances, and obstructions, leading to inefficiencies and increased risk of damage.
Innovation Solution
The offset drive link assembly, which includes a drive force input assembly, a drive force output assembly, and a reaction force assembly, allows for the transmission and multiplication of torque from a power tool to tighten or loosen threaded fasteners, even in constrained spaces, by providing modular components and customizable torque multiplication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional link attachments are used, then the structure is simple, but they cannot access inaccessible fasteners due to protruding threads, limited clearances, and obstructions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an offset drive link assembly that positions the drive force output engagement offset from the reaction force output engagement, creating a dimensional separation that allows the tool to access fasteners in constrained spaces where traditional coaxial attachments cannot reach
Solution Approach 2:
The link attachment is divided into distinct modular components including a drive force input assembly, drive force output assembly, and reaction force assembly, allowing each segment to be optimized for specific functions and enabling access to difficult-to-reach fasteners
2Reliability
If torque is applied to inaccessible fasteners, then fastener tightening is achieved, but the risk of operator error and damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The offset drive link assembly incorporates mechanisms that provide feedback on torque application, ensuring accurate and controlled fastener tightening while reducing the risk of operator error and damage to inaccessible fasteners
3Power
If power tools are used in constrained spaces, then tightening capability is improved, but torque multiplication and control become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The offset drive link assembly acts as an intermediary mechanism between the power tool and the fastener, providing torque multiplication and control through its offset link geometry while maintaining compatibility with various power tool types
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 offset drive link assembly enables access to previously unreachable fasteners, enhances the usability of various power tool types, and ensures accurate and customizable torque application, thereby reducing the risk of operator error and maximizing bolting safety.
Implementation Method 1
the offset drive link assembly, which includes a drive force input assembly, a drive force output assembly, and a reaction force assembly, allows for the transmission and multiplication of torque from a power tool
Data Source
AI summary
An offset drive link assembly for transmission and multiplication of torque from a power tool for tightening or loosening a threaded fastener includes: a drive force input assembly having a drive force input engagement to receive a first turning force from the device acting in a first direction; a drive force output assembly, operatively engageable with the drive force input engagement, having a drive force output engagement to transfer the first turning force to the fastener; a reaction force assembly having a reaction force input engagement to receive a second turning force from the device in a second direction and a reaction force output engagement including: a recess to transfer the second turning force to a stationary object formed as a washer under the threaded fastener nonrotatably engageable with the recess; and a removably and rotatably engagable reaction force transfer fixture formed as a reaction arm.