Selectively One-Way Wrench Spring Segmentation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing one-way wrenches fail to provide smooth and effective engagement and release due to premature disengagement of the claw from the toothed wheel during reverse rotation, rendering them useless in narrow spaces, and require precise selection of springs for proper function.

Innovation Solution

A selectively one-way wrench design incorporating a biasing unit with a central spring and two lateral springs, along with a lever, toothed wheel, and switch, ensures that only one claw engages with the toothed wheel in a specific direction, preventing premature disengagement by using a central spring to exert transverse forces and maintain engagement during intended rotation directions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a single spring is used to bias the claw into engagement with the toothed wheel, then the structure is simple, but the claw disengages prematurely during reverse rotation rendering the wrench useless in narrow spaces

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespring structureVSAvoidengagement reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The single spring is divided into a central spring and two lateral springs. The central spring provides transverse biasing force while the lateral springs provide longitudinal biasing force, creating a segmented spring system that resolves the contradiction between structural simplicity and engagement reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different sections of the spring system serve different functions: the central spring's enlarged section provides transverse biasing through its reduced sections, while the lateral springs' connecting sections provide longitudinal biasing. This local differentiation of spring properties ensures reliable engagement without premature disengagement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If precision spring selection is required for proper function, then engagement reliability improves, but manufacturing and assembly complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveengagement reliabilityVSAvoidspring selection and assembly

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The spring system is segmented into central and lateral springs with clearly defined functions, making it easier to manufacture and assemble without requiring precise spring selection. The central spring's enlarged section design provides inherent adjustment capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The central spring includes an enlarged section that can be deformed to adjust the biasing force, allowing parameter adjustment during assembly without requiring precise pre-selection of spring characteristics. This eliminates the need for precision spring selection while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of operation

If the claw continues to engage with the toothed wheel during reverse rotation, then the wrench can operate in narrow spaces, but unnecessary rotation occurs reducing effectiveness

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenarrow space usabilityVSAvoidrotation efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The spring system is designed to be deformable, allowing dynamic adjustment of the claw's engagement state. During reverse rotation, the central spring deforms to maintain engagement longer, enabling narrow space operation, while the lateral springs control the disengagement timing to prevent excessive rotation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 solution ensures smooth and effective rotation in one direction while preventing rotation in the opposite direction, maintaining engagement and preventing unnecessary rotation in tight spaces, thus enhancing the usability of the wrench.

Implementation Method 1

The central spring includes two reduced sections each connected to a lateral face of a corresponding one of the claws and an enlarged section formed between the reduced sections

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

Each of the lateral springs includes a connecting section connected to a rear face of a corresponding one of the claws and an end for abutment against a portion of the lever to push the corresponding claw to engagement with the toothed wheel

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpring force: Spring

Data Source

PatentUS9956671B2Selectively one-way wrench

Publication Date: 2018.05.01 LI YI MIN

AI summary

A selectively one-way wrench includes a lever, a toothed wheel inserted in the lever, two claws inserted in the lever, a switch operable to engage a selected one of the claws with the toothed wheel and disengage the other claw from the toothed wheel to cause the lever to rotate the toothed wheel via the selected claw only in a selected one of two directions. The selectively one-way wrench further includes a central spring and two lateral springs. The central spring includes two reduced sections each connected to a lateral face of a corresponding one of the claws and an enlarged section formed between the reduced sections. Each of the lateral springs includes a connecting section connected to a rear face of a corresponding one of the claws and an end for abutment against a portion of the lever to push the corresponding claw to engagement with the toothed wheel.