Pivoting Drain Plug Tool With Indexing Lock
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tools for operating drain plugs in combustion engines are bulky, complex to implement, and require additional accessories, making them difficult to use efficiently and safely for unscrewing and oil collection.
Innovation Solution
A tool with a pivoting mechanism allowing perpendicularly arranged body and endpiece axes for unlocking, a clevis with indexing grooves for locking, a removable receptacle with a bayonet lock for stability, and a quick-change socket system using a sliding sheath and compression spring for versatility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If existing tools for operating drain plugs are used, then the drain plug can be unscrewed, but the tools are bulky and complex to implement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into a single integrated tool: the handle serves as both the gripping element and the unscrewing lever, the receptacle integrates oil collection with tool housing, and the square drive directly engages the drain plug. This eliminates the need for separate accessories like additional arms or disassembly pins, resolving the contradiction between operational effectiveness and device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The tool is designed with multi-functionality: the same body serves as handle, lever, and structural support; the receptacle both collects oil and provides structural integrity; the square drive both engages and unscrews the plug. This universal design allows the tool to perform multiple operations without requiring additional specialized components, addressing the contradiction between operational capability and complexity
2Ease of operation
If existing tools for operating drain plugs are used, then the drain plug can be unscrewed, but the tools require additional accessories
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges previously separate components into a unified structure: the handle and unscrewing mechanism are combined in the single body, the receptacle and tool housing are integrated, and the square drive and engagement mechanism are unified. This reduction in component quantity eliminates the need for additional accessories while maintaining full operational capability
Solution Approach 2:
Each component of the tool is designed to perform multiple functions: the body serves as structural support, handle, and lever; the receptacle collects oil and provides housing; the square drive engages and rotates the plug. This multi-functionality ensures that no additional specialized accessories are needed, resolving the contradiction between operational effectiveness and part quantity
3Ease of operation
If the body and endpiece are arranged perpendicularly for unlocking, then the unlocking operation is effective, but the tool occupies more space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a pivoting mechanism that allows the endpiece to rotate relative to the body, transitioning between a perpendicular configuration for unlocking and a collinear configuration for unscrewing. This dynamic reconfiguration enables the tool to achieve effective unlocking geometry without permanently occupying the larger perpendicular space, resolving the contradiction between unlocking effectiveness and tool volume
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
Enables efficient, safe, and quick operation of drain plugs with reduced risk of oil spills, stable tool positioning, and easy socket changes, while being compact and cost-effective to manufacture.
Implementation Method 1
aided by a compression spring acting on the sliding sheath
Implementation Method 2
The relative positioning of the body and the endpiece with respect to each other is made possible by a pivot
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
The invention relates to a tool (10), including: a body (12) having a handle (18); an end piece (14) connected to the body and having a working end for engaging with the plug (1) by means of direct or indirect coupling; and a receptacle (28) arranged between the working end and the handle, wherein the body and the working end are arranged relative to one another in at least one untightening position. A hinge (16) having an indexing device connects the body and the tip, the indexing device reversibly locking the hinge in a first unlocked position, in which the body acts as a lever arm, and/or in said untightening position.