Threaded Plug Screwdriver Head with Multi-Profile Torque Coupling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing screwdriver devices are limited in their ability to efficiently tighten plugs with different threads and head configurations, requiring multiple tools and specific torque settings, which slows down assembly processes and risks damaging plastic plugs due to mismatched coupling surfaces.

Innovation Solution

A screwdriver device with a head and shank featuring non-coincident profiles in its cavities, allowing it to accommodate plugs with various shapes and sizes, and tools of different dimensions, enabling the use of a single device for multiple thread types and torque settings, thereby eliminating the need for frequent tool changes and reducing the risk of damage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Force

If standard manoeuvring tools are used to tighten plastic plugs, then the tools can apply sufficient tightening torque for steel bolts, but the plastic plugs may be damaged due to excessive torque or circumferential play

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetightening torqueVSAvoidplug integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the geometric parameters of the coupling surfaces by providing oblique surfaces at specific angles (e.g., 30-60 degrees) rather than orthogonal surfaces. This angular parameter change allows the tool to engage the plug at an optimized angle that distributes forces more evenly, preventing both excessive torque damage and circumferential play while maintaining reliable tightening across different plug sizes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention introduces an intermediary coupling mechanism between the tool and plug through specifically designed oblique coupling surfaces. These surfaces act as a mediator that transforms the tool's tightening action into controlled rotational motion, eliminating direct circumferential contact that causes play and damage while maintaining effective torque transmission.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple screwdriver devices are used for different plug configurations, then each plug type can be tightened with optimal coupling, but the device complexity and tool inventory requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompatibility with different plug typesVSAvoidnumber of tool variants
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention makes the screwdriver device universal by designing the coupling surfaces with specific geometric characteristics (oblique angles, dimensional ranges) that can accommodate multiple plug types. The tool head can engage with plugs of varying sizes and configurations through the same basic coupling mechanism, eliminating the need for multiple specialized tools while maintaining optimal engagement for each plug type.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention introduces dynamic adaptability through oblique coupling surfaces that can self-adjust during engagement. The angled surfaces allow the tool to automatically find the correct engagement position and orientation when inserted into different plug types, providing versatile compatibility without requiring pre-configured settings or multiple fixed-design tools.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If orthogonal coupling surfaces are used in the plug head, then the tool engagement is straightforward, but circumferential play occurs leading to potential plug damage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetool engagementVSAvoidcircumferential play
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention replaces symmetric orthogonal coupling surfaces with asymmetric oblique surfaces at specific angles. This asymmetry creates a directional engagement mechanism where the tool naturally aligns with the correct orientation during insertion, eliminating circumferential play while maintaining ease of operation. The angled surfaces provide built-in alignment guidance that prevents incorrect engagement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of having the tool engage the plug from a conventional orthogonal approach, the invention inverts the coupling geometry by using oblique surfaces that engage in reverse orientation. This inverted geometry transforms the engagement mechanism so that the plug's coupling surfaces actively guide the tool rather than the tool simply pressing against flat surfaces, eliminating play while maintaining operational simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Data Source

PatentEP3885072B1Screwdriver for threaded plug and tightening device
Publication Date: 2023.12.20 POLYKAP
  • EP3885072B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3885072B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5
  • EP3885072B1 patent drawingFigure 6~8

AI summary

A screwdriver device for a threaded plug comprises a structure which extends along an axis (2) and includes a head (3) and a shank (4) connected to a first end (5) of the head (3), wherein the head (3) has a second end (6) which opens onto a cavity (7) suitable for containing a head of a plug, wherein along the axis (2) the cavity (7) comprises at least a first portion (8) having a lateral surface (9) which has a first profile (10) and at least a second portion (11) having a lateral surface (12) which has a second profile (13) which is not coincident with the first profile (10).