Quick-Change Socket Retainer Assembly for Fastener Tools
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fastener installation tools face difficulties in quickly and easily replacing sockets of different sizes without using accessory hand tools or retaining clip pliers, making the process time-consuming and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A quick-change socket and hex key retainer assembly for a fastener installation tool, featuring a gear head with a lever, retaining slide, and socket assembly, where the socket is secured by an annular groove and can be easily released by sliding the retaining slide into an unlocked position, allowing for quick attachment and detachment of sockets without additional tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional fastener installation tools use traditional socket retention mechanisms, then sockets are securely held, but socket replacement requires accessory hand tools and is time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining slide is designed to move between locked and unlocked positions, dynamically changing the retention state of the socket. This dynamic mechanism allows the socket to be securely held during operation but easily released when needed, eliminating the need for additional tools and reducing replacement time
Solution Approach 2:
The quick-change mechanism allows the operator to replace sockets using only the integrated lever and retaining slide, without requiring external hand tools or pliers. The system serves itself by providing all necessary components within the tool assembly, making the replacement process self-contained and efficient
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional fastener installation tools use traditional socket retention mechanisms, then sockets are securely retained, but the process requires additional hand tools and pliers
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining slide and lever mechanism serves multiple functions: it locks the socket in place during operation, releases the socket for replacement, and guides the socket into proper positioning. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate retention devices and accessory tools, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining versatility
Solution Approach 2:
The retention mechanism is merged directly into the gear head assembly, with the retaining slide and lever integrated into the existing structure. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate retention components and accessory hand tools, simplifying the overall device while maintaining secure socket retention
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A system, apparatus, and method for installing fasteners are disclosed involving a fastener installation tool (1000) and a socket assembly (1060). The fastener installation tool (1000) comprises a tool component (1010) and a gear head (1020). The gear head (1020) comprises a lever (1040), a retaining slide (1050), a retaining slide housing (8010), and at least one gear (2020). The socket assembly (1060) comprises a socket (2030), a hex key (2050), and a hex key retainer (5010). An end of the drive shaft (6030) of the socket (2030) has an annular groove (6020) around the circumference of the exterior surface of the drive shaft (6030). When the retaining slide (1050) is slid into a locked position, the retaining slide (1050) engages the annular groove (6020) of the drive shaft (6030) of the socket (2030), thereby attaching the drive shaft (6030) of the socket (2030) to the gear head (1020) of the fastener installation tool (1000). A socket gear (2020) of the gear head (1020) matingly engages the drive shaft (6030) of the socket (2030) to rotate the socket (2030).