Powered Ratchet Pawl Layout for Bidirectional Torque Control

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing powered ratchet tools lack efficient mechanisms to control torque transfer direction and ensure easy removal of the output member, leading to operational inefficiencies and potential jamming during use.

Innovation Solution

A powered ratchet tool with a yoke and selective pawls that allow for controlled torque transfer in both forward and reverse directions, combined with a blocking mechanism to facilitate easy removal of the output member by aligning it with a home position.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If selective pawls are used to control torque transfer direction, then torque control capability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetorque control capabilityVSAvoidpawl mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The toothed surface is divided into multiple selectively-toothed sections, each corresponding to a specific pawl. This segmentation allows independent control of torque transfer for each pawl, enabling bidirectional torque control while maintaining a modular and manageable structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple selective pawls share a common yoke structure and biasing mechanism, allowing them to perform similar torque control functions. The non-selective pawl provides a universal engagement feature that works with all toothed sections, reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If blocking member is added to facilitate output member removal, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoutput member removalVSAvoidblocking mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The blocking member is automatically positioned by the rotation of the output member itself. When the output member rotates to the home position, the blocking member is passively moved into position to prevent further rotation, eliminating the need for separate actuation mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The blocking member is pre-positioned relative to the toothed surface and pawls. As the output member rotates during normal operation, the blocking member is automatically advanced to its blocking position before the output member needs to be removed, ensuring ready-to-block condition without additional steps.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS12521847B2Ratcheting tool

Publication Date: 2026.01.13 MILWAUKEE ELECTRIC TOOL CORP

AI summary

A powered ratchet tool including a housing and a drive mechanism for driving an output member. The drive mechanism includes a yoke through which the output member extends. The ratchet tool further comprises a first selective pawl, a second selective pawl, and a non-selective pawl in the yoke that are biased toward an outer toothed surface of the output member. The outer toothed surface includes first and second selectively-toothed sections. When the first selectively-toothed section and second selectively-toothed sections are rotationally aligned with the with the first selective pawl and the second selective pawl, the first and second selective pawls are incapable of transferring torque to the output member.