Ratchet Ring With Step Feature For Worn Fasteners
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ratchet tools are limited to handling single-size nuts or bolts, requiring tool changes for different sizes and inefficiently managing worn or damaged bolts/nuts, leading to inefficiencies and potential damage during frequent maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A ratchet ring design with multiple driving portions and ratchet teeth on its periphery, featuring first and second driving faces, toothed faces, and a recess system that securely engages and rotates objects of varying sizes, including worn ones, by utilizing a step to prevent dropping and ensuring proper contact for rotation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional ratchet tools are used for single-size nuts or bolts, then the tool structure is simple, but the adaptability to different sizes and worn components is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The ratchet ring is designed with multiple driving portions (first, second, and third driving portions) that can engage with different sizes of nuts and bolts. The first driving portion handles standard sizes, the second driving portion with its step structure handles worn or damaged components, and the third driving portion handles smaller sizes. This multi-functional design allows a single tool to replace multiple specialized tools, directly resolving the contradiction between adaptability and structural simplicity.
2Productivity
If conventional ratchet tools are used repeatedly for maintenance, then the operation is efficient, but the bolts or nuts are easily worn or damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The invention converts the harmful effect of repeated tightening operations (which cause wear and damage to bolts and nuts) into a beneficial feature. The second driving portion with its step structure is specifically designed to engage with worn or damaged components, allowing the tool to handle compromised fasteners without causing further damage. This enables continued maintenance operations while protecting the integrity of already worn components.
3Loss of time
If multiple tools are used for different sizes of bolts or nuts, then each tool is specialized, but the time to deal with worn or damaged bolts is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The ratchet ring integrates multiple driving portions within a single tool, where the second driving portion with its step structure is specifically designed to engage with worn or damaged components. This universal design eliminates the need to switch between multiple specialized tools when encountering worn bolts or nuts, directly reducing the time loss associated with tool changes while maintaining the capability to handle compromised fasteners.
Data Source
AI summary
A ratchet ring includes six first driving portions formed to the inner periphery of the ratchet ring. Each first driving portion includes a first driving face and a toothed face. A second driving portion is formed in each of the six first driving portions and includes two second driving faces which respectively extend from the first driving face and the toothed face. A first angle is formed between the two second driving faces. A third driving portion is formed in each of the six first driving portions and includes a recess located between the two second driving faces. A second angle is formed between two sides of the recess. A step is formed between the two second driving faces and the third driving portion. When a corner of an object is engaged between the two second driving faces, the step avoids the object from dropping from the ratchet ring.