Ratchet Wrench Structure With Separate Direction Control Knob
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wrench structures have a snap plate that requires a long length due to a long hole for a direction switching button, leading to deformation, a complex construction with many parts, and increased fabrication costs.
Innovation Solution
A wrench structure comprising a first body unit, a second body, a third body, and an elastic member, where the control knob is pivotally mounted on a second pivot portion, and the third body is movable linearly relative to the first body, with an elastic member providing a restoring effect to prevent detachment and deformation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the snap plate is provided with a long hole for mounting a direction switching button, then the direction switching function is achieved, but the snap plate length increases and becomes prone to deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the direction switching function from the snap plate by introducing a separate control knob that pivots on the ratchet body. This eliminates the need for long holes in the snap plate, reducing its length and preventing deformation while maintaining the direction switching capability through the independent control knob mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the direction switching function from the snap plate structure. The control knob is separated as an independent component that pivots on the ratchet body, allowing the snap plate to be shortened without losing the direction switching function, which is now performed by the segmented control knob mechanism.
2Device complexity
If the snap plate is made thin to reduce weight and complexity, then fabrication cost decreases, but the snap plate becomes easily deformed during long-term utilization
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the direction switching function from the snap plate, allowing the snap plate to be made thinner and simpler without compromising structural integrity. The control knob handles the direction switching function independently, enabling the snap plate to be optimized for simplicity and reduced fabrication cost while maintaining reliability.
3Reliability
If the collar is mounted on the wrench body with a screw hole close to the ratchet acting head, then the collar can be secured, but the construction becomes complicated with many parts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the collar mounting function with the existing ratchet body structure. The collar is mounted on the ratchet body without requiring additional screw holes close to the ratchet acting head, simplifying the construction by reducing the number of separate parts and assembly steps while maintaining the securing function.
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
The solution allows for a shorter operation end length, individual control of the third body and control knob, and prevents deformation, resulting in a simpler and more cost-effective design.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic member providing a restoring effect to prevent detachment and deformation
Data Source
AI summary
A wrench structure includes a first body unit, a second body, a third body, and an elastic member. The first body unit includes a first body and a control knob. The first body is provided with an operation end, a first pivot portion, a first end face, a second pivot portion, a second end face, two first slide guides, and a first receiving recess. The control knob is provided with a control portion movable on the second end face. The second body is provided with a first mounting portion. The third body is movable linearly on the first body to be close to or away from the second body. The third body is provided with two second slide guides movable linearly relative to the two first slide guides. The elastic member is elastically biased between the third body and the first receiving recess.