Ratchet Wrench Handle Segmented Claw for Reduced Swing Width
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ratchet wrench handles require a wide swing width to operate effectively due to a limited number of ratchet teeth, leading to reduced torque transmission efficiency and increased handle size, which hampers workability and quality.
Innovation Solution
A ratchet wrench handle design featuring a rotation member with continuously formed ratchet teeth and an operation piece composed of two partial members, a claw member, and a receiving member, utilizing sloping faces and idling rotation-time pressing faces to engage and transmit torque efficiently, allowing for reduced swing width without compromising torque transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the number of ratchet teeth is increased to reduce swing width, then the swing width is reduced, but the torque transmission deteriorates due to sliding between smaller teeth
Solution Approach 1:
The operation piece is divided into two separate members: the claw member (9a) that engages with ratchet teeth and the receiving member (9b) that receives torque. This segmentation allows the claw member to have numerous small engagement points for reduced swing width while the receiving member maintains structural integrity for reliable torque transmission to the handle head.
Solution Approach 2:
The claw member acts as an intermediary between the ratchet teeth and the receiving member. It transfers the engagement force from multiple small ratchet teeth to the receiving member, which then transmits the accumulated torque to the handle head, solving both the swing width and torque transmission requirements.
2Productivity
If the number of ratchet teeth is increased while maintaining size, then the swing width is reduced, but the tooth size must be decreased causing slippage
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the engagement function (claw member with multiple small teeth) from the torque transmission function (receiving member with larger structural elements), the system achieves both high tooth count for productivity and sufficient tooth size for grip strength without slippage.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution moves from a single-plane tooth engagement to a multi-component system where the claw member's numerous small teeth engage in one dimension while the receiving member transmits force through another dimension (to the handle head), effectively distributing the mechanical stress.
3Reliability
If the handle head size is increased to accommodate more teeth, then the torque transmission is improved, but the handle size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The operation piece is segmented into the claw member for engagement and the receiving member for torque reception. This allows the receiving member to be positioned closer to the switch member rather than requiring an enlarged handle head, maintaining compact dimensions while ensuring reliable torque transmission through the assembled structure.
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 design enables efficient torque transmission with a reduced swing width, preventing slippage and enhancing workability and quality by effectively engaging and rotating the adapter in both directions with increased ratchet teeth and operation teeth without increasing handle size.
Implementation Method 1
ratchet teeth continuously formed on a periphery of the rotation member to engage, through operating a switch member, with either one side chosen between the positive rotation-aimed operation teeth and the reverse rotation-aimed operation teeth provided on the operation piece, thereby to rotate the operation handle in the positive or reverse direction
Implementation Method 2
the claw member is provided, on its switch member side with a claw member's positive rotation-aimed sloping face and a claw member's reverse rotation-aimed sloping face that are opposite to the positive rotation-aimed operation teeth and the reverse rotation-aimed operation teeth respectively
Implementation Method 3
the receiving member is provided with a cam edge to engage with the switch member
Data Source
AI summary
A ratchet wrench handle includes an operation piece which is composed of two partial members including a claw member and a receiving member. The ratchet wrench handle is configured such that, when positive rotation-aimed operation teeth of the claw member are engaged with ratchet teeth of a rotation member, a wedge effect produced by the positive rotation-aimed operation teeth of the claw member and a positive rotation-aimed sloping face of the claw member is configured to make the rotation member stop rotation, which allows an adapter to be rotated in a positive direction.