One-Handed Retaining Ring Tool Link Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for attaching retaining rings to shafts are inefficient and require two hands, making the process cumbersome and time-consuming, especially when dealing with multiple shafts.
Innovation Solution
A retaining-ring-attaching tool with a link mechanism that allows the retaining ring to be easily attached to a shaft using a single hand, featuring a holding portion with a notch, a feeding portion, and a torsion spring to facilitate movement between positions, enabling the ring to be securely attached to the shaft with minimal manual effort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional two-handed method is used to attach retaining rings, then the attachment can be securely performed, but the operation becomes cumbersome and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into a single integrated tool: the holding portion holds the retaining ring, the link mechanism provides mechanical movement, and the feeding portion supplies additional rings. This merging of functions into one tool enables single-handed operation while maintaining secure attachment capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The link mechanism introduces dynamic movement to the attachment process. By operable with a finger, the link mechanism dynamically positions the holding portion between first and second positions, enabling rapid repeated attachments without manual repositioning, thus reducing time loss.
2Productivity
If manual attachment process is used, then the process is simple in structure, but the productivity is low when dealing with multiple shafts
Solution Approach 1:
The feeding portion pre-supplies multiple retaining rings to the holding portion in advance. This preliminary action ensures that rings are readily available for rapid sequential attachment to multiple shafts, increasing productivity without requiring complex external supply mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The tool is segmented into distinct functional portions: holding portion for gripping the ring, link mechanism for positioning, and feeding portion for supply. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while keeping the overall device complexity manageable through modular design.
3Ease of operation
If holding portion is made movable to enable one-handed operation, then the ease of operation improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The link mechanism acts as an intermediary between the operator's finger and the holding portion. It translates simple finger operation into the required movement of the holding portion, enabling one-handed control while isolating the complexity of the mechanical linkage from the user interface.
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
Enables efficient and one-handed attachment of retaining rings to shafts, allowing for rapid manufacturing of multiple shafts with improved ease and speed compared to traditional methods.
Implementation Method 1
a force-applying portion applying an external force to the holding portion such that the holding portion moves to the second position
Data Source
AI summary
A retaining-ring-attaching tool includes a holding portion having a notch in which a retaining ring is held; a body supporting the holding portion such that the holding portion is movable in one direction; a link mechanism including an operation portion supported by the body and being operable with a finger of a hand holding the body, the link mechanism being configured to move, when the operation portion is operated, the holding portion between a first position and a second position where the retaining ring held in the notch is ready to be attached to a shaft member, the link mechanism further including a force-applying portion applying an external force to the holding portion such that the holding portion moves to the second position; and a feeding portion supported by the body and, when the holding portion is moved to the first position, feeding the retaining ring to the notch.