Reversible Socket Drivers with Asymmetric Collars
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing socket and driver technologies face issues such as lateral rolling on inclined surfaces, excessive material usage, inefficient packaging due to annular collars preventing stacking, and lack of tactile feedback for end differentiation.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a driver with a non-annular collar or projections and a reversible socket with differently sized end portions, allowing for secure mounting and tactile differentiation, which prevents lateral rolling, reduces material usage, and enables efficient stacking and packaging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an annular collar is used on the driver, then the driver can be securely mounted onto the socket, but the driver laterally rolls off inclined surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The annular collar is replaced with a non-annular collar or projections that create an asymmetric geometry. This asymmetric structure prevents lateral rolling by providing a stable base that does not roll in any lateral direction, while still allowing secure axial mounting onto the socket.
2Device complexity
If an annular collar is used on the driver, then the driver structure is simplified, but excessive material is used increasing manufacturing complexity and costs
Solution Approach 1:
The annular collar structure is extracted and replaced with smaller projections or a non-annular collar that performs the same mounting function using significantly less material. This reduction in material volume decreases manufacturing complexity and financial costs while maintaining the essential mounting capability.
3Strength
If an annular collar is used on the driver, then the driver structure is robust, but the driver cannot be stacked for efficient packaging
Solution Approach 1:
The continuous annular collar structure is segmented into discrete projections or a non-annular collar configuration. This segmentation allows the driver to be stacked efficiently for packaging while maintaining sufficient structural robustness through the strategically positioned projections that provide mounting engagement.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the socket has differently-sized ends, then the socket can be used in multiple orientations, but the user cannot tactilely distinguish which end is being handled
Solution Approach 1:
Different tactile properties are applied to different ends of the reversible socket. One end may have a knurled surface, ridges, or a different surface texture compared to the other end, allowing the user to tactilely distinguish which end is being handled while maintaining the ability to use the socket in multiple orientations.
Data Source
AI summary
Generally, this disclosure enables various drivers, reversible sockets, and methods of use and manufacture thereof. For example, some of these drivers can avoid laterally rolling off an inclined surface (e.g., between about 15 degrees and about 25 degrees). For example, some of these drivers can avoid using excessive material. For example, some of these drivers can allow for stacking of drivers and thereby be efficient to package for shipping. For example, some of these sockets can provide a tactile feedback for a user to know which ends of those sockets are currently being handled.