Self-Aligning Socket Mechanism to Prevent Fastener Stripping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sockets for rotating tools require manual alignment of the rotation axis with the fastener, which can lead to inefficiencies and errors, especially among less skilled operators, and may result in stripped fasteners due to misalignment.
Innovation Solution
A socket design featuring an outer and inner cylindrical shape with a lock/unlock mechanism, utilizing a coil spring and rolling bearing to ensure the rotation axis aligns with the fastener without the need for special fixation devices, allowing for reliable torque transmission and alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a stationary fixation device is used to align the rotation axis of the socket with the rotation axis of the fastener, then the alignment reliability is improved, but the production flexibility is reduced and the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic alignment mechanism where the socket automatically adjusts its position relative to the fastener during the fastening operation. The rotating tool带动 the socket to rotate, and the socket's rotation axis naturally aligns with the fastener's rotation axis through the mechanical interaction between the socket's engaging part and the fastener, eliminating the need for a stationary fixation device while maintaining alignment reliability throughout the dynamic fastening process
Solution Approach 2:
The socket is designed to self-align with the fastener through its own rotational movement. As the rotating tool drives the socket to rotate, the socket's engaging part engages with the fastener, and the mechanical coupling automatically ensures that the rotation axes align without requiring external fixation devices or operator intervention, thereby maintaining both reliability and production flexibility
2Device complexity
If manual alignment is used by the operator, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of alignment deteriorates due to operator proficiency variations
Solution Approach 1:
The socket automatically aligns itself with the fastener through the mechanical interaction between its engaging part and the fastener during rotation. The design ensures that as the rotating tool drives the socket to rotate, the socket's rotation axis naturally coincides with the fastener's rotation axis without requiring manual alignment by the operator, thereby eliminating reliability issues related to operator proficiency while keeping the device structure simple
3Productivity
If the socket is rotated without proper alignment, then the operation speed is improved, but the harmful effect of fastener stripping increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the dynamic rotational movement of the socket driven by the rotating tool to ensure proper alignment. As the socket rotates with the tool, the engaging part mechanically couples with the fastener, and the continuous rotational motion maintains alignment between the rotation axes throughout the fastening process, preventing fastener stripping while enabling high-speed operation
Solution Approach 2:
The socket's engaging part is designed to engage with the fastener in advance before the fastening torque is applied. This preliminary engagement ensures that the rotation axes are aligned before the fastening operation begins, preventing the harmful effect of fastener stripping that would occur if the socket were rotated without proper alignment
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 socket design ensures reliable alignment of the rotation axis with the fastener, reducing the risk of stripping and improving fastening operations across various proficiency levels without requiring special fixation devices, thereby enhancing production flexibility and reducing operator errors.
Implementation Method 1
an urging member configured to urge the inner socket toward one end of the outer socket
Implementation Method 2
a lock/unlock mechanism configured to allow the inner socket positioned at the one end of the outer socket by the urging member to be rotated, with respect to the outer socket
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a socket which includes: an outer socket, an inner socket arranged to face an inner periphery of the outer socket, a coil spring (urging member) configured to urge the inner socket toward one end of the outer socket, and a lock/unlock mechanism configured to restrict the inner socket displaced toward the other end of the outer socket against an urging force of the coil spring from being rotated with respect to the outer socket.