Socket Adaptor Retention Structure for Vibration-Safe Impact Sockets
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional socket adaptors that rely on magnets for retaining impact sockets on impact tools are prone to failure due to vibrations, leading to potential catastrophic injuries, deaths, or damages when the sockets dislodge and fall off during use.
Innovation Solution
The development of socket adaptors with robust interconnection designs, featuring tapered, chamfered, and angled inner and outer surfaces, and the use of keepers such as molded elastomeric retaining rings and cylindrical metal pins, which provide a secure retention mechanism between the socket adaptor, impact socket, and anvil, preventing the socket from falling off even if the adaptor is damaged.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If magnets are used to retain impact sockets on socket adaptors, then the retention mechanism is simple and easy to manufacture, but the reliability fails under vibration conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the magnetic retention system with a mechanical retention system using keepers (retainers) that physically lock the socket to the adaptor. This substitution eliminates the reliability issues of magnets under vibration while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through standard mechanical fastening components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates retainers and retention features that are pre-designed to prevent socket dislodgement before vibration-induced failure can occur. The mechanical retention system is engineered to withstand anticipated vibration forces, providing proactive protection rather than reactive response.
2Device complexity
If conventional retainers are used without additional safety features, then the device complexity is low, but the safety and reliability under adverse conditions is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adds localized retention features (keepers, retention grooves, and engagement surfaces) at specific critical locations on the adaptor and socket interface. This approach enhances safety and reliability at key points without requiring complete redesign of the entire device, thus maintaining relatively low overall complexity while providing targeted safety improvements.
Data Source
AI summary
Exemplary embodiments are disclosed of socket adaptors for retaining impact sockets to impact tools.