Socket Buffer Groove Damping Socket Removal Force

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional socket wrenches require excessive force to remove sockets due to the retaining ring's engagement with the retaining groove, leading to accidents and muscle strain, especially when oily or greasy, as users struggle to control the force accurately.

Innovation Solution

A socket design with a polygonal retaining portion featuring a buffer groove between the retaining groove and the front end, allowing for a damping effect when decoupling from the retaining ring, facilitating easier removal by protruding the front end for reverse force application.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a retaining ring is used to secure the socket in the wrench, then the socket connection reliability is improved, but the force required to remove the socket increases excessively

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesocket connection reliabilityVSAvoidforce required to remove socket

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The retention mechanism is segmented into two distinct grooves: a retaining groove for secure connection and a buffer groove for controlled release. This segmentation allows the socket to be firmly held during use while enabling easier removal by distributing the release force across the buffer groove's damping structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The buffer groove is designed to provide beforehand cushioning by creating a controlled damping effect during socket removal. The groove's geometry allows the retaining ring to flex gradually, cushioning the release process and reducing the peak force required to detach the socket from the wrench.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

2Ease of operation

If excessive force is applied to pull out the socket, then the socket can be removed from the wrench, but accidents and muscle strain occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesocket removal capabilityVSAvoidaccidents and muscle strain

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The buffer groove provides beforehand cushioning by creating a controlled damping effect during socket removal. The groove's geometry allows the retaining ring to flex gradually, cushioning the release process and reducing the peak force required to detach the socket from the wrench.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The buffer groove acts as an intermediary element between the retaining groove and the socket's front end. It mediates the force transmission during removal, transforming the user's pulling force into a controlled flexing action on the retaining ring, thereby preventing sudden releases that could cause accidents.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If the retaining ring is distorted to release the socket, then the socket can be removed, but control over the applied force becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesocket removal capabilityVSAvoidforce control precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The buffer groove changes the physical parameters of the release process by introducing a damping effect. The groove's geometry transforms the force application from a direct, difficult-to-control distortion into a gradual, controlled flexing action, making force application more precise and manageable.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 buffer groove reduces the momentum of the socket's decoupling, enhancing operational safety and control, allowing users to pull out the socket more conveniently and reducing the risk of accidents.

Implementation Method 1

a buffer groove formed between the retaining groove and the front end so as to allow the buffer groove to successively provide a buffering or damping effect with the retaining ring when the retaining groove is decoupled from the retaining ring inside of the wrench

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDamping: Damping

Data Source

PatentUS11325229B2Socket and wrench therefor

Publication Date: 2022.05.10 ZHANG KAI

AI summary

An assembly of a wrench and a socket. The wrench has a penetrating driving hole, which has a retaining ring mounted therein. The socket, having a front end and a tail end, comprises a socketing portion axially extended between the front end and the tail end thereof for driving a fastening element. The socket comprises a retaining portion formed on the periphery thereof. The retaining portion has a retaining groove arranged at retaining corners radially indented for matching the retaining ring. The retaining groove is positioned between the front end and the tail end. The retaining portion further has a buffer groove formed between the retaining groove and the front end, so as to allow the buffer groove to successively provide a buffer or damping effect with the retaining ring when the retaining groove is decoupled from the retaining ring. Accordingly, the user is allowed to control his/her force more easily and improves the operational safety for the process of pulling out of the socket.