Socket with Composite Pipe for Visual Identification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sockets lack recognizability, making it difficult for users to select the correct size, and costly size markings do not provide sufficient recognition, limiting their widespread application.
Innovation Solution
A socket with a composite material pipe that can be easily designed with various prints, patterns, or colors, featuring a polygonal hole for bolt or nut engagement and a shoulder surface for improved positioning, enhancing durability and recognizability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If size marks are printed on the surface of sockets to increase recognizability, then the recognizability is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different colors to sockets of different sizes (e.g., red for 1/4 inch, blue for 3/8 inch, green for 1/2 inch) to enable quick visual identification. This color-coding system provides high recognizability without requiring expensive printed size marks, as the colors themselves serve as the identification mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the visual parameter of color across different socket sizes to create a differentiation system. By varying the color parameter rather than adding printed information, the solution achieves better recognizability at lower manufacturing cost.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple sockets of different sizes are prepared to match different bolts and nuts, then the adaptability is improved, but the recognizability remains poor due to similar appearance
Solution Approach 1:
Each socket size is assigned a distinct color, creating an intuitive visual differentiation system. Users can quickly identify the correct socket size by color without needing to examine detailed markings or compare sizes closely, thereby maintaining adaptability while dramatically improving recognizability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces visual asymmetry through color differentiation among otherwise similar-looking sockets. This breaks the visual homogeneity of the socket set, making each size uniquely identifiable through its color characteristic rather than requiring detailed inspection of identical-looking components.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a socket used in coordination with a wrench. The socket includes a socket main body which has a head portion and a body portion connected to the head portion. The head portion is adapted for being coupled with the wrench. The body portion has a polygonal hole for being coupled with a head portion of a bolt or a nut, so that the wrench is adapted for screwing on or off the bolt or nut through the socket main body. Besides, a pipe made of composite material is sleeved onto the external peripheral surface of the body portion. The pipe is freely detachable, and the external peripheral surface of the pipe can be provided with a print, pattern, color or character according to the practical demands, thereby attaining the effects of high variability in appearance, great durability and great recognizability.