Socket Holder Sleeve Mechanism for One-Handed Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional socket holders are inconvenient to operate, especially when hands are oily, and lack stability confirmation, and their integral design makes maintenance difficult when partially broken.
Innovation Solution
A socket holder with a movable sleeve member and restricting mechanism, allowing for easy assembly and disassembly, featuring a rib and guiding groove system that enables smooth axial movement and stable locking or releasing of sockets, and a socket rack with sliding rails for adjustable spacing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a detent ball mechanism is used to engage the socket holder with the socket, then the socket can be locked in place, but the operator must firmly hold the tool rack and pull up the socket which is inconvenient when hands are oily
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-loaded plunger automatically engages with the detent ball and the groove on the socket body without requiring manual intervention. The spring provides continuous force to maintain engagement, and the mechanism self-locks when the socket is inserted, eliminating the need for the operator to manually hold or manipulate the socket during assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The plunger acts as an intermediary between the socket holder and the socket. Instead of directly engaging the detent ball with the socket, the plunger mediates the engagement by pressing against the detent ball, which then interacts with the groove on the socket body. This intermediary mechanism allows for easier operation while maintaining secure locking.
2Device complexity
If the socket holder uses a conventional design without visual indicators, then the structure is simpler, but the operator cannot confirm whether the socket is stably locked on the socket holder
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs color-coded identification rings or markers on the socket holder that change appearance or position based on the locking status. When the socket is properly locked, the color indicator aligns with a reference mark or changes color to provide clear visual confirmation to the operator that the socket is securely attached.
Solution Approach 2:
The visual indicator system provides immediate feedback to the operator about the locking status. The indicator mechanism is mechanically linked to the plunger and detent ball assembly, so it automatically reflects the engagement state. This feedback loop eliminates uncertainty and allows the operator to verify proper locking without additional steps.
3Ease of manufacture
If the sleeving portion and connecting portion of the socket holder are integrally made in one piece, then the manufacturing is simpler, but the socket holder is inconvenient to maintain when partially broken
Solution Approach 1:
The socket holder is divided into distinct modular components including the sleeving portion, connecting portion, and body portion, which can be separately manufactured and assembled. This segmentation allows individual components to be replaced if damaged, rather than requiring replacement of the entire socket holder assembly, thereby improving maintainability while keeping manufacturing processes straightforward for each component.
Data Source
AI summary
A socket holder is provided, including: a seat, a sleeve member and a restricting mechanism. The sleeve member is movably assembled with the seat. The restricting mechanism includes at least one first restricting portion and at least one second restricting portion which is movable relative to and engaged with the at least one first restricting portion. When the seat and the sleeve member move relative to each other in an axial direction, the second restricting portion unidirectionally moves along a cycling path relative to the first restricting portion, and the at least one second restricting portion is restricted in a releasing position or a locking position. A socket rack including at least one of the socket holder described above is further provided and further includes: a sliding rail on which the at least one socket holder is slidably disposed.