Socket Identification Markings for Size Differentiation

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing socket sets face challenges in quickly and accurately identifying the correct socket size, especially when sockets are close in size and poorly labeled, leading to time consumption and potential errors.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of sockets with multiple numeric indicia and distinct lines on their outer surfaces, where the number and placement of lines differentiate adjacent socket sizes, facilitating quicker identification.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of time

If sockets are labeled with traditional single numeric indicia, then manufacturing is simple, but identification speed and accuracy deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesocket identification timeVSAvoidsocket marking complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The identification system is segmented into multiple components: primary numeric indicia for size identification and secondary line patterns for differentiation. This segmentation allows the socket to convey multiple pieces of information simultaneously, improving identification speed without overwhelming the user.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different portions of the socket surface are assigned different marking qualities - numeric indicia provide quantitative size information while line patterns provide qualitative differentiation. This local quality variation enables rapid visual processing and accurate socket selection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Measurement precision

If sockets of adjacent sizes have similar markings, then manufacturing is easier, but identification accuracy deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesocket size identification accuracyVSAvoidmarking differentiation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Adjacent socket sizes are differentiated through asymmetric line patterns - for example, a 10mm socket may have a single line while an 11mm socket has two lines. This asymmetric marking system creates distinct visual signatures for each size, eliminating confusion between adjacent sizes while maintaining manufacturing feasibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

3Productivity

If multiple marking elements are added to sockets, then identification speed improves, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesocket selection speedVSAvoidsocket marking manufacturing ease

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The marking system is designed to be applied during the socket manufacturing process itself, rather than as a post-processing step. The numeric indicia and line patterns are incorporated into the molding or machining operations, ensuring that the additional marking elements do not significantly increase manufacturing complexity or cost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS20250073857A1Socket and socket set with identification

Publication Date: 2025.03.06 SNAP ON INC

AI summary

Sockets of a socket set that each include markings for indicating socket size and distinguishing various size sockets from one another. The markings on a socket may include multiple numeric indicia on the outer surface of the socket in combination with one or more lines between the numeric indicia, where the number of lines is different between sockets that are adjacent sizes.