Socket Retainer Mechanism for Capturing and Releasing Nuts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Standard socket wrenches lack the ability to capture and release various types of nuts, particularly non-ferrous nuts, and existing magnetic sockets are limited in their functionality, failing to provide effective nut capture and ejection mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A socket device with a body, channels, and retainers, including a spring plunger or pressure tabs, that can capture and release any type of nut, featuring mechanisms for both retention and ejection, suitable for use with robotic systems and hard-to-reach bolts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a standard socket is used, then the device complexity is low, but the ability to capture and release nuts is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The socket incorporates a spring-loaded retainer that can dynamically change position between engaged and disengaged states. The retainer is biased by a spring to extend into the cavity for nut capture, and can be actuated to retract for nut release, providing dynamic adaptability without permanent structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded retainer system is self-actuating through natural spring force. When the socket engages a nut, the spring automatically pushes the retainer into the cavity to capture the nut. For release, simple actuation allows the spring to automatically retract the retainer, eliminating the need for complex external actuation mechanisms.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a magnetic socket is used, then ferrous nuts can be captured, but non-ferrous nuts cannot be captured and there is no ejection mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces magnetic retention with a mechanical spring-loaded retainer system. The retainer physically engages with nuts of any material type through direct mechanical contact, eliminating the limitation of magnetic sockets that only work with ferrous materials. The mechanical system provides both capture and ejection capabilities through the same retainer mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The retainer transitions from a static mechanical structure to a dynamic component that can extend and retract. The spring loading provides continuous force to maintain engagement, while actuation allows controlled retraction for nut ejection, enabling universal nut type compatibility through adaptive mechanical engagement.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a socket with nut capture is used, then nuts can be retained, but the mechanism for releasing nuts becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-loaded retainer system uses the spring's stored energy to automatically perform the ejection action. When the retainer is actuated to retract, the spring's restoring force automatically pushes it back into the engaged position, providing self-service ejection without requiring complex external actuation mechanisms or additional energy input.
Solution Approach 2:
The ejection mechanism leverages the dynamic properties of the spring-loaded retainer. The same spring that provides continuous retention force also provides the ejection force when the retainer is actuated. This dual functionality simplifies the overall mechanism by using the spring's elastic energy for both capture and release operations.
4Productivity
If manual socket operation is used, then simplicity is maintained, but productivity in manufacturing environments decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-loaded retainer system automatically performs nut capture and release operations without requiring complex external mechanisms. The spring's elastic energy provides continuous retention force and automatic ejection capability, reducing the need for additional actuators or complex control systems in automated manufacturing environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic spring-loaded retainer can be easily actuated by automated systems while providing reliable nut capture and release. The mechanism's simplicity allows for easy integration into robotic systems and automated assembly lines, improving productivity without requiring overly complex actuation or control mechanisms.
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
Enables secure capture and release of nuts of any type, enhancing operational efficiency in manufacturing environments and facilitating nut attachment to bolts, especially in challenging conditions.
Implementation Method 1
The first retainer is biased radially inward towards the cavity
Implementation Method 2
a spring plunger or pressure tabs, that can capture and release any type of nut
Data Source
AI summary
A socket device includes a body defining a first aperture on the first end. A cavity extends into the body from the first aperture and is configured to receive a nut or bolt. A first channel extends perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the body. The first channel is adjacent to the first end of the body extending between the inner surface and an outer surface of the body. A first retainer is disposed within the first channel. The first retainer includes a first end adjacent to the inner surface of the body that is biased radially inward towards the cavity. The first retainer is moveable between: (i) a first position wherein the first retainer extends into the cavity to retain the nut or bolt within the cavity; and (ii) a second position wherein the first retainer retracts radially outward to release the nut or bolt.