Power Tool Socket Retainer With Push-Button Quick Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing socket retention features in impact wrenches are frustrating to users, as they either fail to securely retain sockets or require complex mechanisms for release, such as hog rings or pin-type retention that necessitate additional tools for disengagement.
Innovation Solution
A socket retention device with a socket release mechanism featuring a push button, slide button, electro-mechanical actuator, or actuating collar that allows for quick and easy disengagement of sockets using mechanisms like retainer pins, lever pins, and cam collars, with optional spring biases for automatic re-engagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If pin-type retention features are used to retain the socket, then the socket is securely retained to the anvil, but the user requires a pointed tool to release the socket
Solution Approach 1:
The release button mechanism allows the user to directly actuate the retainer pin through a button interface, eliminating the need for external pointed tools. The system serves itself by providing an integrated release mechanism that is both secure and user-friendly.
Solution Approach 2:
The release button acts as an intermediary between the user's finger and the retainer pin mechanism. This intermediary component translates simple button pressure into the complex motion required to disengage the retainer pin from the socket, simplifying the user's interaction while maintaining secure retention.
2Device complexity
If hog ring-type retention features are used, then the structure is simple, but the socket is not reliably retained to the anvil
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer pin is designed with dynamic characteristics, allowing it to flex and engage securely with the socket under operational loads. The pin can deform elastically to accommodate slight misalignments while maintaining reliable retention, unlike rigid hog ring features.
Solution Approach 2:
The retention mechanism is segmented into distinct functional components: the retainer pin for secure engagement, the release button for actuation, and the spring for return motion. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while working together as an integrated system.
3Reliability
If a complex release mechanism is used to ensure secure retention, then the socket is reliably retained, but the release mechanism becomes difficult to operate
Solution Approach 1:
The complex mechanical release mechanism is replaced with a simple push-button interface. The button actuates a cam or lever system that automatically disengages the retainer pin, substituting a simple linear pressing motion for what would otherwise require complex manual manipulation of multiple components.
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 socket retention with simplified and efficient release, reducing user frustration and improving operational convenience by allowing quick and tool-free socket changes.
Implementation Method 1
The retainer pin can be biased by an integral spring or a separate spring member
Implementation Method 2
The socket retention device can include a ball actuated by a slidable or rotary cam collar or by a cam pin
Data Source
AI summary
A socket driving tool includes a housing, a motor received in the housing, a rotating output shaft supported by and rotatable relative to the housing upon rotation of the motor, a socket retainer coupled to the rotating shaft to releasably couple a socket to the rotating shaft, and a socket release actuator coupled to the housing and including a switch that does not rotate together with the rotating shaft. The switch is operable to disengage the socket retainer from the socket to allow the socket to be removed from the rotating shaft.