Socket Assembly Tang Dynamics for Locking and Stress Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing socket coupling devices lack efficient mechanisms for selectively coupling and decoupling fastener heads, leading to difficulties in locking and unlocking operations, which can result in stress risers and reduced torque transmission efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A socket assembly with a fastener socket featuring a tang and window configuration, along with a resilient gripper ring and lock-on sleeve, allows for rotational self-alignment and axial translation to lock and unlock the socket assembly to the fastener head, utilizing a cammed surface to extend and retract the tang through the window for secure engagement and disengagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a socket coupling device uses a traditional locking mechanism, then it can secure the fastener head, but it creates stress risers and reduces torque transmission efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The tang is designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing it to dynamically adjust its position. The tang can extend radially outward to engage the fastener head during torque application, then retract radially inward when not in use, eliminating stress concentration points and improving torque transmission efficiency while maintaining reliable locking when engaged
2Reliability
If the socket assembly uses a complex locking mechanism, then it can securely lock the fastener head, but it increases device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The tang is designed to automatically self-align with the fastener head through rotational movement. As the socket assembly approaches the fastener head, the tang naturally rotates to position itself correctly for engagement, eliminating the need for complex alignment mechanisms, guides, or adjustment devices while ensuring reliable locking
3Reliability
If the tang extends through the window for locking, then it secures the fastener head, but it increases friction during operation
Solution Approach 1:
The tang dynamically changes its radial position based on operational needs. During torque transmission, the tang extends radially outward to engage the fastener head securely. During insertion and removal operations, the tang retracts radially inward to minimize contact and friction, enabling smooth operation without compromising engagement security when needed
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
The solution enables secure locking and unlocking of the socket assembly to the fastener head, reducing stress risers and improving torque transmission efficiency while minimizing friction, allowing for easy and reliable operation.
Implementation Method 1
a lock-on sleeve having a cammed surface configured to engage the resilient gripper ring to selectively extend and retract the tang through the window
Implementation Method 2
a resilient gripper ring and the tang may be coupled to the resilient gripper ring... radially compress the resilient gripper ring and extend the tang through the window... radially decompress the resilient gripper ring and retract the tang through the window
Data Source
AI summary
A socket assembly may include a fastener socket and a contact member. The contact member may extend through a window formed in the fastener socket in a first direction to engage a fastener head and lock the socket assembly to the fastener head in a locked position. The contact member may also retract at least partially into the window in a second direction to disengage the contact member from the fastener head and unlock the socket assembly from the fastener head in an unlocked position. A threaded actuator may be rotated to transform the socket assembly between the locked position and the unlocked position. The contact member may comprise a tang having first and second tang projections configured to engage first and second surfaces of the fastener head and lock the socket assembly to the fastener head.