Socket Tether System for Ratcheting Wrenches
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tether systems fail to securely restrain sockets attached to ratcheting wrenches due to their small size and need to rotate during use, leading to potential falls and damage.
Innovation Solution
A lanyard system with multiple connection mechanisms (loops, clips, hooks, etc.) is designed to connect tools and users, preventing auxiliary tools like sockets from falling by extending between tool and user connections, and between tools and auxiliary tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional tether system is used to restrain sockets, then the socket can be connected to the wrench, but the socket can still accidentally fall off due to its small size, tubular shape, and rotation during use
Solution Approach 1:
The tether system is divided into multiple independent components: a first lanyard connecting the tool to the user, and a second lanyard connecting the tool to the auxiliary tool (socket). This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, ensuring the socket remains restrained while the tool maintains operational ease.
Solution Approach 2:
The second lanyard acts as an intermediary component between the tool and the auxiliary tool (socket). This intermediary element provides a secure connection that accommodates the socket's small size, tubular shape, and rotation during use, preventing the socket from falling off while maintaining ease of attachment.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the socket is tethered with a traditional system, then some restraint is provided, but the socket can still become disengaged and fall from elevated heights
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges two lanyard functions into a unified tether system: the first lanyard provides user safety connection, while the second lanyard provides auxiliary tool restraint. This combination achieves comprehensive protection against falls and disengagement while maintaining manageable system complexity through standardized connection mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The tether system is configured in advance with pre-attached connection mechanisms (loops, clips, hooks) that are ready to secure the socket before work begins at elevated heights. This preliminary configuration ensures immediate restraint capability, preventing fall damage from the outset without requiring complex setup during operation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple connection mechanisms are provided on the lanyard, then the lanyard can adapt to different attachment points, but the lanyard structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The lanyard is designed with multiple connection mechanisms (loops, clips, hooks) that can attach to various attachment points on tools, users, and auxiliary tools. This universal design allows the same lanyard structure to serve multiple attachment purposes, enhancing adaptability while keeping the overall structure relatively simple through repeated use of standard connection elements.
Data Source
AI summary
A socket tether system is a traditional socket wrench having a socket tethered to the socket wrench. The system has a first lanyard which is configured to connect a tool and a user. The first lanyard extends between a first lanyard and a second lanyard. The second lanyard is configured to make a connection between the tool and an auxiliary tool. The lanyard system is configured to prevent an auxiliary tool associated with the tool from falling when the auxiliary tool becomes disengaged from the tool.