Stripped Fastener Removal Socket with Cutting Channels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional tools often struggle to remove stripped or damaged fasteners without causing further damage, as they tend to over-travel and lodge the fastener, making it difficult to extract and leading to stress on the fastener.
Innovation Solution
A socket with internal angled, arcuate cutting channels that gradually narrow around the circumference, forming internal cutting edges to grip the fastener head and apply torque in a counter-clockwise direction, preventing over-travel and allowing for efficient removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional sockets are used to remove stripped fasteners, then the fastener can be engaged and rotated, but the socket tends to over-travel and lodge the fastener, making it difficult to extract
Solution Approach 1:
The cutting channel is divided into multiple functional zones: a first zone with a first angle for initial engagement and cutting, and a second zone with a second angle for gripping and preventing over-travel. This segmentation allows each zone to perform its specific function optimally, resolving the contradiction between effective fastener removal and prevention of lodging.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the cutting channel have different geometric properties (angles, widths, depths) tailored to specific functions. The first zone has properties optimized for cutting engaged fasteners, while the second zone has properties optimized for gripping and limiting travel. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction by providing both effective removal and prevention of harmful over-travel.
2Ease of operation
If tapered internal threading is used to engage stripped fasteners, then the fastener can be rotated for removal, but the fastener tends to become lodged or stuck in the removal device upon removal
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using external threading that engages the fastener from the outside (as in conventional removal devices), this invention uses internal cutting channels that engage the fastener from within the socket bore. This inverted approach allows the fastener to be engaged and removed without the lodging problems associated with external threading mechanisms.
3Power
If conventional sockets are used on stripped fasteners, then torque can be applied, but the fastener tends to over-travel and contact the structure surface, causing further damage
Solution Approach 1:
The cutting channels are pre-formed in the socket with specific angles and geometries that automatically engage the fastener in a controlled manner. As torque is applied, the fastener is guided through the cutting channels, which preliminarily establish the engagement path and prevent uncontrolled over-travel and contact with the structure surface.
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 socket effectively grips and removes stripped fasteners with reduced stress and deformation, allowing for repeated use and effective removal in tight spaces, while preventing the fastener from becoming lodged, thus addressing the limitations of prior art tools.
Implementation Method 1
The cutting channels grip a head of the fastener and may be used to apply torque to the fastener when the socket is rotated
Data Source
AI summary
A tool, such as, a socket, that is adapted to remove a stripped or otherwise difficult to remove fastener. The socket includes a body having first and second ends, a first axial bore in the first end adapted to receive the stripped or cylindrical fastener head, and one or more cutting channels in the body between the first and second ends forming internal cutting edges adapted to engage the stripped or cylindrical fastener head. The one or more cutting apertures may have an elongated diamond-like shape and extend a portion of the way around the body and toward the second end.