Universal Joint Tool Adapter Assembly With Set-Angle Retention

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional tool adapters with universal joints struggle to maintain a pre-set position or angle, making it difficult to engage work pieces in hard-to-reach locations, and spring-loaded adapters face challenges when engaging work pieces at angles to the torque application tool.

Innovation Solution

A tool adapter assembly with a universal joint and tension/compression components that allow users to set and retain a position/angle, featuring stiffening members or biasing members to resist movement and adjust stiffness according to user preference or wear.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional tool adapters with universal joints are used, then the adapter can engage work pieces at various angles, but the adapter cannot maintain a pre-set position or angle

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to engage work pieces at various anglesVSAvoidability to maintain pre-set position or angle
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by introducing adjustable tension components (springs) that modify the mechanical parameters of the universal joint assembly. The springs apply controlled forces to the drive body and work body, enabling the joint to maintain specific angular positions while still allowing movement to different angles. This resolves the contradiction by making the joint stable at desired angles while preserving adaptability to engage work pieces at various orientations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamics by transitioning from a fixed, rigid universal joint to a dynamic system with spring-loaded tension components. The springs allow the drive body and work body to move dynamically to different angles while providing restoring forces that help maintain the set position. This dynamic behavior enables both the adaptability to reach various angles and the stability to hold the desired position during torque application.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Stability of the object's composition

If spring-loaded tool adapters are used to maintain the universal joint in a straight line, then the joint can be kept aligned at rest, but the adapter becomes difficult to engage work pieces at angles

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to maintain straight line alignmentVSAvoidease to engage work piece at angle
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies partial action by using springs that provide just enough tension to maintain alignment at rest without creating excessive restoring forces that would resist angular movement. The spring tension is calibrated to be sufficient for maintaining position during torque application but weak enough to allow easy maneuvering to angled positions. This resolves the contradiction by optimizing the spring force to achieve both stability and ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses dynamics to create a system where the spring tension adaptively responds to operational needs. During maneuvering, the springs allow free movement to angled positions; during torque application, the springs provide stabilizing forces. This dynamic behavior enables the adapter to be easy to operate for engagement while maintaining stability when needed, resolving the contradiction between alignment maintenance and ease of angular engagement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If the universal joint is made more flexible to allow position adjustment, then the adapter can be maneuvered easily, but the adapter cannot retain the set shape

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease to maneuver adapterVSAvoidability to retain set shape
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamics by creating a universal joint system that is flexible during maneuvering but stabilizes when torque is applied. The spring-loaded tension components allow the drive body and work body to move freely to different angles during positioning, making the adapter easy to maneuver. Once the desired angle is reached and torque is applied, the springs provide restoring forces that lock the joint in position, retaining the set shape. This dynamic behavior resolves the contradiction between flexibility for maneuvering and stability for position retention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies parameter changes by using springs to dynamically alter the mechanical stiffness of the universal joint. During maneuvering, the joint parameters allow high flexibility for easy movement; during torque application, the spring tension increases to provide positional stability. This parameter modulation resolves the contradiction by making the joint easy to maneuver while ensuring it retains the set shape during operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 assembly effectively maintains the desired position/angle of the drive and work bodies relative to the center body, facilitating easy engagement with work pieces and reducing the likelihood of losing the set shape during manipulation.

Implementation Method 1

A stiffening member is disposed within the center, drive, and work bodies and is adapted to resist movement of the drive body and the work body relative to one another from a set position

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

The first and second fasteners in the center body are forced against the center body with a biasing member, such as, for example, a spring, disposed in the axial bore. This provides rotational resistance between the center body and drive body, and center body and work body.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring force: Spring

Data Source

PatentUS20250229390A1Universal joint tool adapter assembly
Publication Date: 2025.07.17 SNAP ON INC
  • US20250229390A1 patent drawing
  • US20250229390A1 patent drawing
  • US20250229390A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A tool adapter assembly, such as, for example, a socket or socket adapter, having drive, center, and work bodies. The drive body and the work body can be adjusted in a number of positions/angles relative to one another by a user. The tool adapter assembly includes components adapted to retain a set/desired position/angle of the drive body and the work body relative to one another.