Tool Socket Insert With Break-Off Length Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional socket wrenches and sockets lack features that enhance efficiency and are often expensive, with deep well sockets facing issues like nuts being pushed to the bottom and magnets not allowing long bolts to pass through, making them impractical and costly.
Innovation Solution
A socket well insert that fits into standard sockets, allowing nuts to be held at the end and providing adjustable length through break-off features, enhancing functionality and usability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If a deep well socket is used to accommodate long bolts, then the bolt can pass through, but the nut gets pushed to the bottom making it nearly impossible to start the nut on the bolt
Solution Approach 1:
The socket system is segmented into two parts: the existing deep well socket and the added insert component. The insert is further segmented with a ledge feature that divides the socket interior space, creating a platform to support the nut and prevent it from being pushed to the bottom during assembly operations with long bolts.
Solution Approach 2:
The insert acts as an intermediary component between the deep well socket and the fastener assembly. The ledge on the insert serves as a mediator that provides mechanical support to the nut, preventing direct contact with the socket bottom and enabling proper nut positioning during the fastening process.
2Ease of operation
If a ledge or broach is integrated into the socket to hold the nut, then the nut is held toward the end of the socket, but the manufacturing cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of integrating the ledge directly into the socket (which would require expensive modification of the entire socket), the ledge feature is segmented and placed on a separate insert component. This allows the ledge functionality to be added to budget-friendly sockets without requiring expensive integrated manufacturing processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The insert is designed as a universal component that can be used with various socket types and sizes. By creating a standardized insert that fits multiple socket configurations, the manufacturing cost is reduced through economies of scale, while still providing the nut-holding ledge function across different applications.
3Ease of operation
If magnets are used within the socket well to hold the nut, then the nut is held at the end of the socket, but long bolts cannot pass through the magnets
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic field system is replaced with a mechanical ledge system. Instead of using magnets that would interfere with long bolts, a physical ledge structure is created that mechanically supports the nut without obstructing the passage of long bolts through the socket.
4Ease of operation
If high end deep well sockets with integrated ledges are purchased, then the nut can be held properly, but the cost becomes very expensive
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of purchasing expensive high-end sockets with integrated ledges, the solution uses a cheaper insert component that can be added to existing budget-friendly sockets. The insert provides the same functional benefits as expensive integrated solutions but at a fraction of the cost, making it an economical alternative for users.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the functionality of expensive integrated ledge sockets with budget-friendly standard sockets by adding the insert component. This combination allows users to retain their existing affordable socket sets while gaining the advanced nut-holding capability previously only available in high-end tools.
Data Source
AI summary
A tool socket insert includes an insert body that may be inserted into a socket well of a tool socket to advantageously allow a user to hold nuts and bolts and other fittings at the end of the socket. The tool socket insert may include integrated and spaced-apart break-off features to permit one to break off a portion of the socket insert to achieve the desired length of the insert prior to insertion into the socket well.