Torque Limiting Filter Wrench with Spring-Loaded Cam Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current oil filter wrenches and sockets often require multiple tools and can lead to under or over-torque conditions when removing oil filters from engines, posing a risk of damage to interfacing surfaces.
Innovation Solution
An oil filter socket with a torque limiting mechanism, featuring a nut with a bore containing ball bearings, a spring, and a cam with circumferentially extending notches, which allows for adjustable torque limits to prevent excessive tightening or loosening, ensuring proper torque application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a torque wrench is used in conjunction with an oil filter wrench/socket, then the torque can be controlled, but multiple tools are required and under or over torque conditions may still occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the torque limiting function directly into the oil filter socket by incorporating a torque limiting mechanism with ball bearings, a spring, and a cam within the socket structure itself. This integration eliminates the need for a separate torque wrench while maintaining precise torque control during oil filter installation.
2Reliability
If excessive torque is applied to the oil filter, then the filter may be securely installed, but damage to interfacing surfaces occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The torque limiting mechanism proactively prevents excessive torque application by using a spring-loaded cam system with ball bearings that physically limits the maximum torque that can be applied to the oil filter. The spring constant and cam geometry are designed to engage before damaging torque levels are reached, thereby preventing surface damage while ensuring adequate installation security.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If insufficient torque is applied to the oil filter, then surface damage is avoided, but the filter may not seal properly
Solution Approach 1:
The torque limiting mechanism allows for adjustable torque settings by modifying the spring constant or cam geometry parameters. This enables the system to be calibrated to apply the precise minimum torque required for proper sealing while preventing any increase beyond the safe threshold, thus simultaneously ensuring sealing effectiveness and preventing surface damage.
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 torque limiting mechanism ensures that the oil filter is installed or removed with the correct amount of torque, preventing damage to engine components and simplifying the process by integrating the functionality into a single tool.
Implementation Method 1
a spring in the operatively connected to the plurality of ball bearings inside the bore
Implementation Method 2
a spring operatively connected to the plurality of ball bearings
Implementation Method 3
a cam intermediate the plurality of ball bearings and the spring, the cam defining a plurality of circumferentially extending notches
Implementation Method 4
a plurality of ball bearings disposed within an axially aligned bore formed by a nut
Implementation Method 5
a plurality of ball bearings disposed within an axially aligned bore
Data Source
AI summary
An oil filter socket having a torque limited maximum is provided. Namely, a torque limiting mechanism is provided interior a bore defined by a nut adapted to receive a conventional ratchet. The torque limiting mechanism includes a cam having bearing race notches formed circumferentially there-around. A plurality of ball bearings rest inside the notches until the rotational torque force applied to the socket from the ratchet overcomes the spring force acting opposite the cam.