Universal Joint Tool Adapter With Adjustable 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 maneuver and 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, using materials like springs or rubber to maintain the desired orientation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional tool adapters with universal joints are used, then the adapter can engage work pieces at angles, but the adapter cannot maintain a pre-set position or angle
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by introducing adjustable tension and compression components that modify the mechanical properties of the universal joint assembly. These components allow the joint to maintain stable angular positions while still providing the flexibility to engage work pieces at various angles, thus resolving the contradiction between adaptability and positional stability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by making the universal joint assembly adjustable rather than fixed. The tension and compression components can be modified to change the stiffness and damping characteristics, allowing the joint to dynamically adapt between maintaining a set position and allowing movement for engagement, thereby resolving the contradiction between stability and versatility
2Stability of the object's composition
If spring-loaded tool adapters are used, then the universal joint is maintained in a straight line at rest, but the adapter is difficult to engage work pieces at angles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by replacing fixed spring-loaded mechanisms with adjustable tension and compression components. This allows the universal joint to be easily maneuvered into angled positions for engagement while still maintaining stable alignment at rest, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and joint stability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the mechanical parameters of the universal joint assembly by introducing adjustable tension and compression components. These components allow the joint to be easily moved into angled positions for engagement while maintaining stable alignment at rest, thus resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and joint stability
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 retains the set position/angle, allowing easy manipulation and engagement with work pieces, even in challenging environments, with adjustable stiffness to accommodate wear and user preferences.
Implementation Method 1
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.
Implementation Method 2
The first and second rings to compress in an axial direction and/or expand in a radial direction when assembled due to a tight fit between the center and drive bodies and between the center and work bodies
Data Source
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.