Universal Key With Foldable Arms And Rotatable Turret
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing universal keys have limited versatility and are not easily adaptable for various locking mechanisms, making them less useful for professionals who frequently need to access control cabinets.
Innovation Solution
A universal key with a turret element that can be rotated to fix multiple tool heads or receiving devices, allowing for a compact pen-like structure with a retaining clip for easy carrying and a flexible handle that can be folded and locked in various positions, enabling use as a screwdriver or other tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a universal key has multiple fixed tool heads, then it provides diverse functionality, but it becomes bulky and difficult to carry
Solution Approach 1:
The patent places key arms inside the hollow handle, with at least one key arm foldably connected to the handle. This nesting arrangement allows multiple tool heads to be stored within the handle's internal space, providing diverse functionality while maintaining a compact pen-like external size that is easy to carry in pockets
2Ease of operation
If a universal key has a compact pen-like structure, then it is easy to carry, but it limits the number of tool heads available
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs foldable key arms that can be pivoted between stored and deployed positions, and a rotatable turret element that allows dynamic selection of different tool heads. This dynamic mechanism enables the key to maintain a compact pen-like structure for easy portability while providing access to multiple tool heads when needed
3Volume of moving object
If key arms are folded inside the hollow handle, then the key becomes compact, but the folded key arm may fold out on its own due to gravity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a retaining clip that engages with the hollow handle to pre-establish a secure connection. This preliminary action prevents the folded key arm from folding out on its own due to gravity or handling, ensuring position stability while maintaining the compact folded structure
4Strength
If the hollow handle is made rigid for torque transmission, then it can transmit sufficient torque, but it cannot be folded or expanded for key arm storage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a hollow handle with a flexible wall that can be elastically expanded and compressed. This flexible shell design allows the handle to be compressed for folding key arms inside while maintaining sufficient structural strength to transmit torque when the key arm is deployed for use
5Device complexity
If the hollow handle is made flexible for folding, then it allows key arm storage, but it cannot transmit sufficient torque for tool operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs elastic material with controlled resilience that changes its mechanical properties based on the applied force. The hollow handle can be elastically expanded for folding key arms during storage, but when torque is applied during tool operation, the material's elastic properties enable it to transmit sufficient force while returning to its original shape
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
Enhances the versatility and usability of the universal key by allowing it to be easily carried in a pocket, providing secure tool storage and easy handling, with a design that minimizes protrusions for improved rotary movement and reduced wear, while maintaining sufficient torque transmission.
Implementation Method 1
the hollow handle is flexible and can be expanded elastically while the key arm is pivoted out. The resilience of the hollow handle can be determined by the choice of material and the material thickness, so that a key arm can be easily folded out, but also has sufficient position security when folded in
Implementation Method 2
when both the hollow handle and the other key arm have a cylindrical cross section, with the cylindrical outer surface of the key arm nestling against the cylindrical inner surface of the hollow handle when folded. In this way, the position of the key arm is secured in a form-fitting manner
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The screwdriver has several driver arms (2a-2d) on which tool heads (12a,12b,13a,13b) or screw bits (6) are arranged. At least one driver arm (2a,2b) forms a pen-like hollow handle (3). The hollow handle has at least one opening (10) through which at least one further driver arm (2c,2d) can be folded out and retracted.