Universal Reservoir Cap Socket with Segmented Gripping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Reservoir caps for automobiles often have different handle and cap geometries, making them difficult to rotate or remove, and existing tools are not versatile enough to accommodate various shapes and sizes, requiring multiple sockets for different vehicles.
Innovation Solution
A universal socket with a nylon base reinforced with glass fibers, featuring a base and working section with adjustable geometry, including gaps, protrusions, and indents, allowing it to grip and rotate variously shaped reservoir caps, and a separate stiff receiving portion for tool engagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single universal socket design is used, then versatility across different vehicle makes is improved, but gripping effectiveness on specific cap geometries may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The socket's interior surface is segmented into multiple distinct gripping structures, including protrusions with varying shapes (rounded, pointed, flat) and indents of different geometries. Each segment is positioned to engage with specific features of different reservoir cap designs, allowing the single socket to effectively grip diverse cap types without compromising on gripping effectiveness.
2Weight of moving object
If the socket is made lightweight using nylon material, then ease of handling is improved, but structural strength may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The socket is constructed from a composite material consisting of nylon base material reinforced with glass fibers. The nylon provides lightweight properties and chemical resistance, while the glass fiber reinforcement significantly enhances structural strength and rigidity. This composite structure allows the socket to maintain high strength-to-weight ratio, enabling easy handling while withstanding the forces required to remove tight reservoir caps.
3Manufacturing precision
If the socket geometry is optimized for one cap type, then gripping precision is improved, but adaptability to other cap types worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The socket incorporates multiple gripping structures within its interior geometry, including variously shaped protrusions (rounded, pointed, flat) and indents positioned at different locations and orientations. Each gripping structure is precisely engineered for optimal engagement with specific cap features, yet all work together within the single socket to provide universal compatibility across different reservoir cap types and vehicle makes.
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
Enables easy removal and rotation of reservoir caps across different vehicle makes with a single socket, ensuring lightweight, chemical resistance, and compatibility with multiple cap types, reducing the need for multiple tools.
Implementation Method 1
The socket can be reinforced with glass fibers and be made of a nylon base so as to be lightweight and chemically resistant
Implementation Method 2
The working section has a perimeter proximate the second side with a first gripping structure adapted to grip a first type of work piece, and a second gripping structure adapted to grip a second type of work piece different than the first type of work piece
Data Source
AI summary
A socket for gripping a reservoir cap and rotating the reservoir cap for easy removal. The socket can grip a variety of differently shaped reservoir caps, for example, reservoir caps associated with reservoirs of different automobiles. The socket can be made of nylon and can be glass-reinforced so as to be lightweight and chemically resistant.