Universal Socket with Slots and Splines for Multi-Handle Compatibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cleaning implements require different adaptors or sockets for various handle types, making it impractical and time-consuming to switch between them.
Innovation Solution
A socket with a cylindrical wall featuring slots and splines that accommodate different handle types, providing a compression or interference fit for stability and engagement, eliminating the need for multiple sockets.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If different adaptors or sockets are used for different handle types, then each handle type can be properly attached, but the device complexity and number of components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The socket is designed with a universal structure that can accommodate multiple handle types (threaded handles, solid handles, lobe-shaped handles) through a single multi-functional design. The cylindrical wall with slots and splines creates a standardized interface that works with various handle geometries, eliminating the need for multiple specialized sockets.
Solution Approach 2:
The socket structure is segmented into functional zones: the cylindrical wall provides the basic receptacle, slots provide attachment points for different handle types, and splines provide gripping surfaces. This segmentation allows each element to contribute to handling different handle types while maintaining a unified socket design.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple sockets are carried for different handle types, then all handle types can be supported, but portability and practicality deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
By designing a single socket that can universally accommodate multiple handle types through its slots and splines configuration, the need to carry multiple specialized sockets is eliminated. Users only need one socket to work with various handle types, significantly improving portability and ease of operation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If different sockets are changed for different handles, then proper attachment is achieved, but time efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The socket is pre-configured with multiple slots and splines that are positioned to accommodate different handle types without requiring socket replacement. The slots are arranged to receive various handle geometries, and the splines are positioned to engage with different handle profiles, allowing users to simply insert the appropriate handle directly into the pre-prepared socket.
4Device complexity
If a single socket design is used for all handle types, then simplicity is improved, but attachment reliability may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the socket have specialized features tailored to specific handle types: slots provide attachment points for lobe-shaped handles, while splines provide gripping surfaces for threaded and solid handles. This local differentiation within a unified socket design ensures reliable attachment for each handle type without requiring multiple specialized sockets.
Solution Approach 2:
The socket design allows for dynamic engagement where the slots and splines can adapt to different handle geometries. The slots can receive various handle profiles, and the splines can engage with different handle surfaces, providing reliable attachment through flexible geometric accommodation rather than rigid fixed geometry.
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 socket efficiently attaches to multiple handle types, enhancing cleaning efficiency by allowing seamless transitions without the need for socket changes.
Implementation Method 1
The splines may provide a compression fit for the handle to improve stability and engagement
Implementation Method 2
the wall is configured to grip the handle when the handle is inserted into the passage
Implementation Method 3
the slots may be shaped and sized to form an interference fit (e.g., a force fit, or a tight fit) with the ribs of the lobe-shaped handle, thereby attaching the handle to the socket
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3A~3B
Figure 4A~4B
AI summary
A socket for attaching a handle to a cleaning implement, comprising: a cylindrical wall defining a tubular passage having a handle insertion end, arranged for receiving at least a portion of the handle; a plurality of slots extending in a longitudinal direction through a thickness of the wall and spaced apart from one another about a circumference of the wall; and a plurality of splines on an inner surface of the wall, projecting into the tubular passage, wherein the wall is configured to grip the handle when the handle is inserted into the tubular passage.