Universal Holding Wrench for Automotive Fastener Arrays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wrench designs for automotive repairs, such as those used for removing fan clutches, often require multiple tools and mechanical adjustments to handle various fastener patterns, which can be cumbersome and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A single, uniformly thick planar plate wrench with a lever arm, circular opening, and straight edge design allows for gripping multiple bolt patterns without adjustment, enabling use as a lever to facilitate the removal of mechanical devices like pulley bolts and other elements associated with clutches.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple wrench constructions are used to handle various fastener patterns, then adaptability to different fastener arrays is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate due to requiring multiple tools and mechanical adjustments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a single holding wrench with multiple openings of different configurations (circular, rectangular, hexagonal) that can accommodate various fastener patterns including single bolts, dual bolts, and multi-bolt arrays. This eliminates the need for multiple specialized wrenches while maintaining adaptability to different fastener configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The wrench body is segmented into multiple distinct openings, each designed for specific fastener patterns. This segmentation allows the single tool to handle diverse fastener configurations by selecting the appropriate opening for each application, resolving the contradiction between versatility and complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple wrench constructions with mechanical adjustments are used, then adaptability to different fastener patterns is improved, but ease of operation worsens due to cumbersome adjustments
Solution Approach 1:
The wrench openings are pre-configured in specific positions and orientations to match common fastener patterns encountered in automotive repairs. This preliminary design eliminates the need for mechanical adjustments during operation, as the mechanic can directly select and use the appropriate pre-configured opening for each fastener pattern.
3Device complexity
If a single wrench design is used for multiple fastener patterns, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different fastener arrays deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple wrench functions into a single holding wrench by incorporating various opening types (circular for single bolts, rectangular for dual bolts, hexagonal for multi-bolt patterns) within one tool body. This combining approach maintains device simplicity while achieving multi-pattern adaptability.
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 efficient and versatile gripping of multiple fastener arrays with a single tool, reducing the need for multiple wrenches and mechanical adjustments, enhancing the mechanical advantage and adaptability for automotive repair procedures.
Implementation Method 1
the lever arm 20 for a lever of the first kind wherein a circular projection 22 with a circular opening or passage 24 therethrough comprises a fulcrum of the lever
Data Source
AI summary
A unitary, or single, uniformly thick planar plate is configured whereby the plate may be utilized as a lever of the first kind to engage multiple arrays of fastening bolts. The plate includes a lever arm aligned with a longitudinal axis, a fastener engaging circular opening at one corner of the plate spaced laterally from the axis and at the end opposite outer end of the lever arm and a fastener engaging straight edge normal to the axis and tangent to the circular opening in the plate.