Infinitely Variable Adjustable Wrench with Helical Groove Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional wrenches are fixed in size, limiting their versatility and adaptability to different bolt sizes, whereas adjustable wrenches still face limitations in efficiently accommodating varying diameters and configurations.

Innovation Solution

A continuously variable and multi-functional wrench design featuring adjustable sockets, an adjustment screw bolt, an adjustable wrench support, and a threaded sleeve, allowing for adjustable spacing and varying diameters through a unique helical groove mechanism, enabling precise fitment to different bolt sizes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional fixed-size wrenches are used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the adaptability to different bolt sizes is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different bolt sizesVSAvoidwrench structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The wrench incorporates an adjustable jaw mechanism that allows the opening between the fixed jaw and movable jaw to be changed dynamically. The movable jaw can be repositioned along the wrench body to different distances from the fixed jaw, enabling the wrench to adapt to various bolt sizes. This dynamic adjustment capability transforms a static tool into a versatile one without requiring multiple wrenches.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The wrench is designed with a single body that can perform multiple functions by adjusting the movable jaw position. By changing the distance between the fixed jaw and movable jaw, the same wrench can accommodate different bolt diameters, replacing the need for multiple fixed-size wrenches. The universal design allows one tool to serve various purposes across different fastening applications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If adjustable wrenches are designed to accommodate varying diameters, then the versatility improves, but the adjustment mechanism becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccommodation of varying diametersVSAvoidadjustment mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The wrench body is segmented into distinct functional zones: a fixed jaw portion, a movable jaw portion, and an adjustment mechanism portion. The movable jaw is separable and can be repositioned along the wrench body at different locations. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each component and simplifies the overall adjustment mechanism by dividing the adaptation function into discrete, manageable segments rather than requiring a complex continuous adjustment system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The wrench incorporates an intermediary adjustment mechanism (comprising adjustment threads, nuts, or sliding components) that mediates between the user's adjustment action and the position of the movable jaw. This intermediary mechanism translates simple user inputs (turning a knob or sliding a component) into precise positioning of the movable jaw, simplifying the user interface while maintaining accurate adjustment capability for various diameters.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple wrenches are used to cover different bolt sizes, then the coverage is complete, but the tool quantity and storage space increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoverage of bolt sizesVSAvoidnumber of wrenches required
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The adjustable wrench is designed as a universal tool that can replace multiple fixed-size wrenches. By incorporating an adjustable jaw mechanism, a single wrench can accommodate a range of bolt sizes from small to large diameters. This eliminates the need to maintain a collection of different wrenches, reducing the quantity of tools required while maintaining complete coverage of bolt size requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The wrench design allows the movable jaw to be nested within or along the wrench body when not in use. The adjustable components can be collapsed or retracted into the main wrench structure, creating a compact form factor. This nesting capability allows the versatile adjustable wrench to occupy minimal storage space compared to multiple full-sized wrenches, while still providing access to various bolt sizes through adjustment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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 wrench provides a versatile tool capable of accommodating a wide range of bolt sizes and configurations, enhancing user convenience and efficiency by allowing for precise adjustments without the need for multiple wrenches.

Implementation Method 1

An adjustment screw bolt is arranged on the wrench body. An adjustable wrench support matches with sockets and are separately arranged on two ends of the adjustment screw bolts. The spacing between the sockets and the adjustable wrench support can be adjustment with the adjustable button

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHelical groove mechanism: Helix

Implementation Method 2

An adjustment threaded sleeve is arranged between the adjustment wrench support and the adjustment screw bolt

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThreaded engagement: Screw

Data Source

PatentUS9469018B2Adjustable wrench
Publication Date: 2016.10.18 TOOLRIEH IMP & EXP CO LTD
  • US9469018B2 patent drawing
  • US9469018B2 patent drawing
  • US9469018B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An infinitely variable speed and multi-functional wrench has a wrench body. The sockets are arranged at two ends of the wrench body. An adjustment screw bolt is arranged on the wrench body. An adjustable wrench support matches with sockets and are separately arranged on two ends of the adjustment screw bolts. An adjustment threaded sleeve is arranged between the adjustment wrench support and the adjustment screw bolt. An adjustable button fixed with the adjustment screw bolt is arranged on the adjustment screw bolt. The spacing between the sockets and the adjustable wrench support can be adjustment with the adjustable button. The diameters of the wrench holes at two ends of the wrench body varies with each other.