Right-Angle Wrench Axis Repositioning for Confined Space Torque
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ratcheting socket wrenches face difficulties in confined spaces due to the need for adequate working space to apply sufficient torque, making it hard to loosen, tighten, or free bolts or nuts located in limited areas.
Innovation Solution
A wrench rotational axis re-positioning apparatus with a housing, input and output gear assemblies in a right-angle configuration, and a ratcheting mechanism with an actuating lever that allows the output gear assembly to rotate in either direction based on input rotation, enabling manipulation of the ratcheting mechanism to pivot pawls and engage teeth, allowing for rotational movement in tight spaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional ratcheting socket wrench is used, then the wrench can turn a socket to loosen, tighten or free a bolt or nut, but adequate working space is required to impart sufficient force or torque, making it difficult or impossible to operate in confined spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a rotatable extension assembly that changes the dimensional configuration of the wrench. The extension assembly can rotate between a retracted position (minimizing space) and an extended position (providing leverage), allowing the operator to adapt the working dimension based on the available space and torque requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The extension assembly is designed to be dynamically adjustable rather than fixed. It can be rotated into different positions during operation, allowing the user to switch between a compact configuration for access and an extended configuration for applying torque, making the tool adaptable to varying spatial constraints
2Productivity
If the handle of the ratcheting socket wrench is moved repetitively in opposite directions to loosen, tighten or free a bolt or nut, then the socket turns in the force imparting direction, but sufficient working space is needed to effect sufficient rotational movement of the handle
Solution Approach 1:
The extension assembly provides an additional rotational dimension. When extended, it creates a longer lever arm that amplifies the rotational effect of the handle movement. This allows the operator to achieve the necessary socket rotation with a smaller handle arc, effectively decoupling the handle rotation angle from the socket rotation angle
3Force
If the wrench handle is extended to provide sufficient leverage for loosening, tightening or freeing bolts or nuts, then adequate torque can be applied, but the wrench cannot reach into confined spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The extension assembly's rotatable design allows it to be dynamically positioned. When extended outward, it provides the necessary leverage for high-torque applications. When rotated toward the handle, it retracts to minimize the overall length, enabling the wrench to access confined spaces. This dynamic reconfiguration resolves the contradiction between needing length for force and compactness for access
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 effective loosening, tightening, or freeing of bolts or nuts in confined spaces by allowing the wrench handle to move in opposite directions, overcoming the limitations of conventional wrenches in tight spaces.
Implementation Method 1
input and output gear assemblies mounted to the housing and disposed in the interior cavity in a meshing contact with one another and rotatable about respective first and second axes arranged in a right angle configuration
Implementation Method 2
a ratcheting mechanism mounted to the housing and disposed within the interior cavity thereof, the ratcheting mechanism having an actuating lever extending to exterior of the housing from the interior cavity
Data Source
AI summary
A wrench rotational axis re-positioning apparatus includes a housing, an interior cavity defined in the housing, input and output gear assemblies mounted to the housing and disposed in the interior cavity in a meshing contact with one another and rotatable about respective first and second axes arranged in a right angle configuration with one another, the input and output gear assemblies having respective input and output fittings for connection to respective drive and driven devices, and a ratcheting mechanism mounted to the housing and extending from exterior thereof into the interior cavity such that the ratcheting mechanism is presettable in either one of first and second orientations relative to the output gear assembly to enable the latter to correspondingly rotate in one or the other opposite direction about the second axis in response to the input gear assembly being rotated in either opposite direction about the first axis.