Wrench Extension Apparatus With Segmented Side Opening

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wrench extension apparatuses do not effectively provide greater leverage by allowing sideways insertion and twisting of the wrench into a channel, leading to inefficient ergonomic design and insertion processes.

Innovation Solution

An elongated member with a channel that has a specific opening configuration allowing sideways insertion and twisting of a wrench, featuring a central portion for initial insertion and opposing end portions for subsequent insertion of wrench sections, facilitating ergonomic handling and increased leverage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the opening is made to receive the wrench into the channel, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the specific opening configuration with multiple portions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of insertionVSAvoidopening configuration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The opening is divided into three distinct portions: a first end portion, a central portion, and a second end portion. Each portion serves a specific function in the two-stage insertion process, allowing the wrench to be inserted efficiently while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The opening configuration allows insertion in multiple directions and stages - first through the central portion, then through the end portions after twisting. This multi-dimensional insertion approach improves ease of operation without significantly increasing structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Force

If the channel is designed to partially contain the wrench, then the leverage is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveleverageVSAvoidchannel dimension precision
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The channel is designed with specific local dimensions that match the wrench geometry - the opening portions have sizes appropriate for wrench insertion, while the channel provides the necessary containment for leverage. This localized precision approach achieves the required performance without demanding high precision throughout the entire component.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Ease of operation

If the opening is shaped to facilitate two-stage insertion, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinsertion processVSAvoidopening structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The opening is pre-shaped with three portions positioned to guide the wrench insertion process. The central portion receives the wrench first, and the end portions are positioned to receive the wrench after twisting, facilitating a smooth two-stage insertion without requiring complex mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS20240208033A1Wrench Extension Apparatus
Publication Date: 2024.06.27 BARKE CRAIG
  • US20240208033A1 patent drawing
  • US20240208033A1 patent drawing
  • US20240208033A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A wrench extension apparatus for extending an effective length of a wrench to provide greater leverage when operating the wrench includes an elongated member with a channel therein for holding the wrench. The wrench is insertable by inserting a central portion of the wrench into a side opening of the elongated member and twisting the wrench into an operation position. The insertion of the wrench may be performed in two discrete steps rather than by simultaneously inserting and twisting the wrench into the operation position.