Wrench Handle with Intersecting Ribs for Weight Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional wrenches face challenges in reducing weight without causing deformation or damage to the handle due to stress concentration, which can lead to instability during use.

Innovation Solution

The wrench features a handle with lightening portions surrounded by a frame and intersecting inclined ribs that disperse the applied force, preventing stress concentration and allowing for weight reduction while maintaining structural integrity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Weight of moving object

If lightening portions are formed by penetrating the handle to reduce weight, then the weight of the wrench is reduced, but stress concentration may occur on the handle causing deformation or damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveweight of wrenchVSAvoidstrength of handle

Core Design Contradiction:

Weight of moving objectVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The handle is segmented into a frame structure with lightening portions removed from the interior, while maintaining the outer frame integrity. This segmentation allows weight reduction through material removal while preserving structural strength through the frame configuration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different portions of the handle have different structural qualities: the frame maintains full thickness for strength, while the interior lightening portions are removed to reduce weight. The first and second inclined ribs provide localized reinforcement at critical stress areas where the lightening portions are present.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Weight of moving object

If the remaining portion is made thinner to increase weight reduction, then the weight reduction is enhanced, but the handle may become more susceptible to deformation or damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveweight reductionVSAvoidresistance to deformation and damage

Core Design Contradiction:

Weight of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The first and second inclined ribs are arranged in different spatial dimensions and orientations, creating a three-dimensional reinforcement structure. This multi-dimensional arrangement distributes stresses effectively and prevents deformation even when the remaining portion thickness is reduced for weight savings.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The handle structure combines different structural elements: the frame providing outer support, the lightening portions reducing weight, and the inclined ribs providing internal reinforcement. This composite structural approach optimizes both weight and strength properties.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Data Source

PatentUS20230226672A1wrench

Publication Date: 2023.07.20 KYOTO TOOL

AI summary

In order to prevent the deformation and damage of a handle while reducing the weight of a wrench, a wrench includes a head provided at a front end portion and a handle to be gripped by a user, in which the handle is formed with lightening portions and a remaining portion formed around the lightening portions, and the remaining portion includes a first inclined rib intersecting an extending direction Y of the handle and a second inclined rib intersecting the extending direction Y of the handle and also intersecting the first inclined rib.