Wrench Width Adapter for Miniaturized Threaded Components

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing design of pressure sensors with hexagonal outer surfaces limits miniaturization and installation flexibility due to the requirement for a specific wrench size, making it difficult to reduce the wrench size without compromising compatibility with screwing tools.

Innovation Solution

A wrench size adapter with a base body having a first wrench size dimension matching the component's outer circumference and a second dimension for tool compatibility, featuring projections and fastening means for secure engagement and locking, allowing for various geometries and additional features like locking or dismantling protection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If the wrench size of the component base body is reduced to enable miniaturization, then the component size can be reduced, but the component can no longer be engaged by standard screwing tools

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomponent sizeVSAvoidtool compatibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The solution divides the component into two distinct parts: the original component base body with its small hexagon for miniaturization, and a separate adapter with a larger outer hexagon for tool engagement. This segmentation allows each part to fulfill its specific function independently - the component remains small while the adapter provides standard tool compatibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The adapter acts as an intermediary element between the miniaturized component and the standard screwing tools. It bridges the gap by providing a larger engagement surface that tools can grip, while internally connecting to the smaller component. This mediator resolves the contradiction by enabling tool compatibility without compromising component size reduction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Strength

If the outer circumference of the component base body is shaped for a specific wrench size, then torque transmission is optimized, but design freedom and installation flexibility are limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetorque transmissionVSAvoiddesign freedom
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

By separating the torque transmission function (handled by the adapter's outer hexagon) from the component design (which can be optimized for its specific function), the component can adopt non-standard geometries. The adapter assumes the role of providing standardized torque transmission interfaces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The adapter serves multiple functions: it provides standardized tool engagement interfaces, transmits torque to the component, and allows the component itself to be designed with optimized geometries for its specific application. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction between optimized torque transmission and design freedom.

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

3Adaptability or versatility

If additional features like locking devices or disassembly protection are integrated into the component, then functionality is enhanced, but the component geometry becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovefunctionalityVSAvoidcomponent geometry
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The adapter is designed as a separate element that can incorporate locking devices, disassembly protection features, or other functional elements. This keeps the main component geometry simple while adding functionality through the adapter attachment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The adapter serves as an intermediary that carries additional functional features without complicating the component design. Features like locking mechanisms or anti-theft designs are integrated into the adapter, which mediates between the simple component and the tool, providing enhanced functionality without increasing component complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3464913B1Combination of a wrench width adapter with a component which can be screwed into a threaded opening
Publication Date: 2024.06.05 ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
  • EP3464913B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3464913B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2b
  • EP3464913B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~3b

AI summary

What is proposed is a wrench width adapter (1) for a component (2) which can be screwed into a threaded opening, comprising a basic body (10) which is provided with a continuous inner aperture (15) which extends along a longitudinal axis (19) and is intended for receiving the component (2) which can be screwed in, wherein an inner wall (14) of the basic body (10) that delimits the inner aperture (15) has, at least partially in a cross-sectional plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (19), the form of a regular polygon corresponding to a first wrench width dimension (S1), and wherein an outer wall (13) of the basic body (10) has at least partially the form of a regular polygon corresponding to a second wrench width dimension (S2) which is greater than the first wrench width dimension (S1).