socket+wrench

//__ The Socket Wrench __//

The design that I chose to redesign is the common Socket Wrench Tool used for pulling and tightening bolts. The Socket wrench is a mechanical device that can be used when constructing or taking apart items. A Socket wrench consist of two very important parts; a handle for holding when using the tool and a Ratchet head (consisting of 4 pawls, a shaft, and a ratchet wheel) that allows movement in a rotary motion (both clockwise or counter clockwise), permitting motion in one direction while preventing movement in the opposition direction (Pasquesi). The Socket Wrench was first patented in June 18, 1863 by J.J. Woodstock (Journals: Scientific American, 1846-9. p248). The original Socket Wrench was very simple in its design; it featured a Ratchet Wheel, and two side pieces, one located on each side of the wheel (Journals: Scientific American, 1846-9. p248). The operation of this Wrench required the tool to be turn over in order to change the direction in which you wanted to turn the tool (counter-clockwise or clockwise) (Journals: Scientific American, 1846-9. p248). Socket Wrenches, today, remains operationally unchanged except for the redesign of the tool’s Ratchet head structure in order to ease the ability of switching turning directions—instead of turning over the tool you instead switch over the dial located on the back of the Ratchet wheel enabling the tool to be operational in the opposite direction. As a result of this, the Ratchet Wheel has been cased in by steel and is now covered with a black metal material. The tool has stayed consistent in its design over the decades including the basic material that is used to create the tool—Steel. The sizes of Socket wrenches variety today, they come in a multitude of sizes suitable for whatever duties he/she is tackling.

The premise for my redesign of the Socket wrench has to do with the tool’s handle. The handle of the tool has been redesign over the years to change the feel, comfort, and esthetic appeal but has remained unchanged in regards to its structure and/or shape. The issue here lies in the shape of the tool’s handle, and the limitation it places on the Socket wrench’s ability to be used effectively and efficiently in certain task/work scenarios and work spaces. The tool’s straight handle causes excess pressure on the wrist’s of the user because the wrench’s straight handle does not allow for any flexibility when using the tool. For example, when turning the socket on a bolt that is located upside down in a work space that has a irregular angle (80 degree angle) for a conventional straight tool the path for a full turn is limited due to the limited space available for the wrench to be fully turned, and as a result, more pressure has to be applied through the wrist in order to turn the bolt and prevent the socket from falling off of the bolt. A scenario of this can be seen in a mechanic’s ability to use the Socket wrench when removing an instrument cluster bezel on a 1996 Ford Explorer (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zzxz7iG81kI). The wrench’s straight handle can cause pressure to build up on the wrist of both hands—and frustration as well—if continually used in spaces that hinder the movement for full turns, and as a result, can be made to be more efficient in its design to alleviate the stress placed on the user’s wrists.

My proposal for the redesign of the Socket wrench will change the handle into two separate sections. Instead of the wrench handle being one solid piece, the base section (section of the handle where the user holds) will now be detachable from the rest of the tool to allow for other attachments that change the angle of which the tool can be held and used—improving the Socket wrench’s efficiency and effectiveness in awkward work spaces. The redesign Socket wrench will be sold with the original straight base attachment but consumers will also have the ability to purchase a variety of different attachment pieces, varying in angles and lengths. The handle will be detachable from the base section by pushing a small button similar to that of the socket from the Socket wrench. Located on the Socket wrench itself will be a protruding square end (made of a similar material as on the end of the wrench head) available in different sizes depending on the size of the Socket wrench. This protruding square will feature a small ball located on its side that will snap into the track inside of the attachment locking it into place—similar to the socket and Socket wrench. Attachments will be available in three different angles (45, 90, and 180 degrees). The available attachments will ensure that users can adjust their tool to gain maximum transfer of force from the Socket arm to the bolt and/or nut head, while reducing the pressure required in keeping the socket on the bolt or nut. The material used for making the attachments will be similar to that of the socket pieces, but will be substantially heavier than previous handle’s (1/4 pound) in order to provide for a solid grip and firm hold by the user.

// References //

Pasquesi, A. “How the Air Ratchet Works | eHow.com.” //eHow | How To Do Just About Everything! | How To Videos & Articles//. Retrieved January 29, 2010, from .

“ Journals: Scientific American (1846 - 1869). Vol. 10.” (Apr 16, 1864) //digital.library.cornell.edu/s/scia/// (Cornell University). Retrieved January 29, 2010, from .