Testing and calibration of torque measuring device

Abstract

A method is provided for calibrating a torque measuring device, such as an electronic torque wrench, configured to generate a digital electrical signal representing an applied torque as a sequence of digital data points, and to determine a torque value for the applied torque from the sequence of digital data points. The method includes reading a sequence of digital data points and a torque value from a torque measuring device. The method includes determining that the torque measuring device does not conform to the specification because a difference between the torque value and a corresponding reference torque value is greater than a threshold. In response, a calibration function is derived from the sequence of digital data points and the corresponding reference torque value, and the calibration function is written to the torque measurement device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to torque application and measurement devices, and in particular to an apparatus for torque measurement, such as an electronic torque wrench. Background Art

[0002] Fasteners are often used in the assembly of performance critical components and are tightened to a specific torque level to introduce "pre-tension" in the fastener. As torque is applied to the head of the fastener, the fastener may begin to stretch beyond the specific level of applied torque. This stretching results in pre-tension in the fastener, which then holds the components together. Additionally, after the required torque level has been applied, it is often necessary to further rotate the fastener past a specific angle. A common method of tightening these fasteners is with a torque wrench.

[0003] Torque wrenches can be mechanical or electronic. Mechanical torque wrenches are generally less expensive than electronic torque wrenches. There are two common types of mechanical torque wrenches, beam type and clicker type. In a beam type torque wrench, a beam bends relative to a non-deflected beam in response to an applied torque. The amount of deflection of the bent beam relative to the non-deflected beam indicates the amount of torque applied to the fastener. Clicker type torque wrenches have a selectable preloaded snap mechanism that has a spring to release at a specified target torque, thereby producing a click to warn the operator to release the force on the wrench that the applied torque is generated by.

[0004] Electronic torque wrenches tend to be more expensive than mechanical torque wrenches. Many electronic torque wrenches include a user interface having a human input device and an electronic visual display. The electronic torque wrench can receive a target torque through its user interface; and when the electronic torque wrench is used to apply torque to the fastener, a torque reading related to the pre-tensioning force generated in the fastener due to the applied torque can be indicated on the electronic visual display. The electronic torque wrench can also warn the operator to release the force on the wrench when the applied torque reaches the target torque.

[0005] Many procedures for using a torque wrench include periodic testing to verify that the torque wrench is within specification because the torque wrench is accurate to within a threshold range. In the event that the torque wrench is deemed out of specification, the torque wrench typically needs to be manually recalibrated on-site or sent to an off-site location where the torque wrench can be recalibrated. Therefore, it is desirable to have a system and method that addresses this and other possible issues. Summary of the invention

[0006] Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure relate to an apparatus for calibrating an electronic torque wrench or other torque measuring device, such as a torque tester or a computer. The present disclosure includes, but is not limited to, the following example implementations.

[0007] Some exemplary embodiments provide an apparatus for calibrating a torque measurement device, the torque measurement device being configured to generate a digital electrical signal representing an applied torque as a sequence of digital data points, and to determine a torque value of the applied torque from the sequence of digital data points, the apparatus comprising: a memory configured to store a computer-readable program code; and a processing circuit configured to access the memory and execute the computer-readable program code so that the apparatus at least: reads the sequence of digital data points and the torque value from the torque measurement device; determines that the torque measurement device does not meet specifications because the torque value differs from a corresponding reference torque value by more than a threshold; and in response, derives a calibration function from the sequence of digital data points and the corresponding reference torque value; and writes the calibration function to the torque measurement device.

[0008] Some exemplary embodiments provide a method of calibrating a torque measurement device, the torque measurement device being configured to generate a digital electrical signal representing an applied torque as a sequence of digital data points, and determining a torque value of the applied torque from the sequence of digital data points, the method comprising: reading the sequence of digital data points and the torque value from the torque measurement device; determining that the torque measurement device does not meet specifications because the torque value differs from a corresponding reference torque value by more than a threshold; and in response, deriving a calibration function from the sequence of digital data points and the corresponding reference torque value; and writing the calibration function to the torque measurement device.

[0009] These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present disclosure will be apparent from reading the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings, which are briefly described below. The present disclosure includes any combination of two, three, four or more features or elements stated in the present invention, regardless of whether such features or elements are explicitly combined or otherwise stated in the specific example embodiments described herein. The present disclosure is intended to be read as a whole, so that any separable features or elements of the present disclosure should be considered combinable in any aspect and example implementation thereof, unless the context of the present disclosure clearly specifies otherwise.

[0010] Therefore, it will be understood that this brief overview is provided only to summarize some example implementations in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the present disclosure. Therefore, it will be understood that the above exemplary embodiments are only examples and should not be interpreted as narrowing the scope or spirit of the present invention in any way. Other example implementations, aspects and advantages will become apparent from the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate the principles of some of the described example implementations by way of example. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] Having thus generally described example implementations of the present disclosure, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and in which: Figure 1A and Figure 1B An electronic torque wrench according to some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure is shown; Figure 2 is a block diagram of an apparatus for determining applied torque according to some exemplary embodiments, and the apparatus may correspond to the electronic torque wrench of FIG. 1 ; Figure 3 is a graph of a calibration function according to some exemplary embodiments; Figure 4 and Figure 5 A system for calibrating a torque measurement device according to various exemplary embodiments is shown; Fig. 6A , Figure 6B , Figure 6C , Fig.6D and Fig. 6E is a flow chart illustrating various steps in a method of calibrating a torque measurement device according to various exemplary embodiments; and Figure 7 Apparatus according to some exemplary embodiments are shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0012] Some embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described more fully below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some but not all embodiments of the present disclosure are shown. In fact, various embodiments of the present disclosure may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these example implementations are provided so that the present disclosure will be thorough and complete and will fully convey the scope of the present disclosure to those skilled in the art. The same reference numerals represent the same elements throughout.

[0013] Unless otherwise specified or clear from the context, references to first, second, etc. should not be construed as implying a particular order. A feature described as being above another feature (unless otherwise specified or clear from the context) may alternatively be below, and vice versa; similarly, a feature described as being to the left of another feature may instead be to the right, and vice versa. Furthermore, although reference may be made herein to quantitative measurements, values, geometric relationships, and the like, unless otherwise specified, any one or more (if not all) of these may be absolute or approximate to take into account acceptable variations that may occur, such as variations due to engineering tolerances, and the like.

[0014] As used herein, unless otherwise specified or clear from the context, an "or" of a set of operands is an "inclusive or," and thus is true if and only if one or more of the operands are true, as opposed to an "exclusive or," which is false when all operands are true. Thus, for example, "[A] or [B]" is true if [A] is true, or if [B] is true, or if both [A] and [B] are true. In addition, the articles "a" and "an" mean "one or more," unless otherwise specified or clear from the context to be intended in the singular. Furthermore, it should be understood that the terms "data," "content," "digital content," "information," and similar terms are sometimes used interchangeably unless otherwise specified.

[0015] Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to torque application and measurement devices. Exemplary embodiments will be described primarily in the context of electronic torque wrenches. Other examples of suitable torque measurement devices include torque testers, torque meters, torque transducers, and the like. Figure 1A and Figure 1B An electronic torque wrench 100 according to some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure is shown; as shown, the electronic torque wrench includes a wrench body 102, a wrench head 104 (e.g., a ratchet wrench head), a grip handle 106, a housing 108, a battery assembly 110, and an electronic unit 112 having a user interface 114. In some examples, the wrench body is a tubular construction, made of steel or other rigid material, and receives the wrench head at a first end and the battery assembly at a second end, secured therein by an end cap 116. In some of these examples, the housing is mounted between the housings and carries the electronic unit.

[0016] As shown, the front end 118 of the wrench head 104 includes a coupling with a lever 120, which allows the user to select whether the torque is applied to the fastener in a clockwise (CW) direction or a counterclockwise (CCW) direction. The front end also includes a convex square drive portion or boss 122 for receiving sleeves, extensions, etc. of various sizes. The rear end 124 of the wrench head is slidably received in the wrench body 102 and rigidly fixed therein. The wrench head includes at least one vertical flat portion 126 formed between the front end and the rear end for receiving a strain gauge assembly 128. The flat portion of the wrench head is both transverse to the rotation plane of the torque wrench 100 and parallel to the longitudinal center axis of the wrench head. The strain gauge assembly includes one or more strain gauges. In some examples, the strain gauge assembly is a full bridge assembly, which includes four separate strain gauges on a single membrane fixed to the flat portion of the wrench head. The full bridge strain gauge assembly mounted on the flat portion of the wrench head is collectively referred to as a strain tensor.

[0017] As also shown, the housing 108 includes a bottom 130 that is slidably received around the wrench body 104 and defines a hole 132 for receiving a top 134 that carries an electronic unit 112. The electronic unit provides a user interface 114 for operating the electronic torque wrench 100. The electronic unit includes a circuit board 136 that includes a digital display 138 and an annunciator 140 mounted thereon. This portion of the housing defines a hole for receiving a user interface that includes a power button 142, a unit selection button 144, increment / decrement buttons 146A and 146B, and three light emitting diodes (LEDs) 148A, 148B, and 148C. And when activated, the LEDs can light up green, yellow, and red, respectively.

[0018] Figure 2 A torque measurement device 200 for determining an applied torque value is shown according to some example embodiments. The torque measurement device can be implemented in a variety of different ways, and in some examples, the torque measurement device is an electronic torque wrench, such as the electronic torque wrench 100. In other examples, the torque measurement device is a torque tester, a torque meter, a torque sensor, etc. As shown, the torque measurement device includes a strain gauge assembly 202 (e.g., the strain gauge assembly 128), an amplifier 204, an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) 206, and a processing circuit 208. In some examples where the torque measurement device 200 corresponds to the electronic torque wrench 100, the amplifier ADC and the processing circuit can be components of the electronic unit 112 carried by the circuit board 136.

[0019] The strain gauge assembly 202 is configured to measure applied torque, such as torque applied to a fastener when the torque measurement device 200 is an electronic torque wrench, and generate an analog electrical signal having a voltage that varies with the torque. The amplifier 204 is configured to receive the analog electrical signal and increase the amplitude of the analog electrical signal to generate an amplified analog electrical signal.

[0020] ADC 206 is configured to convert the amplified analog electrical signal into an equivalent digital electrical signal. Processing circuit 208 is then configured to determine a torque value applied to the fastener from the equivalent digital electrical signal and output an indication of the torque value. In some examples, the equivalent digital electrical signal includes digital data points; and in some of these examples, the processing circuit is configured to determine a subset of the digital data points in the moving sampling window, and calculate the torque value based on a rolling average of the subset of the digital data points in the moving sampling window.

[0021] The processing circuit 208 can output the indication of the torque value in a variety of different ways. In some examples, the torque measurement device 200 also includes a digital display 210 (e.g., the digital display 138), and the processing circuit is configured to output the indication of the torque value to a digital display configured to display the torque value.

[0022] As also shown, the torque measurement device 200 may include a communication interface 212 configured to enable the torque measurement device to communicate with another device, either by wire or wirelessly by radio or optical communication. As described herein, a communication interface is an electronic circuit; in various examples, the communication interface includes a cable connector, an antenna, or an optoelectronic device for electronically transmitting information over a data link between the device and a computer / computer hardware. Examples of suitable communication interfaces include a network interface controller (NIC), a wireless NIC (WNIC), and the like.

[0023] To further illustrate the calculation of torque values ​​according to various example implementations, consider an example where the processing circuit 208 samples one thousand digital data points per second and uses a moving sampling window of ten milliseconds. When torque is applied, the processing circuit may average the first ten digital data points, one per millisecond, to produce a first equivalent digital value at time t = 0.01 seconds, where t = 0.0 seconds marks the start of the torque operation. At time t = 0.011 seconds, the processing circuit may average the digital data points taken between time t = 0.002 and t = 0.011 seconds to produce a second equivalent digital value. At time t = 0.012 seconds, the processing circuit may average the digital data points taken between time t = 0.003 and t = 0.012 seconds to produce a third equivalent digital value. And this can continue, so that one can provide a Equivalent digital value until torque is no longer applied. In short, the processing circuitry may utilize a digital filtering algorithm to provide a rolling average wherein the oldest digital data points are discarded each time a new digital data point is received within a moving sampling window.

[0024] In some examples, processing circuitry 208 may calculate the torque value using the equivalent digital value and a calibration function. Figure 3300 is a graph of a calibration function including a plurality of line segments according to some exemplary embodiments, and a processing circuit uses the plurality of line segments to convert the digital value of the equivalent digital electrical signal into an equivalent torque value. In this regard, after assembly, each torque measurement device 200 can be calibrated to derive a calibration function. The torque measurement device can be used to measure a known applied torque value at different points along a torque value range of 0 to 100% of a preset maximum torque. The data points of the torque value interval provide three different line segments (302, 304, and 306) of the graph, whose slope (m) and y-intercept (b) can be obtained using the equation y = m (x) + b. The calibration function can be defined as a linear function including line segments, which can be stored in a memory and used by the processing circuit to determine the equivalent torque value based on the equivalent digital value.

[0025] As explained in the Background section, programs using electronic torque wrenches are typically tested to verify that their accuracy is within specifications. In the event that an electronic torque wrench is deemed not to be within specifications, the torque wrench typically needs to be manually recalibrated on-site, or sent to an off-site location where the electronic torque wrench can be recalibrated. Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure provide a system and method whereby an electronic torque wrench or other torque measuring device can be immediately tested and recalibrated, and recalibration can be performed automatically using a series of digital data points and torque values ​​read from the electronic torque wrench.

[0026] Figure 4 A system 400 for calibrating a torque measuring device 200, such as an electronic torque wrench 100, according to various exemplary embodiments is shown. According to various exemplary embodiments, the system includes a torque measuring device and an apparatus for calibrating the torque measuring device. The apparatus can be implemented in a variety of different ways. Figure 4 In the example shown, where the torque measuring device is an electronic torque wrench, the device is implemented as a torque tester 402, and the electronic torque wrench is configured to engage with the torque tester. In this regard, the torque tester can include a concave square drive portion or recess 404 configured to receive the boss 122 of the electronic torque wrench.

[0027] During calibration, the electronic torque wrench 100 is engaged with the torque tester 402 and a rotational force is applied at the grip handle 106, which generates an applied torque at the torque tester. The electronic torque wrench is configured to generate a digital electrical signal representing the applied torque as a sequence of digital data points, and to determine a torque value of the applied torque from the sequence of digital data points. The torque tester is configured to read the sequence of digital data points and the torque value from the electronic torque wrench, for example, via a (wired or wireless) data link 406 between the electronic torque wrench and the torque tester 402. The torque tester is configured to determine that the electronic torque wrench does not meet the specification because the torque value differs from the corresponding reference torque value by more than a threshold value. In some examples, the torque tester is configured to measure the torque at the torque tester, and to determine the corresponding reference torque value from the torque measured at the torque tester, for example, in the same or similar manner as the electronic torque wrench.

[0028] In response to determining that the electronic torque wrench 100 does not meet specifications, the torque tester 402 is configured to derive a calibration function from the sequence of digital data points and the corresponding reference torque values. The torque tester can then write the calibration function to the electronic torque wrench, such as via a data link 406 between the electronic torque wrench and the torque tester.

[0029] In some examples, the electronic torque wrench 100 is configured to determine the torque value from a first calibration function, and the derived calibration function is a second calibration written to the electronic torque wrench, and the first calibration is overwritten by the second calibration function on the electronic torque wrench. And in some other examples, as described above, the electronic torque wrench is configured to convert a sequence of digital data points into digital values, and determine the torque value from a first calibration function that maps the digital values ​​to torque values. Similarly, in some examples, the torque tester 402 is configured to convert a sequence of digital data points into digital values, and derive a calibration function that maps the digital values ​​to corresponding reference values. More specifically, the torque tester can determine a subset of digital data points in a moving sample window, and calculate the digital value from a rolling average of the subset of digital data points in the moving sample window.

[0030] In some examples, a sequence of digital data points and torque values ​​are read for a plurality of applied torques over a rated torque range of the electronic torque wrench 100. In some of these examples, a calibration function is derived from the sequence of digital data points and the corresponding reference torque values ​​for the plurality of applied torques. This may result in a calibration function defined as a linear function comprising a plurality of line segments, such as Figure 3 The calibration function shown and described above.

[0031] Figure 5 A system 500 for calibrating a torque measuring device 200, such as an electronic torque wrench 100, is shown according to another exemplary embodiment. The system 500 is similar to Figure 4 However, in system 500, the device for calibrating the torque measuring device is implemented as a computer 502. Examples of suitable computers include personal computers (PCs), handheld computers, mobile phones), remote controls, etc. Examples of handheld computers include mobile computers such as tablet computers, laptop computers, etc., mobile phones such as smart phones, wearable computers such as smart watches, etc.

[0032] In various examples, Figure 5 The system 500 in is configured to operate similarly to the system 400, but the computer 502 is configured to read the sequence of digital data points and the torque value from the electronic torque wrench 100. In some of these examples, the computer is also configured to read the corresponding reference torque value from the torque tester, where the corresponding reference torque value is determined from the torque applied by the electronic torque wrench to the torque tester 402. In this regard, the sequence of digital data points and the torque value can be read via a (wired or wireless) first data link 504 between the electronic torque wrench and the computer, and the corresponding reference torque value can be read from a (wired or wireless) second data link 506 between the torque tester and the computer.

[0033] exist Figure 5 In the system 500, a computer 502 is configured to determine that the electronic torque wrench 100 does not meet specifications because the difference between the torque value and the corresponding reference torque value (from the torque tester 402) exceeds a threshold value. In response, the computer is configured to derive a calibration function from the sequence of digital data points and the corresponding reference torque value. The computer is then configured to write the calibration function to the electronic torque wrench, such as via a first data link 504 between the electronic torque wrench and the computer.

[0034] Fig. 6A – Fig. 6E 6 is a flow chart illustrating various steps in a method 600 of calibrating a torque measurement device according to various exemplary embodiments. The torque measurement device is configured to generate a digital electrical signal representing an applied torque as a sequence of digital data points, and to determine a torque value of the applied torque from the sequence of digital data points. The method includes reading the sequence of digital data points and the torque value from the torque measurement device, such as Fig. 6A The method includes determining at block 604 that the torque measurement device does not meet specifications because the difference between the torque value and the corresponding reference torque value is greater than a threshold. In response, the method includes deriving a calibration function from the sequence of digital data points and the corresponding reference torque value, as shown in block 606. And the method includes writing the calibration function to the torque measurement device, as shown in block 608.

[0035] In some examples, the torque measurement device is configured to determine the torque value from a first calibration function, and the calibration function derived at box 606 is a second calibration that is written to the torque measurement device at box 608 where the first calibration is overwritten by the second calibration function.

[0036] In some examples, a torque measurement device configured to determine a torque value includes a torque measurement device configured to convert the sequence of digital data points to digital values ​​and determine the torque value from a first calibration function that maps the digital values ​​to the torque values.

[0037] In some examples, deriving the calibration function at block 606 includes converting the sequence of digital data points into digital values, such as Figure 6B The method includes deriving a calibration function that maps the digital value to a corresponding reference value, as shown in block 612.

[0038] In some examples, converting the sequence of digital data points at block 610 includes determining a subset of the digital data points in a moving sampling window, such as Figure 6C The method further includes calculating the applied torque based on a rolling average of the subset of digital values ​​in the moving sampling window, as shown in block 616 .

[0039] In some examples, a plurality of digital data point sequences and torque values ​​of applied torques within a rated torque range of a torque measurement device are read at block 602 , and a calibration function is derived from the digital data point sequences and corresponding reference torque values ​​of the plurality of applied torques at block 606 .

[0040] In some examples, the torque measuring device is an electronic torque wrench, the applied torque is a torque applied by the electronic torque wrench to a torque tester engaged with the electronic torque wrench, and the method is performed by the torque tester.

[0041] In some examples, a sequence of digital data points and torque values ​​are read from an electronic torque wrench at block 602 , and a calibration function is written to the electronic torque wrench at block 608 via a data link between the electronic torque wrench and a torque tester.

[0042] In some examples, method 600 also includes measuring torque at a torque tester, such as Fig.6D The method further includes determining a corresponding reference torque value from the measured torque, as shown in block 618 .

[0043] In some examples, the torque measuring device is an electronic torque wrench, and the applied torque is a torque applied by the electronic torque wrench to a torque tester engaged with the electronic torque wrench. The method 600 also includes reading a corresponding reference torque value from the torque tester, where the corresponding reference torque value is determined from the torque applied by the electronic torque wrench to the torque tester, such as Fig. 6E As shown in box 622.

[0044] In some examples, the method is performed by a computer, reading a sequence of digital data points and a torque value from an electronic torque wrench at block 602, and writing a calibration function to the electronic torque wrench via a first data link between the electronic torque wrench and the computer at block 608. In some of these examples, at block 622, a corresponding reference torque value is read from the torque tester via a second data link between the torque tester and the computer.

[0045] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a device (e.g., torque tester 402, computer 502) for calibrating a torque measuring device (e.g., electronic torque wrench 100) can be implemented by various devices. The module for implementing the device may include separate hardware or hardware under the guidance of one or more computer programs from a computer-readable storage medium. In some examples, one or more devices may be configured to be used as or otherwise implement the devices shown and described herein. In examples involving more than one device, the corresponding devices may be connected or communicated with each other in a variety of different ways, such as directly or indirectly via a wired or wireless network, etc.

[0046] Figure 7 An apparatus 700 is shown that can be configured to at least partially implement a torque tester 402 or a computer 502 according to some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. Generally, an apparatus of exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure can include, contain, or be implemented in one or more fixed or portable electronic devices. The apparatus can include one or more of each of a plurality of components, such as a processing circuit 702 connected to a memory 704.

[0047] The processing circuit 702 of the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure may be composed of one or more processors alone or in combination with one or more memories. A processing circuit is typically any computer hardware capable of processing information such as data, computer programs, and / or other suitable electronic information. A processing circuit is composed of a collection of electronic circuits, some of which may be packaged as an integrated circuit or multiple interconnected integrated circuits (sometimes more commonly referred to as "chips"). In a more specific example, the processing circuit may be implemented as or include a processor, a coprocessor, a controller, a microprocessor, a microcontroller, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), and the like.

[0048] Memory 704 is generally any computer hardware capable of temporarily and / or permanently storing information such as data, computer programs (e.g., computer readable program code 706), and / or other suitable information. Memory may include volatile and / or non-volatile memory, and may be fixed or removable. In various instances, memory may be referred to as computer-readable storage media. Computer-readable storage media are non-transient devices capable of storing information, and may be distinguished from computer-readable transmission media such as electronic transient signals capable of carrying information from one location to another. Computer-readable media as described herein may generally refer to computer-readable storage media or computer-readable transmission media.

[0049] In addition to the memory 704, the processing circuit 702 can also be connected to one or more interfaces for displaying, sending and / or receiving information. The interface may include a communication interface 708 (e.g., a communication unit) and / or one or more user interfaces. The communication interface may be configured to send information to other devices, networks, etc. and / or receive information from other devices, networks, etc. The communication interface may be configured to send and / or receive information via a physical (wired) and / or wireless communication link. Examples of suitable communication interfaces include NIC, WNIC, etc.

[0050] The user interface may include a display 710 and / or one or more user input interfaces 712 (e.g., input / output units). The display may be configured to present or otherwise display information to a user, suitable examples of which include a liquid crystal display (LCD), a light emitting diode display (LED), a plasma display panel (PDP), etc. The user input interface may be wired or wireless, and may be configured to receive information from a user into the device, such as for processing, storage, and / or display. Suitable examples of user input interfaces include microphones, image or video capture devices, keyboards or keypads, joysticks, touch-sensitive surfaces (separate from or integrated into a touch screen), biometric sensors, etc.

[0051] As described above and reiterated below, the present disclosure includes, but is not limited to, the following exemplary embodiments.

[0052] Item 1. A device for calibrating a torque measuring device, the torque measuring device being configured to generate a digital electrical signal representing an applied torque as a sequence of digital data points, and to determine a torque value of the applied torque from the sequence of digital data points, the device comprising: a memory configured to store computer-readable program code; and a processing circuit configured to access the memory and execute the computer-readable program code so that the device at least: reads the sequence of digital data points and the torque value from the torque measuring device; determines that the torque measuring device does not meet specifications because the torque value differs from a corresponding reference torque value by more than a threshold; and in response, derives a calibration function from the sequence of digital data points and the corresponding reference torque value; and writes the calibration function to the torque measuring device.

[0053] Item 2. The device of Item 1, wherein the torque measuring device is configured to determine the torque value from a first calibration function, and the derived calibration function is a second calibration, which is written to the torque measuring device, on which the first calibration is overwritten by the second calibration function.

[0054] Item 3. The apparatus of Item 2, wherein the torque measurement device is configured to determine the torque value comprises the torque measurement device being configured to convert the sequence of digital data points into digital values, and determining the torque value from a first calibration function that maps the digital values ​​to the torque values.

[0055] Item 4. The apparatus of any one of items 1 to 3, wherein the apparatus is caused to derive a calibration function comprises the apparatus being caused to perform: converting a sequence of digital data points into digital values; and deriving a calibration function that maps the digital values ​​to corresponding reference values.

[0056] Item 5. The device of Item 4, wherein the device is caused to convert the sequence of digital data points including the device being caused to perform: determining a subset of digital data points in a moving sampling window; and calculating a digital value based on a rolling average of the subset of digital data points in the moving sampling window.

[0057] Item 6. The device of any one of items 1 to 5, wherein a plurality of sequences of digital data points and torque values ​​of applied torques within a rated torque range of the torque measuring device are read, and a calibration function is derived from the sequences of digital data points and corresponding reference torque values ​​of the plurality of applied torques.

[0058] Item 7. The apparatus of any one of Items 1 to 6, wherein the torque measuring device is an electronic torque wrench, the applied torque is the torque applied by the electronic torque wrench to a torque tester engaged with the electronic torque wrench, and the apparatus is implemented as a torque tester.

[0059] Item 8. The apparatus of Item 7, reading a sequence of digital data points and torque values ​​from an electronic torque wrench, and writing a calibration function to the electronic torque wrench via a data link between the electronic torque wrench and a torque tester.

[0060] Item 9. The apparatus of item 7 or item 8, wherein the processing circuit is configured to execute the computer readable program code to cause the apparatus to at least further: measure the torque at the torque tester; and determine a corresponding reference torque value from the measured torque.

[0061] Item 10. The apparatus of any one of Items 1 to 9, wherein the torque measuring device is an electronic torque wrench, the applied torque is a torque applied by the electronic torque wrench to a torque tester engaged with the electronic torque wrench, and the processing circuit is configured to execute a computer-readable program code to cause the apparatus to further at least: read a corresponding reference torque value from the torque tester, where the corresponding reference torque value is determined from the torque applied by the electronic torque wrench to the torque tester.

[0062] Item 11. The apparatus of Item 10, wherein the apparatus is implemented as a computer, reads a sequence of digital data points and torque values ​​from an electronic torque wrench, and a calibration function is written to the electronic torque wrench via a first data link between the electronic torque wrench and the computer, and wherein a corresponding reference torque value is read from the torque tester via a second data link between the torque tester and the computer.

[0063] Item 12. A method for calibrating a torque measuring device, the torque measuring device being configured to generate a digital electrical signal representing an applied torque as a sequence of digital data points, and determining a torque value of the applied torque from the sequence of digital data points, the method comprising: reading the sequence of digital data points and the torque value from the torque measuring device; determining that the torque measuring device does not meet specifications because the torque value differs from a corresponding reference torque value by more than a threshold; and in response, deriving a calibration function from the sequence of digital data points and the corresponding reference torque value; and writing the calibration function to the torque measuring device.

[0064] Item 13. The method of Item 12, wherein the torque measuring device is configured to determine the torque value from a first calibration function, and the derived calibration function is a second calibration, which is written to the torque measuring device, on which the first calibration is overwritten by the second calibration function.

[0065] Item 14. The method of Item 13, wherein the torque measurement device is configured to determine the torque value includes the torque measurement device being configured to convert the sequence of digital data points into digital values ​​and determine the torque value from a first calibration function that maps the digital values ​​to the torque values.

[0066] Item 15. The method of any one of Items 12 to 14, wherein deriving the calibration function comprises: converting the sequence of digital data points into digital values; and deriving the calibration function that maps the digital values ​​to corresponding reference values.

[0067] Item 16. The method of Item 15, wherein converting the sequence of digital data points comprises: determining a subset of the digital data points in the moving sampling window; and calculating the digital value based on a rolling average of the subset of the digital data points in the moving sampling window.

[0068] Item 17. The method of any one of Items 12 to 16, wherein a plurality of sequences of digital data points and torque values ​​of applied torques within a rated torque range of the torque measuring device are read, and a calibration function is derived from the sequence of digital data points and the corresponding reference torque values ​​of the plurality of applied torques.

[0069] Item 18. The device of any one of Items 12 to 17, wherein the torque measuring device is an electronic torque wrench, the applied torque is a torque applied by the electronic torque wrench to a torque tester engaged with the electronic torque wrench, and the method is performed by the torque tester.

[0070] Item 19. The method of Item 18, reading the sequence of digital data points and torque values ​​from the electronic torque wrench, and writing the calibration function to the electronic torque wrench via a data link between the electronic torque wrench and the torque tester.

[0071] Item 20. The method of Item 18 or Item 19, wherein the method further comprises: measuring the torque at the torque tester; and determining a corresponding reference torque value from the measured torque.

[0072] Item 21. A method according to any one of items 12 to 20, wherein the torque measuring device is an electronic torque wrench, the applied torque is the torque applied by the electronic torque wrench to a torque tester engaged with the electronic torque wrench, and the method further comprises: reading the corresponding reference torque value from the torque tester, wherein the corresponding reference torque value is determined from the torque applied by the electronic torque wrench to the torque tester.

[0073] Item 22. The method of Item 21, wherein the method is executed by a computer, a sequence of digital data points and torque values ​​are read from an electronic torque wrench, and a calibration function is written to the electronic torque wrench via a first data link between the electronic torque wrench and the computer, and wherein a corresponding reference torque value is read from the torque tester via a second data link between the torque tester and the computer.

[0074] Benefiting from the teachings presented in the above description and the associated drawings, those skilled in the art of the present disclosure will think of many modifications and other embodiments of the disclosure set forth herein. Therefore, it should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed, and modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. In addition, although the foregoing description and the associated drawings describe exemplary embodiments in the context of certain exemplary combinations of elements and / or functions, it should be understood that different combinations of elements and / or functions can be provided by alternative embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims. In this regard, for example, combinations of elements and / or functions different from those explicitly described above are also expected to be set forth in some of the appended claims. Although specific terms are used herein, they are used only in a general and descriptive sense, not for the purpose of limitation.

Claims

1. An apparatus for calibrating a torque measuring device, the torque measuring device being configured to generate a digital electrical signal representing an applied torque as a sequence of digital data points, and to determine a torque value of the applied torque from the sequence of digital data points, the apparatus comprising: a memory configured to store computer readable program code; as well as a processing circuit configured to access the memory and execute the computer readable program code to cause the apparatus to at least: reading the sequence of digital data points and the torque value from the torque measurement device; determining that the torque measurement device does not meet specifications because the torque value differs from a corresponding reference torque value by more than a threshold value; And in response, deriving a calibration function from the sequence of digital data points and the corresponding reference torque values; as well as The calibration function is written into the torque measuring device.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein: The torque measuring device is configured to determine the torque value from a first calibration function, and the derived calibration function is a second calibration, which is written to the torque measuring device, on which the first calibration is overwritten by the second calibration function.

3. The device according to claim 2, wherein: The torque measurement device being configured to determine the torque value includes the torque measurement device being configured to convert the sequence of digital data points into digital values ​​and determine the torque value from a first calibration function that maps the digital values ​​to the torque value.

4. The device according to claim 1, wherein: The apparatus being caused to derive the calibration function comprises the apparatus being caused to: convert the sequence of digital data points into digital values; and The calibration function is derived that maps the digital values ​​to corresponding reference values.

5. The device according to claim 1, wherein: The sequence of digital data points and the torque values ​​for a plurality of applied torques within a rated torque range of the torque measurement device are read, and the calibration function is derived from the sequence of digital data points and corresponding reference torque values ​​for the plurality of applied torques.

6. The device according to claim 1, wherein: The torque measuring device is an electronic torque wrench, the applied torque is a torque applied by the electronic torque wrench to a torque tester engaged with the electronic torque wrench, and the device is implemented as the torque tester.

7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the sequence of digital data points and the torque value are read from the electronic torque wrench and the calibration function is written to the electronic torque wrench via a data link between the electronic torque wrench and the torque tester.

8. The device according to claim 6, wherein: The processing circuit is configured to execute the computer readable program code to cause the apparatus to further at least: measuring the torque at the torque tester; and The corresponding reference torque value is determined from the measured torque.

9. The device according to claim 1, wherein: The torque measuring device is an electronic torque wrench, the applied torque is a torque applied by the electronic torque wrench to a torque tester engaged with the electronic torque wrench, and the processing circuit is configured to execute the computer readable program code to cause the device to further at least: The corresponding reference torque value is read from the torque tester where it is determined from a torque applied to the torque tester by the electronic torque wrench.

10. The device according to claim 9, wherein: The device is implemented as a computer, reads the sequence of digital data points and the torque value from the electronic torque wrench, and writes the calibration function to the electronic torque wrench via a first data link between the electronic torque wrench and the computer, and Wherein, the corresponding reference torque value is read from the torque tester via a second data link between the torque tester and the computer.

11. A method for calibrating a torque measuring device, the torque measuring device being configured to generate a digital electrical signal representing an applied torque as a sequence of digital data points, and determining a torque value of the applied torque from the sequence of digital data points, the method comprising: reading the sequence of digital data points and the torque value from the torque measurement device; determining that the torque measurement device does not meet specifications because the torque value differs from a corresponding reference torque value by more than a threshold value; And in response, deriving a calibration function from the sequence of digital data points and the corresponding reference torque values; as well as The calibration function is written into the torque measuring device.

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein: The torque measuring device is configured to determine the torque value from a first calibration function, and the derived calibration function is a second calibration, which is written to the torque measuring device, on which the first calibration is overwritten by the second calibration function.

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein: The torque measurement device being configured to determine the torque value includes the torque measurement device being configured to convert the sequence of digital data points into digital values ​​and determine the torque value from a first calibration function that maps the digital values ​​to the torque value.

14. The method according to claim 11, wherein: Deriving the calibration function comprises: converting the sequence of digital data points into digital values; and The calibration function is derived that maps the digital values ​​to corresponding reference values.

15. The method according to claim 11, wherein: The sequence of digital data points and the torque values ​​for a plurality of applied torques within a rated torque range of the torque measurement device are read, and the calibration function is derived from the sequence of digital data points and corresponding reference torque values ​​for the plurality of applied torques.

16. The method according to claim 11, wherein: The torque measuring device is an electronic torque wrench, the applied torque is a torque applied by the electronic torque wrench to a torque tester engaged with the electronic torque wrench, and the method is performed by the torque tester.

17. The method of claim 16, reading the sequence of digital data points and the torque value from the electronic torque wrench and writing the calibration function to the electronic torque wrench via a data link between the electronic torque wrench and the torque tester.

18. The method according to claim 16, wherein: The method further comprises: measuring the torque at the torque tester; and The corresponding reference torque value is determined from the measured torque.

19. The method according to claim 11, wherein: The torque measuring device is an electronic torque wrench, the applied torque is a torque applied by the electronic torque wrench to a torque tester engaged with the electronic torque wrench, and the method further comprises: The corresponding reference torque value is read from the torque tester where it is determined from a torque applied to the torque tester by the electronic torque wrench.

20. The method according to claim 19, wherein: The method is performed by a computer, reading the sequence of digital data points and the torque value from the electronic torque wrench and writing the calibration function to the electronic torque wrench via a first data link between the electronic torque wrench and the computer, and Wherein, the corresponding reference torque value is read from the torque tester via a second data link between the torque tester and the computer.

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