Ratchet handle and detection method thereof

Through the split processing design, the ratchet handle and the end head are respectively made of suitable materials, which solves the material compatibility problems caused by the integrated design in the prior art, and achieves higher durability, grip comfort and production simplicity.

CN119748383APending Publication Date: 2025-04-04HAIYAN GENERAL MACHINERY CO LTD
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202411894998.4
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Applications(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2024-12-21
Publication Date
2025-04-04

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Due to the integrated design, the existing ratchet handles are difficult to meet the needs of high hardness and wear resistance at the ends, as well as the comfort and lightness of the handle holding, resulting in material compatibility issues.

Method used

The handle and ends are made of aluminum alloy and steel alloy respectively, and are connected through split combinations, and are stable connections are achieved using self-tapping threads and tapered connections.

Benefits of technology

Through the split design, the handle part can be made of lightweight aluminum alloy to reduce the overall weight and improve grip comfort; the ends can be made of steel alloy to improve durability and wear resistance, simplify production processes and reduce costs.

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Abstract

The present invention relates to the technical field of tool preparation, and it relates to a ratchet handle and a detection method thereof, comprising a handle and a mounting unit, wherein the handle is made of aluminum alloy, and the mounting unit is made of steel alloy. The handle and the mounting unit are connected in a split combination, and the mounting unit is provided with a station cavity for accommodating a ratchet assembly, and the end of the handle is provided with a through hole, and the mounting unit is provided with a connecting portion, and the outer peripheral wall of the connecting portion is provided with a thread for tapping, so as to be fixedly connected with the through hole of the handle by self-tapping. The present invention adopts a split design of the handle and the end, and the present invention can select different materials, so that the handle part adopts a lightweight aluminum alloy to reduce the overall weight and improve the comfort of holding. The handle part adopts a hollow design and lightweight materials, which effectively reduces the overall weight of the ratchet handle, so that the user is not easily fatigued during long-term operation.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of tool preparation, and more particularly to a ratchet handle and a detection method thereof. Background Art

[0002] As an important component of mechanical operating tools, ratchet handles are widely used in daily maintenance and professional engineering, especially in scenarios where efficient twisting operations are required.

[0003] The existing ratchet handle preparation process first cuts the steel bar into small segments of appropriate length and then heats it to 1000℃-1200℃ to reach a plastic state. The heated steel bar segments are fed into an extruder and extruded into a rough handle shape through high pressure. The key parts of the handle are finely processed using machining processes such as turning and milling to ensure dimensional accuracy. The handle is quenched to increase hardness, and then tempered to reduce brittleness and improve its toughness and durability. After the heat treatment is completed, the surface of the handle will be electroplated (such as chrome plating or nickel plating) to improve corrosion resistance, and finally polished to improve appearance and surface finish. Finally, the handle is assembled with the ratchet mechanism, and after debugging and functional testing, it is ensured that the product meets the design requirements.

[0004] The ratchet handle is processed in one piece. The finished product obtained by this processing method has the following problems: the one-piece design requires the entire handle to be made of the same material to meet the requirements of both the end and the handle. Since the end needs to be high hardness and wear resistance, while the handle needs to be comfortable to hold and light, it is difficult for the material to meet both requirements at the same time. Summary of the invention

[0005] In view of the deficiencies in the prior art, the purpose of the present invention is to provide a ratchet handle and a detection method thereof, which are processed separately so that the handle and the end can meet different performance requirements respectively, thereby overcoming the material compatibility problem faced by the one-piece structure.

[0006] To achieve the above object, the present invention provides the following technical solutions: A ratchet handle comprises a handle and a mounting unit, wherein the handle is made of aluminum alloy. The mounting unit is made of steel alloy.

[0007] The handle and the mounting unit are connected in a split combination, and the mounting unit has a work cavity for placing the ratchet assembly. The end of the handle is provided with a through hole. The mounting unit is provided with a connecting portion, and the outer peripheral wall of the connecting portion is provided with a tapping thread so as to be fixedly connected with the through hole of the handle by a self-tapping method.

[0008] The present invention is further configured as follows: the connecting portion is in a conical shape, and the taper of the connecting portion is 3°-5°.

[0009] The present invention is further configured as follows: the handle is a hollow structure and is formed with an inner cavity.

[0010] The present invention is further configured as follows: the aperture of the through hole is equal to the top diameter of the connecting portion, and the port of the through hole is chamfered to have an introduction opening.

[0011] The present invention is further configured as follows: the through hole is connected to the inner cavity of the handle, the aperture of the through hole is larger than the diameter of the inner cavity, and the through hole and the inner cavity are concentrically arranged.

[0012] The present invention is further configured as follows: the thread pitch on the connecting portion is 4-5 mm, and the depth of the thread groove is 3.5-4.5 mm.

[0013] A method for detecting a ratchet handle, wherein the detection steps after the mounting unit and the handle are assembled into a ratchet handle are as follows: S1. Selection of magneto-optical elastic materials and coating: Select materials with magneto-optical elastic properties as coating materials. Apply the magneto-optical elastic material to the connection part of the ratchet handle and the handle surface, ensuring that the coating is uniform, free of bubbles and scratches. After coating, the coating is cured by heat treatment or UV curing to ensure that it adheres firmly and does not fall off; S2. Use a magnetic field modulator to gradually adjust the strength of the magnetic field during the detection process, and amplify the optical response of the coating by increasing or decreasing the magnetic field to obtain a clearer stress distribution image; S3. Select a polarized light source to illuminate the magneto-optical elastic coating. Polarized light can amplify the optical response of the coating and help identify subtle stress changes. A high-resolution camera was used to record the optical changes of the coating under magnetic field loading. Connecting the imaging device to a data acquisition system to capture real-time images of the optical response of the coating under a magnetic field; S4. Gradually apply torque to the working part of the ratchet handle to simulate the stress state during actual operation. During the loading process, the changes in optical response are recorded in real time, the optical changes of the coating under different torques are observed, and image data under different stress states are generated; S5. Input the captured image data into the image analysis software to analyze the color or brightness changes of the coating, and determine the stress concentration area and stress distribution through the intensity and color changes of the optical response.

[0014] The present invention is further configured as follows: the step S5 further includes: S51. Automatically identify and analyze optical responses in image data using a pre-trained convolutional neural network (CNN) model. S52, CNN algorithm automatically identifies the changes in optical response in the image and detects the areas of stress concentration in the optical image. When the optical response reaches the set stress threshold, the system automatically generates a warning signal to remind the operator to pay attention to the high stress area.

[0015] Compared with the shortcomings of the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are: Through the split design of the handle and the end, the present invention can select different materials, so that the handle part is made of lightweight aluminum alloy to reduce the overall weight and improve the comfort of holding. The handle part adopts a hollow design and lightweight materials, which effectively reduces the overall weight of the ratchet handle, making it less likely for the user to get tired during long-term operation.

[0016] The processing method of the split structure avoids the complex process requirements of multiple heat treatments and uniform surface treatment of the entire handle, and the handle and the end can be optimized and surface treated separately, thereby simplifying the production process and reducing production costs. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the handle of the present invention before assembly.

[0018] Figure 2 It is a schematic diagram of the assembled structure of the handle of the invention.

[0019] Handle 1, mounting unit 2, connecting part 3, through hole 4. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] Reference Figure 1 to Figure 2 The embodiments of the present invention are further described.

[0021] The specific structure of this embodiment includes a handle 1 made of aluminum alloy and a mounting unit 2 made of steel alloy. The mounting unit 2 has a workstation cavity for accommodating a ratchet assembly.

[0022] The advantages of aluminum alloy are light weight, good corrosion resistance, high grip comfort, and suitable for long-term operation. Steel alloy has high strength and hardness, and can effectively withstand high-intensity operation requirements. Through this split design, the handle 1 and the mounting unit 2 can each meet different performance requirements, thereby improving the durability and comfort of the entire ratchet handle.

[0023] The handle 1 and the mounting unit 2 are two independent components, which are connected together through a split combination to form a handle.

[0024] A through hole 4 is provided at the end of the handle 1. The mounting unit 2 is provided with a connecting portion 3 , and a tapping thread is provided on the outer peripheral wall of the connecting portion 3 so as to be fixedly connected with the through hole 4 of the handle 1 by self-tapping.

[0025] A self-tapping thread is provided on the outer peripheral wall of the connection part 3 to achieve a stable connection between the mounting unit 2 and the handle 1. The pitch of the self-tapping thread is set to 4-5mm, and the depth of the thread groove is 3.5-4.5mm, which ensures that sufficient tightening force can be obtained when screwing into the through hole 4 of the handle 1, while reducing the wear of the end of the handle 1. During assembly, the self-tapping thread only needs to be screwed into the through hole 4 of the handle 1 to complete the connection. When the connection part 3 is screwed into the through hole 4 of the handle 1, the threaded hole matching the thread is automatically cut out, without the need for additional tools or complicated processes, so that the connection between the handle 1 and the mounting unit 2 is more secure.

[0026] The connecting portion 3 is conical in shape, and the taper of the connecting portion 3 is 3°-5°. The self-locking characteristics of the conical connection are utilized, and a stable connection between the handle 1 and the mounting unit 2 is achieved through a tight interference fit. The conical structure can effectively disperse stress and avoid local stress concentration, thereby reducing the risk of loose connection or damage under high-intensity operation.

[0027] The self-tapping thread produces a self-cutting thread when screwed into the aluminum alloy handle 1, achieving a high tightening force. Through the self-tapping process, the thread forms a tight fit with the wall of the through hole 4, significantly enhancing the torque resistance of the connecting part 3, ensuring that it will not loosen under high-intensity loads.

[0028] The handle 1 is a hollow structure and has an inner cavity. The handle 1 adopts a hollow structure design, which can significantly reduce the overall weight of the ratchet handle and retain the mechanical properties of the handle 1.

[0029] The aperture of the through hole 4 is equal to the top diameter of the connecting part 3 , and an introduction opening is chamfered at the end of the through hole 4 , which facilitates the insertion of the connecting part 3 and the tightening of the self-tapping thread.

[0030] The through hole 4 is connected to the inner cavity of the handle 1, the aperture of the through hole 4 is larger than the diameter of the inner cavity, and the through hole 4 and the inner cavity are concentrically arranged.

[0031] When the connecting part 3 is inserted into the through hole 4 and connected with the inner cavity, the torque can be evenly dispersed to the entire inner cavity structure inside the handle 1, avoiding stress concentration on a single connection point, which helps to extend the service life of the connecting part 3.

[0032] The self-tapping thread and the tapered connecting part 3 work together to achieve a double self-locking effect between the connecting part 3 and the handle 1 after self-tapping. The self-tapping thread provides radial tightening force, while the tapered self-locking structure provides axial stability, and the double tightening makes the connection more secure.

[0033] The steps for stress testing the mounting unit and handle after assembling them into a ratchet handle are as follows: The first step is to select magneto-optical elastic materials and coating: select materials with magneto-optical elastic properties as coating materials. Apply the magneto-optical elastic material to the connection part of the ratchet handle and the handle surface, ensuring that the coating is uniform, free of bubbles and scratches. After coating, the coating is cured by heat treatment or UV curing to ensure that it adheres firmly and does not fall off; The second step is to use a magnetic field modulator to gradually adjust the strength of the magnetic field during the detection process, and to amplify the optical response of the coating by increasing or decreasing the magnetic field, thereby obtaining a clearer stress distribution image. The third step is to select a polarized light source to illuminate the magneto-optical elastic coating. Polarized light can amplify the optical response of the coating and help identify subtle stress changes. A high-resolution camera was used to record the optical changes of the coating under magnetic field loading. Connecting the imaging device to a data acquisition system to capture real-time images of the optical response of the coating under a magnetic field; Step 4: Gradually apply torque to the working part of the ratchet handle to simulate the stress state during actual operation. During the loading process, the changes in optical response are recorded in real time, the optical changes of the coating under different torques are observed, and image data under different stress states are generated; The fifth step is to input the captured image data into the image analysis software to analyze the color or brightness changes of the coating, and determine the stress concentration area and stress distribution through the intensity and color changes of the optical response.

[0034] The image analysis software uses a pre-trained convolutional neural network (CNN) model to automatically identify and analyze the optical response in the image data; The CNN algorithm automatically identifies changes in optical response in images and detects areas of stress concentration in optical images. When the optical response reaches the set stress threshold, the system automatically generates a warning signal to remind the operator to pay attention to high-stress areas.

[0035] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. Common changes and substitutions made by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technical solution of the present invention should be included in the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A ratchet handle, characterized in that: It includes a handle and a mounting unit, wherein the handle is made of aluminum alloy. The mounting unit is made of steel alloy. The handle and the mounting unit are connected in a split combination, and the mounting unit has a work cavity for placing the ratchet assembly. The end of the handle is provided with a through hole. The mounting unit is provided with a connecting portion, and the outer peripheral wall of the connecting portion is provided with a tapping thread so as to be fixedly connected with the through hole of the handle by a self-tapping method.

2. A ratchet handle according to claim 1, characterized in that: The connecting portion is in a cone shape, and the taper of the connecting portion is 3°-5°.

3. A ratchet handle according to claim 2, characterized in that: The handle is a hollow structure and is formed with an inner cavity.

4. A ratchet handle according to claim 2, characterized in that: The aperture of the through hole is equal to the top diameter of the connecting portion, and the port of the through hole is chamfered to form an introduction opening.

5. A ratchet handle according to claim 2, characterized in that: The through hole is connected to the inner cavity of the handle, the aperture of the through hole is larger than the diameter of the inner cavity, and the through hole and the inner cavity are concentrically arranged.

6. A ratchet handle according to claim 2, characterized in that: The thread pitch on the connecting portion is 4-5 mm, and the depth of the thread groove is 3.5-4.5 mm.

7. A detection method for the ratchet handle according to claims 1-6, characterized in that: The inspection steps after assembling the mounting unit and handle into a ratchet handle are as follows: S1. Selection of magneto-optical elastic materials and coating: Select materials with magneto-optical elastic properties as coating materials. Apply the magneto-optical elastic material to the connection part of the ratchet handle and the handle surface, ensuring that the coating is uniform, free of bubbles and scratches. After coating, the coating is cured by heat treatment or UV curing to ensure that it adheres firmly and does not fall off; S2. Use a magnetic field modulator to gradually adjust the strength of the magnetic field during the detection process, and amplify the optical response of the coating by increasing or decreasing the magnetic field to obtain a clearer stress distribution image; S3. Select a polarized light source to illuminate the magneto-optical elastic coating. Polarized light can amplify the optical response of the coating and help identify subtle stress changes. A high-resolution camera was used to record the optical changes of the coating under magnetic field loading. Connecting the imaging device to a data acquisition system to capture real-time images of the optical response of the coating under a magnetic field; S4. Gradually apply torque to the working part of the ratchet handle to simulate the stress state during actual operation. During the loading process, the changes in optical response are recorded in real time, the optical changes of the coating under different torques are observed, and image data under different stress states are generated; S5. Input the captured image data into the image analysis software to analyze the color or brightness changes of the coating, and determine the stress concentration area and stress distribution through the intensity and color changes of the optical response.

8. A ratchet handle detection method according to claim 7, characterized in that: The step S5 also includes: S51. Automatically identify and analyze optical responses in image data using a pre-trained convolutional neural network (CNN) model. S52, CNN algorithm automatically identifies the changes in optical response in the image and detects the areas of stress concentration in the optical image. When the optical response reaches the set stress threshold, the system automatically generates a warning signal to remind the operator to pay attention to the high stress area.