Recalibration of torque measuring device by recalibration interval prediction

Abstract

There is provided a method for recalibrating a torque measuring device configured to determine a torque value of an applied torque using a calibration function derived during calibration of the torque measuring device. The method comprises performing a recalibration (502) of the torque measuring device, wherein a second calibration function is derived and written to the torque measuring device. The method includes determining a deviation (504) of the torque value determined using the calibration function from a second calibration function. The method includes predicting an interval from a recalibration to a next recalibration of the torque measuring device based on the deviation, the different deviation, and the interval from calibration to recalibration for a different deviation on the next interval (506). And the method comprises outputting an indication of an interval from the recalibration to the next recalibration (508).

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 cheaper 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, where the applied torque is generated by the force.

[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 can be indicated on the electronic visual display, which torque reading is related to the pre-tensioning force generated in the fastener due to the applied torque. 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 regular recalibration to keep the torque wrench within specifications, where the torque wrench is accurate to within a threshold. The interval between recalibrations is usually preset, but it may not accurately reflect when a particular torque wrench needs to be recalibrated. In some cases, the torque wrench may be recalibrated well before the torque wrench goes out of specification (recalibration is not required at this time). In other cases, the torque wrench may not be recalibrated until after the torque wrench goes out of specification (recalibration is just past the necessary time). Therefore, it is desirable to have a system and method that solves this problem and other possible problems. Summary of the invention

[0006] Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure relate to an apparatus for recalibrating an electronic torque wrench or other torque measuring device, with recalibration interval prediction. According to various exemplary embodiments, during recalibration of a torque measuring device, an apparatus (such as the torque measuring device itself or a torque tester) is configured to predict an interval from recalibration to the next recalibration, which interval more accurately represents when the torque measuring device reaches a point where recalibration is required to keep the torque measuring device within specifications (or within another desired accuracy of the torque measuring device). An indication of the interval can be output, and the time or use of the torque measuring device can be tracked to determine when the torque measuring device reaches the interval, or when the torque measuring device is within a threshold of the interval.

[0007] The present disclosure includes, but is not limited to, the following example embodiments.

[0008] Some exemplary embodiments provide an apparatus for recalibrating a torque measuring device, the torque measuring device being configured to determine a torque value of an applied torque using a calibration function derived during calibration of the torque measuring device, 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: performs a recalibration of the torque measuring device, wherein a second calibration function is derived and written to the torque measuring device; determines a deviation of a torque value determined using the calibration function relative to the second calibration function; predicts an interval from recalibration of the torque measuring device to a next recalibration based on the deviation, the different deviation, and the interval from calibration to recalibration for a different deviation over a next interval; and outputs an indication of an interval from recalibration to the next recalibration.

[0009] Some exemplary embodiments provide a method for recalibrating a torque measuring device, the torque measuring device being configured to determine a torque value of an applied torque using a calibration function derived during calibration of the torque measuring device, the method comprising: performing a recalibration of the torque measuring device, wherein a second calibration function is derived and written to the torque measuring device; determining a deviation of a torque value determined using the calibration function relative to the second calibration function; predicting an interval from recalibration of the torque measuring device to a next recalibration based on the deviation, the different deviation, and an interval from calibration to recalibration for a different deviation over a next interval; and outputting an indication of an interval from recalibration to the next recalibration.

[0010] These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present disclosure will be apparent by 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 of the features or elements set forth in the present disclosure, 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 of its aspects and example embodiments, unless the context of the present disclosure clearly specifies otherwise.

[0011] Therefore, it will be understood that this summary of the invention is provided only to summarize some example embodiments in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the present disclosure. Therefore, it will be understood that the above-mentioned 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 embodiments, 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 embodiments by way of example. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] Having thus generally described example embodiments of the present disclosure, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and in which:

[0013] Figure 1A and 1B An electronic torque wrench according to some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure is shown;

[0014] 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 ;

[0015] Figure 3 is a graph of a calibration function according to some exemplary embodiments;

[0016] Figure 4 A system for calibrating a torque measurement device according to various exemplary embodiments is shown;

[0017] Figure 5A , 5B 5C, 5D and 5E are flow charts illustrating various steps in a method of recalibrating a torque measurement device according to various exemplary embodiments; and

[0018] Figure 6 Devices according to some exemplary embodiments are shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] 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 embodiments 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.

[0020] 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 alternatively be to the right, and vice versa. In addition, although reference may be made herein to quantitative measurements, values, geometric relationships, etc., 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, etc.

[0021] 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, if [A] is true, or if [B] is true, or if both [A] and [B] are true, then "[A] or [B]" is true. In addition, the articles "a," "an," and "an" mean "one or more," unless otherwise specified or clear from the context to be 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.

[0022] 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 1BAn 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 structure, made of steel or other rigid material, receiving 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 therebetween and carries the electronic unit.

[0023] As shown, the front end 118 of the wrench head 104 includes a coupling with a control rod 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 various sizes of sleeves, extensions, etc. 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.

[0024] 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, wherein the top 134 carries the 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, which includes a digital display 138 and an annunciator 140 mounted thereon. This portion of the housing defines a hole for receiving the user interface, which includes a power button 142, a unit selection button 144, an increment / decrement button 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.

[0025] Figure 2A torque measurement device 200 for determining the value of an applied torque is shown according to some example embodiments. The torque measurement device can be embodied 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 transducer, 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.

[0026] 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.

[0027] 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 based on 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 digital data points in the moving sampling window.

[0028] 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 the digital display, which is configured to display the torque value.

[0029] 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 the computer / computer hardware. Examples of suitable communication interfaces include a network interface controller (NIC), a wireless NIC (WNIC), and the like.

[0030] To further illustrate the calculation of torque values ​​according to various example embodiments, consider an example in which 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 may continue, such that one equivalent digital value may be provided per millisecond 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 point is discarded each time a new digital data point is received within a moving sampling window.

[0031] In some examples, processing circuitry 208 may calculate the torque value using the equivalent digital value and a calibration function. Figure 3 300 is a graph of a calibration function including a plurality of line segments, according to some exemplary embodiments, which is used by processing circuitry to convert digital values ​​of equivalent digital electrical signals into equivalent torque values. In this regard, after assembly, each torque measurement device 200 can be calibrated to obtain a calibration function. The torque measurement device can be used to measure known applied torque values ​​at different points along the interval between torque values ​​(ranging from 0 to 100% of a preset maximum torque). The data points at the interval between the torque values ​​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 the line segments, which can be stored in a memory and used by the processing circuitry to determine the equivalent torque value based on the equivalent digital value.

[0032] As explained in the background section, the procedure for using an electronic torque wrench typically includes periodic recalibration, but the preset interval between recalibrations may not accurately reflect when a particular torque wrench needs to be recalibrated. Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure provide a system, apparatus, and method whereby - based on a calibration function used at the time of recalibration and a second calibration derived during the recalibration - the interval between a recalibration of a torque measuring device and the next recalibration is predicted. This predicted interval can then be used to determine when to perform the next recalibration of the torque measuring device.

[0033] 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 recalibrating the torque measuring device. The apparatus can be embodied in a variety of different ways. Figure 4 In the example shown where the torque measuring device is an electronic torque wrench, the apparatus may be embodied as a torque tester 402 with which the electronic torque wrench is configured to engage. In this regard, the torque tester may include a concave square drive portion or recess 404 configured to receive the boss 122 of the electronic torque wrench. In other examples, the apparatus may be embodied as the torque measuring device itself, such as based on its recalibration using a torque tester.

[0034] In various examples, the electronic torque wrench 100 is configured to determine a torque value of the applied torque using a calibration function derived during calibration of the electronic torque wrench. The torque tester 402 is configured to perform a recalibration of the electronic torque wrench, wherein a second calibration function is derived and written to the electronic torque wrench.

[0035] During recalibration, in various examples, 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.

[0036] The torque tester 402 is configured to measure the torque at the torque tester and 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 100. The torque tester is configured to derive a second calibration function from the sequence of digital data points and the corresponding reference torque value. In some examples, the torque tester is configured to convert the sequence of digital data points into digital values ​​and derive a second calibration function that maps the digital values ​​to the corresponding reference torque values. More specifically, the torque tester can determine a subset of digital data points in a moving sampling window and calculate the digital value from a rolling average of the subset of digital data points in the moving sampling window. The torque tester can then write the second calibration function to the electronic torque wrench, for example via a data link 406 between the electronic torque wrench and the torque tester.

[0037] In a more functional notation, the calibration function may consist of a line segment represented as follows:

[0038] T = f0(AD) = AD × k0 + T 00 (1)

[0039] Similarly, the second calibration function may include a corresponding line segment represented as follows:

[0040] T = f1(AD) ​​= AD × k1 + T 01 (2)

[0041] The calibration function f0 and the second calibration function f1 both map the digital value AD to the torque value T. The calibration function contains parameters k0 and T 00 , the second calibration function contains the corresponding parameters k1 and T 01 .

[0042] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the torque tester 402 is configured to determine the deviation of the torque value determined using the calibration function relative to the second calibration function. The torque tester is configured to predict the interval from the recalibration of the electronic torque wrench to the next recalibration based on the deviation, the different deviation and the interval from calibration to recalibration for the different deviation on the next interval. And the torque tester is configured to output an indication of the interval from recalibration to the next recalibration. The different deviation on the next interval can be established (exablished) in any of a variety of different ways. In some examples, the different deviation is expressed as a percentage of the torque value determined by a digital value using the second calibration function. In a more specific example, the different deviation is the rated accuracy of the electronic torque wrench, such as ±1% of the torque value T (i.e., ±0.01×T).

[0043] In some examples where the electronic torque wrench 100 is configured to generate a digital electrical signal representing the applied torque as a sequence of digital data points, the torque tester 402 is configured to determine a deviation from a digital value into which the sequence of digital data points is converted. In some further examples, the torque tester is configured to: determine a torque value from the digital value using a second calibration function, determine a corresponding torque value from the digital value using the calibration function, and determine the deviation as a difference between the torque value and the corresponding torque value.

[0044] To further illustrate the above, a torque value T can be determined from the digital value AD using a calibration function (1), and a corresponding torque value T' can be determined from the digital value AD using a second calibration function (2). The deviation is then determined from the torque value and the corresponding torque value as follows:

[0045] T err= |T' - T| (3)

[0046] In (3) above, T err Represents the deviation between the torque values ​​determined using the calibration function and the second calibration function.

[0047] In a similar manner, in some examples, the torque tester 402 configured to determine the deviation includes a torque tester configured to apply a digital value to a difference between the second calibration function and the calibration function. In this regard, the deviation T err It can be expressed as a function of the following numeric values:

[0048] T err (AD) = f1(AD) ​​- f0(AD)

[0049] = AD × |k1 - k0| + |T 01 -T 00 | (4)

[0050] The interval from recalibration to the next recalibration can also be predicted in a variety of different ways. In some examples, predicting the interval from recalibration to the next recalibration includes determining a proportionality constant that represents the proportional relationship between the interval and the deviation of the torque value. And in some of these examples, the torque tester 402 is configured to calculate the interval from recalibration to the next recalibration based on the product of the proportionality constant and the different deviations. In a more symbolic example where n represents the interval, the proportionality constant can be determined as n / T err , and the interval n from recalibration to the next recalibration x can be determined as follows:

[0051] n x = (n / T err ) × T' err (5)

[0052] In (5), T' err Indicates different deviations, such as ±0.01×T.

[0053] In some examples, an indication of the interval from recalibration to the next recalibration is output to an electronic visual display, where the indication is displayed. In this regard, the torque tester 402 may include an electronic visual display 406 on which the indication is displayed. Additionally or alternatively, the indication may be displayed by the digital display 138 of the electronic torque wrench 100. This may be the case when the device is embodied as an electronic torque wrench, or the torque tester may send the interval to the electronic torque wrench (e.g., via a data link 406) for display on the digital display of the electronic torque wrench.

[0054] In some examples, the interval is measured in time or use of the electronic torque wrench 100, and the torque tester is also configured to track the time or use of the electronic torque wrench since recalibration. In some of these examples, the torque tester 402 is configured to output an alarm for the next recalibration when the tracked time or use is within a threshold of the interval from recalibration to the next recalibration. The alarm can be output in a variety of different ways, such as output to an electronic visual display (e.g., digital display 138, electronic visual display 406) on which the alarm is displayed.

[0055] Figures 5A-5F is a flow chart illustrating various steps in a method 500 for recalibrating a torque measuring device configured to determine a torque value of an applied torque using a calibration function derived during calibration of the torque measuring device, according to various exemplary embodiments. The method includes performing a recalibration of the torque measuring device, wherein a second calibration function is derived and written to the torque measuring device, such as Figure 5A The method includes determining a deviation of the torque value determined using the calibration function relative to a second calibration function, as shown in block 504. The method includes predicting an interval from recalibration of the torque measuring device to a next recalibration based on the deviation, the different deviation, and the interval from calibration to recalibration for a different deviation over the next interval, as shown in block 506. And the method includes outputting an indication of the interval from recalibration to the next recalibration, as shown in block 508.

[0056] In some examples, the torque measurement device is configured to generate a digital electrical signal that represents the applied torque as a sequence of digital data points. In some of these examples, the method further includes reading the sequence of digital data points, such as Figure 5B The method also includes converting the sequence of digital data points into digital values, the deviation being determined from the digital values, as shown in block 512.

[0057] In some examples, determining the deviation at block 504 includes determining the torque value from the digital value using a second calibration function, such as Figure 5C The corresponding torque value is determined from the digital value using the calibration function, as shown in block 516. And the deviation is determined as the difference between the torque value and the corresponding torque value, as shown in block 518.

[0058] In some examples, determining the deviation at block 504 includes applying a digital value to a difference between the second calibration function and the calibration function, such as Figure 5D As shown in box 520 of .

[0059] In some examples, the different deviations are expressed as percentages of the torque value determined from the digital value using the second calibration function.

[0060] In some examples, predicting the interval from one recalibration to the next recalibration at block 506 includes determining a proportionality constant, wherein the proportionality constant represents a proportional relationship between the interval and the deviation of the torque value, such as Figure 5E In some of these examples, the interval from one recalibration to the next recalibration is calculated based on the product of the proportionality constant and the different deviations, as shown in block 524.

[0061] 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 the torque tester with which the electronic torque wrench is engaged.

[0062] 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 with which the electronic torque wrench is engaged, and the method is performed by the electronic torque wrench.

[0063] In some examples, at block 508 , an indication of the interval from a recalibration to a next recalibration is output to an electronic visual display where it is displayed.

[0064] In some examples, the interval is measured in terms of time or usage of the torque measuring device. In some of these examples, method 500 also includes tracking the time or usage of the torque measuring device since recalibration, such as Fig. 5F And the method includes: when the tracked time or usage is within a threshold of the interval from the recalibration to the next recalibration, outputting an alert for the next recalibration, as shown in block 528.

[0065] In some further examples, at block 528 , the alert is output to an electronic visual display where it is displayed.

[0066] According to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, an apparatus for calibrating a torque measuring device may be implemented by various means. The means for implementing the apparatus may include hardware, either alone or under the direction of one or more computer programs from a computer-readable storage medium. In some examples, one or more devices may be configured to function as, or otherwise perform, the apparatus shown and described herein. In examples involving more than one device, the respective devices may be connected or communicate with each other in a variety of different ways, such as directly or indirectly via a wired or wireless network, etc.

[0067] Figure 6 An apparatus 600 that may be embodied by a torque measuring device 200 (e.g., an electronic torque wrench 100) or a torque tester 402 according to some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. Generally, an apparatus of exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure may include, contain, or be embodied in one or more fixed or portable electronic devices. The apparatus may include one or more of each of a plurality of components, such as a processing circuit 602 (e.g., processing circuit 208) connected to a memory 604.

[0068] The processing circuit 602 of the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure may include one or more processors, which are either 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 includes 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, a processing circuit may be embodied 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.

[0069] Memory 604 is generally any computer hardware capable of temporarily and / or permanently storing information, such as data, computer programs (e.g., computer readable program code 606), 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 a computer-readable storage medium. A computer-readable storage medium is a non-transient device capable of storing information, and may be distinguished from a computer-readable transmission medium such as an electronic transient signal (which can carry information from one location to another). A computer-readable medium as described herein may generally refer to a computer-readable storage medium or a computer-readable transmission medium.

[0070] In addition to the memory 604, the processing circuit 602 can also be connected to one or more interfaces for displaying, transmitting and / or receiving information. The interface may include a communication interface 608 (e.g., communication interface 212) and / or one or more user interfaces. The communication interface may be configured to transmit information to other devices, networks, etc. and / or receive information from other device equipment networks, etc. The communication interface may be configured to transmit and / or receive information via a physical (wired) and / or wireless communication link. Examples of suitable communication interfaces include NIC, WNIC, etc.

[0071] The user interface may include a display 610 (e.g., a digital display 138, an electronic visual display 406) and / or one or more user input interfaces 612 (e.g., an input / output unit). 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 a microphone, an image or video capture device, a keyboard or keypad, a joystick, a touch-sensitive surface (separate from or integrated into a touch screen), a biometric sensor, etc.

[0072] As explained above and reiterated below, the present disclosure includes, but is not limited to, the following exemplary embodiments.

[0073] Item 1. An apparatus for recalibrating a torque measuring device, the torque measuring device being configured to determine a torque value of an applied torque using a calibration function derived during calibration of the torque measuring device, the apparatus 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 apparatus at least: performs a recalibration of the torque measuring device, wherein a second calibration function is derived and written to the torque measuring device; determines a deviation of a torque value determined using the calibration function relative to the second calibration function; predicts an interval from recalibration of the torque measuring device to a next recalibration based on the deviation, the different deviation, and the interval from calibration to recalibration for a different deviation over the next interval; and outputs an indication of the interval from recalibration to the next recalibration.

[0074] Item 2. An apparatus according to Item 1, wherein the torque measuring device is configured to generate a digital electrical signal that represents the applied torque as a sequence of digital data points, and the processing circuit is configured to execute computer readable program code to cause the apparatus to further at least: read the sequence of digital data points; and convert the sequence of digital data points into a digital value, wherein the deviation is determined by the digital value.

[0075] Item 3. A device according to Item 2, wherein the device is caused to determine the deviation, including the device being caused to: determine a torque value from a digital value using a second calibration function; determine a corresponding torque value based on the digital value using the calibration function; and determine the deviation as the difference between the torque value and the corresponding torque value.

[0076] Clause 4. The apparatus of clause 2 or clause 3, wherein the apparatus is caused to determine the deviation comprises the apparatus being caused to apply the digital value to a difference between the second calibration function and the calibration function.

[0077] Clause 5. The apparatus of any one of Clauses 2 to 4, wherein the different deviations are expressed as percentages of the torque value determined from the digital value using the second calibration function.

[0078] Item 6. An apparatus according to any one of Items 1 to 5, wherein predicting an interval from recalibration to a next recalibration comprises: determining a proportionality constant, wherein the proportionality constant represents a proportional relationship between the interval and a deviation from a torque value; and calculating the interval from recalibration to a next recalibration based on the product of the proportionality constant and different deviations.

[0079] Item 7. An apparatus according to 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 the torque tester, wherein the electronic torque wrench is coupled to the torque tester, and the apparatus is embodied as a torque tester.

[0080] Item 8. An apparatus according to any one of items 1 to 7, wherein the torque measuring device is an electronic torque wrench, the applied torque is the torque applied by the electronic torque wrench to the torque tester, wherein the electronic torque wrench is coupled to the torque tester, and the apparatus is embodied as an electronic torque wrench.

[0081] Clause 9. Apparatus according to any one of Clauses 1 to 8, wherein an indication of an interval from a recalibration to a next recalibration is output to an electronic visual display, the indication being displayed on the electronic visual display.

[0082] Item 10. An apparatus according to any one of Items 1 to 9, wherein the interval is measured in terms of torque measuring device time or usage, and the processing circuit is configured to execute computer readable program code to cause the apparatus to further at least: track the time or usage of the torque measuring device since recalibration; and when the tracked time or usage is within a threshold of the interval from recalibration to the next recalibration, output a warning for the next recalibration.

[0083] Clause 11. The apparatus of clause 10, wherein the alarm is output to an electronic visual display on which the alarm is displayed.

[0084] Item 12. A method for recalibrating a torque measuring device, wherein the torque measuring device is configured to determine a torque value of an applied torque using a calibration function derived during calibration of the torque measuring device, the method comprising: performing recalibration of the torque measuring device, wherein a second calibration function is derived and written to the torque measuring device; determining a deviation of the torque value determined using the calibration function relative to the second calibration function; predicting an interval from recalibration of the torque measuring device to a next recalibration based on the deviation, the different deviation, and the interval from calibration to recalibration for a different deviation over a next interval; and outputting an indication of the interval from recalibration to the next recalibration.

[0085] Item 13. A method according to Item 12, wherein the torque measuring device is configured to generate a digital electrical signal that represents the applied torque as a sequence of digital data points, and the method further includes: reading the sequence of digital data points; and converting the sequence of digital data points into a digital value, wherein the deviation is determined by the digital value.

[0086] Item 14. A method according to Item 13, wherein determining the deviation includes: determining a torque value from the digital value using a second calibration function; determining a corresponding torque value from the digital value using the calibration function; and determining the deviation as a difference between the torque value and the corresponding torque value.

[0087] Clause 15. The method of clause 13 or clause 14, wherein determining the deviation comprises applying a digital value to a difference between the second calibration function and the calibration function.

[0088] Clause 16. The method of any of Clauses 13 to 15, wherein the different deviations are expressed as percentages of the torque value determined from the digital value using a second calibration function.

[0089] Item 17. A method according to any one of Items 12 to 16, wherein predicting the interval from the recalibration to the next recalibration includes: determining a proportional constant that represents the proportional relationship between the interval and the deviation of the torque value; and calculating the interval from the recalibration to the next recalibration based on the product of the proportional constant and the different deviations.

[0090] Item 18. The method according to any one of Items 12 to 17, wherein the torque measuring device is an electronic torque wrench, and the applied torque is a torque applied by the electronic torque wrench to the torque tester, wherein the electronic torque wrench is engaged with the torque tester.

[0091] Item 19. A method according to any one of Items 12 to 18, wherein the torque measuring device is an electronic torque wrench, the applied torque is the torque applied by the electronic torque wrench to the torque tester, wherein the electronic torque wrench is engaged with the torque tester, and the method is performed by the electronic torque wrench.

[0092] Clause 20. A method according to any one of Clauses 12 to 19, wherein an indication of the interval from a recalibration to a next recalibration is output to an electronic visual display, the indication being displayed on the electronic visual display.

[0093] Item 21. A method according to any one of Items 12 to 20, wherein the interval is measured in terms of time or usage of the torque measuring device, and the method further comprises: tracking the time or usage of the torque measuring device since recalibration; and outputting a warning for the next recalibration when the tracked time or usage is within a threshold of the interval from recalibration to the next recalibration.

[0094] Clause 22. The method of clause 21, wherein the alert is output to an electronic visual display on which the alert is displayed.

[0095] 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, compared to those explicitly described above, the non-combination of elements and / or functions is 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. A device for recalibrating a torque measuring device, the torque measuring device being configured to determine a torque value of an applied torque using a calibration function derived during calibration of the torque measuring device, the device 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: performing a recalibration of the torque measuring device, wherein a second calibration function is derived and written to the torque measuring device; determining a deviation of the torque value determined using the calibration function relative to the second calibration function; predicting an interval from the recalibration to a next recalibration of the torque measuring device based on the deviation, the different deviation, and the interval from the calibration to the recalibration for a different deviation over a next interval; as well as An indication of an interval from the recalibration to the next recalibration is output.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein: The torque measurement device is configured to generate a digital electrical signal representing the applied torque as a sequence of digital data points, and the processing circuit is configured to execute the computer readable program code to cause the apparatus to further at least: reading the sequence of digital data points; and The sequence of digital data points is converted into digital values, and the deviation is determined by the digital values.

3. The device according to claim 2, wherein: The apparatus being caused to determine the deviation comprises the apparatus being caused to: determining the torque value from the digital value using the second calibration function; determining a corresponding torque value from the digital value using the calibration function; as well as The deviation is determined as a difference between the torque value and the corresponding torque value.

4. The device according to claim 2, wherein: The apparatus being caused to determine the deviation comprises the apparatus being caused to apply the digital value to a difference between the second calibration function and the calibration function.

5. The device according to claim 2, wherein: The different deviations are expressed as percentages of the torque value determined from the digital value using the second calibration function.

6. The device according to claim 1, wherein: Predicting an interval from the recalibration to the next recalibration comprises: determining a proportionality constant representing a proportional relationship between the interval and the deviation in torque value; and An interval from the recalibration to the next recalibration is calculated based on a product of the proportionality constant and the different deviations.

7. 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, the electronic torque wrench is engaged with the torque tester, and the apparatus is embodied as the torque tester.

8. 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 the torque tester, the electronic torque wrench is engaged with the torque tester, and the apparatus is embodied as the electronic torque wrench.

9. The device according to claim 1, wherein: An indication of an interval from the recalibration to the next recalibration is output to an electronic visual display, where the indication is displayed.

10. The device according to claim 1, wherein: The interval is measured in terms of time or use of the torque measuring device, and the processing circuit is configured to execute the computer readable program code to cause the apparatus to further at least: tracking the time or use of the torque measuring device since the recalibration; as well as When the tracked time or usage is within a threshold of an interval from the recalibration to the next recalibration, an alarm for the next recalibration is output.

11. A method for recalibrating a torque measuring device, the torque measuring device being configured to determine a torque value of an applied torque using a calibration function derived during calibration of the torque measuring device, the method comprising: performing a recalibration of the torque measuring device, wherein a second calibration function is derived and written to the torque measuring device; determining a deviation of the torque value determined using the calibration function relative to the second calibration function; predicting an interval from the recalibration to a next recalibration of the torque measuring device based on the deviation, the different deviation, and the interval from the calibration to the recalibration for a different deviation over a next interval; as well as An indication of an interval from the recalibration to the next recalibration is output.

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein: The torque measurement device is configured to generate a digital electrical signal representing the applied torque as a sequence of digital data points, and the method further comprises: reading the sequence of digital data points; and The sequence of digital data points is converted into digital values, wherein the deviation is determined by the digital values.

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein: Determining the deviation includes: determining the torque value from the digital value using the second calibration function; determining a corresponding torque value from the digital value using the calibration function; and The deviation is determined as a difference between the torque value and the corresponding torque value.

14. The method according to claim 12, wherein: Determining the deviation includes applying the digital value to a difference between the second calibration function and the calibration function.

15. The method according to claim 12, wherein: The different deviations are expressed as percentages of the torque value determined from the digital value using the second calibration function.

16. The method according to claim 11, wherein: Predicting an interval from the recalibration to the next recalibration comprises: determining a proportionality constant representing a proportional relationship between the interval and the deviation in torque value; and An interval from the recalibration to the next recalibration is calculated based on a product of the proportionality constant and the different deviations.

17. The method according to claim 11, wherein: The torque measuring device is an electronic torque wrench, and the applied torque is a torque applied by the electronic torque wrench to the torque tester, wherein the electronic torque wrench is coupled to the torque tester.

18. 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, wherein the electronic torque wrench is engaged with the torque tester, and the method is performed by the electronic torque wrench.

19. The method according to claim 11, wherein: An indication of an interval from the recalibration to the next recalibration is output to an electronic visual display, where the indication is displayed.

20. The method according to claim 11, wherein: The interval is measured in terms of time or use of the torque measuring device, and the method further comprises: tracking the time or use of the torque measuring device since the recalibration; and When the tracked time or usage is within a threshold of an interval from the recalibration to the next recalibration, an alarm for the next recalibration is output.

Images