Adapter for electronic torque wrench

Abstract

An adapter for an electronic torque wrench configured to determine a torque value of an applied torque and present information including the torque value is provided. The adapter includes first and second communication interfaces, an electronic visual display, and processing circuitry. The first communication interface includes a plug configured to mate with a receptacle of the electronic torque wrench, and the second communication interface includes an antenna configured to wirelessly enable data transmission from the adapter to the computer via radio communication. The processing circuitry is configured to read information from the electronic torque wrench to the adapter via the first communication interface and generate second information from the information. The processing circuit is configured to transmit the second information from the adapter to the computer via the second communication interface. And the processing circuitry is configured to cause the electronic visual display to present the second information.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to torque application and measurement devices, and more particularly to an adapter for a torque measurement device (such as an electronic torque wrench). Background Art

[0002] Fasteners are commonly used to assemble performance-critical components, which are tightened to a specific torque level to introduce "pre-tension" in the fastener. When torque is applied to the head of the fastener, the fastener may start to stretch beyond a specific level of the applied torque. This stretching results in pre-tension in the fastener, which then holds the components together. Additionally, after the desired torque level has been applied, it is often necessary to further rotate the fastener through a specific angle. A common method for tightening these fasteners is to use a torque wrench.

[0003] Torque wrenches can be mechanical or electronic types. 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, the beam bends relative to a non-deflecting beam in response to the applied torque. The amount of deflection of the bent beam relative to the non-deflecting beam indicates the amount of torque applied to the fastener. A clicker-type torque wrench has a selectable pre-loaded latch 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. An electronic torque wrench can receive a target torque through its user interface; and when torque is applied to a fastener with an electronic torque wrench, a torque reading can be indicated on the electronic visual display, which is related to the pre-tension 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] Although electronic torque wrenches provide many useful features, it is generally desirable to improve existing designs. Summary of the Invention

[0006] Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure relate to an adapter for a torque measurement device (such as an electronic torque wrench). The present disclosure includes, but is not limited to, the following exemplary embodiments.

[0007] Some exemplary embodiments provide an adapter for an electronic torque wrench configured to determine a torque value of an applied torque and present information including the torque value. The adapter includes: a first communication interface including a plug configured to mate with a jack of the electronic torque wrench and thereby enable data transfer from the electronic torque wrench to the adapter; and a second communication interface including an antenna configured to wirelessly enable data transfer from the adapter to a computer via radio communication; an electronic visual display; and a processing circuit coupled to the first communication interface, the second communication interface, and the electronic visual display, the processing circuit being configured to at least: read the information from the electronic torque wrench to the adapter via the first communication interface; generate second information from the information; send the second information from the adapter to the computer via the second communication interface; and cause the electronic visual display to present the second information.

[0008] Some exemplary embodiments provide a method of operating an electronic torque wrench configured to determine a torque value of an applied torque and present information including the torque value. The method includes: connecting the electronic torque wrench to an adapter including a first communication interface to enable data transfer from the electronic torque wrench to the adapter and the adapter including a second communication interface to wirelessly enable data transfer from the adapter to a computer via radio communication; at the adapter, reading the information from the electronic torque wrench to the adapter via the first communication interface; generating second information from the information; sending the second information from the adapter to the computer via the second communication interface; and causing an electronic visual display of the adapter to present the second information.

[0009] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present disclosure will be apparent from a reading of the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings, which are briefly described below. The present disclosure encompasses any combination of two, three, four, or more of the features or elements set forth in the present disclosure, whether or not such features or elements are explicitly combined or otherwise recited in the particular example embodiments described herein. The present disclosure is intended to be read as a whole such that any separable feature or element of the present disclosure should be considered combinable in any aspect and example embodiment thereof unless the context of the present disclosure clearly dictates otherwise.

[0010] Accordingly, it will be understood that providing this Summary is only to outline some example embodiments so as to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the present disclosure. Thus, it will be appreciated that the above-described example embodiments are merely examples and should not be construed 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 taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of some of the described example embodiments. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] The example embodiments of the present disclosure have been described so generally above, and now reference will be made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily to scale, and in which:

[0012] Figure 1A and 1B shows an electronic torque wrench in accordance with some example embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0013] Figure 2 is a block diagram of a torque measurement device in accordance with some example embodiments, which may correspond to the electronic torque wrench of FIG. 1;

[0014] Figure 3 shows a system for operating a torque measurement device (such as an electronic torque wrench) in accordance with various example embodiments;

[0015] Figure 4 more particularly shows an Figure 3 adapter of the system in accordance with various example embodiments;

[0016] Figure 5 and 6 shows a view of an electronic visual display of the adapter in accordance with various example embodiments; and

[0017] Figure 7A 、 7B 、7C, 7D, 7E, 7F, 7G, and 7H are flowcharts showing various steps in a method of operating an electronic torque wrench in accordance with various example embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] Some embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all, embodiments of the present disclosure are shown. In fact, the 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 this disclosure will be thorough and complete and will fully convey the scope of the present disclosure to those skilled in the art. Like reference numerals always denote like elements.

[0019] 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. Further, although quantitative measurements, values, geometric relationships, etc. may be referred to herein, unless otherwise stated, any one or more of these (if not all) may be absolute or approximate to account for acceptable variations that may occur, such as those due to engineering tolerances, etc.

[0020] As used herein, unless otherwise specified or clear from the context, the "or" of a set of operands is an "inclusive or", and thus is true if and only if one or more of the operands is true, as opposed to an "exclusive or" which is false when all of the 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. Further, the articles "a", "an" mean "one or more" unless otherwise stated or clear from the context to refer to the singular form. Further, it should be understood that unless otherwise stated, the terms "data", "content", "digital content", "information" and similar terms may sometimes be used interchangeably.

[0021] Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to torque application and measurement devices. The exemplary embodiments will be described primarily in the context of an electronic torque wrench. Other examples of suitable torque measurement devices include torque testers, torque meters, torque transducers, etc. Figure 1A and 1B An electronic torque wrench 100 in accordance with 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 gripping 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, receiving the wrench head at a first end and the battery assembly at a second end, and secured therein by an end cap 116. In some of these examples, the housing is mounted therebetween and houses the electronic unit.

[0022] As shown, the front end 118 of the wrench head 104 includes a coupler having a control lever 120 that allows a user to select whether torque is applied to a fastener in a clockwise (CW) direction or a counter-clockwise (CCW) direction. The front end also includes a male square drive portion or boss 122 for receiving sockets, extensions, etc. of various sizes. The rear end 124 of the wrench head is slidably received in and rigidly fixed within the wrench body 102. 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 plane of rotation of the torque wrench 100 and parallel to the longitudinal central 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 that includes four separate strain gauges on a single membrane that is 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.

[0023] Also as 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, where 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 that includes an electronic visual display 138 and a signaler 140 mounted thereon. This portion of the housing defines a hole for receiving the user interface, which includes a power button 142, unit selection buttons 144, increment / decrement buttons 146A and 146B, and three light-emitting diodes (LEDs) 148A, 148B, and 148C. And when activated, the LEDs can be lit green, yellow, and red, respectively.

[0024] In some examples, the electronic torque wrench 100 includes a communication interface to enable data transfer between the electronic torque wrench and various computers or computer hardware. The communication interface can be or include electronic circuitry and a cable connector (such as a female cable connector), a jack 150, etc. to connect the electronic torque wrench to the computer / computer hardware and enable data transfer between the electronic torque wrench and the computer / computer hardware via wires. An example of a suitable communication interface is a serial data interface such as a universal serial bus (USB). The jack can be fixed to the electronic torque wrench at any of a number of different locations, including in the end cap 116 as shown.

[0025] Figure 2Shown is a torque measurement device 200 for determining the value of an applied torque according to some example embodiments. The torque measurement device may be embodied in a number of different ways, and in some examples, the torque measurement device is an electronic torque wrench, such as electronic torque wrench 100. In other examples, the torque measurement device is a torque tester, torque meter, torque transducer, etc. As shown, the torque measurement device includes a strain gauge assembly 202 (e.g., 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 processing circuit may be components of the electronic unit 112, carried by the circuit board 136.

[0026] The strain gauge assembly 202 is configured to: measure the applied torque, such as the torque applied to a fastener when the torque measurement device 200 is an electronic torque wrench, and generate an analog electrical signal whose voltage 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 produce an amplified analog electrical signal.

[0027] The ADC 206 is configured to convert the amplified analog electrical signal into an equivalent digital electrical signal. Then, the processing circuit 208 is configured to: determine the value of the torque 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 a moving sampling window and calculate the torque value based on the rolling average of the subset of the digital data points in the moving sampling window.

[0028] The processing circuit 208 may output an indication of the torque value in a number of different ways. In some examples, the torque measurement device 200 further includes an electronic visual display 210 (e.g., electronic visual display 138), and the processing circuit is configured to output an indication of the torque value to the electronic visual display, which is configured to present the torque value.

[0029] Also as shown, the torque measurement device 200 may include a communication interface 212, which is configured to enable data transfer between the torque measurement device and various computers or computer hardware. The communication interface may be the same as or similar to the communication interface of the electronic torque wrench 100, and a suitable example thereof is USB. And in this regard, the communication interface may include a cable connector (e.g., female cable connector), a jack 214, etc.

[0030] To further illustrate the calculation of torque values according to various example embodiments, consider an example where the processing circuit 208 samples one thousand digital data points per second and uses a ten-millisecond moving sampling window. When torque is applied, the processing circuit can 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 can 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 can average the digital data points taken between time t = 0.003 seconds and t = 0.012 seconds to produce a third equivalent digital value. And this can continue such that an equivalent digital value can be provided every millisecond until torque is no longer applied. In short, the processing circuit can utilize a digital filtering algorithm to provide a rolling average, where, whenever a new digital data point is received within the moving sampling window, the oldest digital data point is discarded.

[0031] In some examples, the processing circuit 208 can use the equivalent digital values and a calibration function to calculate the torque value. According to some exemplary embodiments, an example of a suitable calibration function includes multiple line segments, and the processing circuit uses the multiple 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 the calibration function. The torque measurement device can be used to measure known applied torque values at different points along the torque value range (from 0 to 100% of the preset maximum torque). The data points of the torque value range provide three different line segments of a graph, and the slope (m) and y-intercept (b) of the line segments 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 circuit to determine the equivalent torque value based on the equivalent digital value.

[0032] Figure 3 Shown is a system 300 for operating a torque measurement device 200 (such as an electronic torque wrench 100) according to various exemplary embodiments. The torque measurement device is configured to determine the torque value of the applied torque and present information including the torque value - for example, on its electronic visual display 210 (e.g., electronic visual display 138). As shown, the system includes an electronic torque wrench, an adapter 302, and a computer 304. The adapter is generally configured to enable wireless functionality on an electronic torque wrench or other torque measurement device that does not have built-in wireless capabilities. Figure 4 More specifically shown is a suitable adapter according to some exemplary embodiments.

[0033] ReferenceFigure 3 and 4 In some examples, adapter 302 includes: a first communication interface 402, a second communication interface 404, an electronic visual display 306, and a processing circuit 406 coupled to the first communication interface, the second communication interface, and the electronic visual display. The first communication interface may be or include an electronic circuit and includes a cable connector (such as a male cable connector), a plug 308, etc., which are configured to mate with the jack 150 of the electronic torque wrench 100 and thereby enable data transfer from the electronic torque wrench to the adapter. Similar to the above, an example of a suitable communication interface is a serial data interface such as USB.

[0034] The second communication interface 404 includes an antenna 408 that is configured to wirelessly effect data transfer from the adapter to the computer 304 via radio communication. In this regard, the second communication interface may effect data transfer via a wireless data link 310 between the adapter and the computer. The second communication interface may be configured according to any one of a plurality of wireless communication standards such as Bluetooth Low Energy (Bluetooth LE), etc.

[0035] According to various exemplary embodiments in which the electronic torque wrench 100 or other torque measuring device is configured to present information (including the torque value of the applied torque), the processing circuit 406 of the adapter 302 is configured to read information from the electronic torque wrench into the adapter via the first communication interface 402. In some examples, the electronic torque wrench includes a separate processing circuit (e.g., electronic unit 112, processing circuit 208) that is configured to send an electrical signal carrying the information to a separate electronic visual display (e.g., electronic visual display 138, 210) on which the information is presented; in some of these examples, the processing circuit 406 is configured to read the electrical signal and thereby read the information.

[0036] The processing circuit 406 is configured to generate second information from the information. The processing circuit is then configured to transfer the second information from the adapter 302 to the computer 304 via the second communication interface 404 and cause the electronic visual display 306 of the adapter to present the second information.

[0037] In various examples, the torque value having information read from the electronic torque wrench 100 is a peak torque value or a current torque value. In some examples, the torque value is a peak torque value or a current torque value, and the processing circuitry 406 is configured such that the information read from the electronic torque wrench includes the peak torque value and the current torque value. And in some examples, the peak torque value is expressed as a numerical value, and the current torque value is expressed as a bar graph —— indicating the current torque value relative to a preset target torque value. Figure 5 View 500 of the electronic visual display 306 of the adapter 302 is shown, where the peak torque value can be expressed as the numerical value 502, and the current torque value can be expressed as the bar graph 504, which indicates the current torque value relative to the preset torque value. As shown, the bar graph includes a plurality of blocks, and a subset of the plurality of blocks is filled to represent the corresponding fraction of the current torque value relative to the preset torque value.

[0038] In some examples, the electronic torque wrench 100 is further configured to determine an angular value of the cumulative angular rotation of the electronic torque wrench during the applied torque, and the information read from the electronic torque wrench (to the adapter 302) further includes the angular value. In some of these examples, the angular value is expressed as either or both of a numerical value or a bar graph indicating the angular value relative to a preset target cumulative angular value. Figure 6 View 600 of the electronic visual display 306 of the adapter 302 is shown, where the angular value can be expressed as the numerical value 602, and the bar graph 604 indicating the angular value relative to the preset target cumulative angular value. Similar to that described above, the bar graph includes a plurality of blocks, and a subset of the plurality of blocks is filled to represent the corresponding fraction of the angular value relative to the preset target cumulative angular value.

[0039] In some examples, the adapter 302 further includes either or both of a speaker 410 or a vibrator 412. In some of these examples, the processing circuitry 406 is further configured to cause one or more of the electronic visual display, the speaker, or the vibrator to generate a visual, audible, or tactile alert when the torque value reaches a preset target torque value. Similarly, in some examples, the processing circuitry is further configured to cause the electronic visual display, the speaker, or the vibrator to generate a visual, audible, or tactile alert when the angular value reaches a preset target cumulative angular value.

[0040] In some examples, the second information generated by the processing circuitry 406 of the adapter 302 is a copy of the information and includes torque values (e.g., peak torque value, current torque value). In other examples, the processing circuitry is configured to apply the torque value to a function to determine a regulated torque value, and the second information includes the regulated torque value (e.g., regulated peak torque value, regulated current torque value). In some additional examples where the torque value is a peak torque value and the regulated torque value is a regulated peak torque value, the information read by the processing circuitry 406 from the electronic torque wrench 100 further includes a current torque value. The processing circuitry may then also apply the current torque value to a function to determine a regulated current torque value, where the second information includes the regulated peak torque value and the regulated current torque value. Either or both of these values may be represented in a manner similar to - as described above and for example Figure 5 - shown - the peak torque value or the current torque value. Similarly, the processing circuitry 406 may be configured to cause one or more of the electronic visual display 306, the speaker 410, or the vibrator 412 to generate a visual, audible, or tactile alert when the regulated torque value reaches a preset target torque value.

[0041] The adapter 302 configured to regulate torque values (e.g., peak torque value, current torque value) may have an effect similar to recalibrating the electronic torque wrench - when the calibration function carried on the electronic torque wrench is otherwise not accessible to the operator. In this regard, the adapter 302 may operate in a calibration mode, in which the processing circuitry 406 is further configured to read information from the electronic torque wrench 100 that includes the torque value of the applied torque. The processing circuitry may be configured to then derive a function that maps the torque value to a corresponding reference torque value. In yet some other examples, information including the torque value may be read for a plurality of applied torques - over the rated torque range of the electronic torque wrench 100 - and a function is derived from the torque values and the corresponding reference torque values for the plurality of applied torques.

[0042] Figures 7A - 7H is a flow chart showing various steps in a method 700 of operating an electronic torque wrench - according to various example embodiments - that is configured to determine the torque value of an applied torque and present information including the torque value. The method includes connecting the electronic torque wrench to an adapter, as Figure 7AAs shown in block 702 of the figure. The adapter includes a first communication interface to enable data transfer from the electronic torque wrench to the adapter, and the adapter includes a second communication interface to wirelessly enable data transfer from the adapter to the computer via radio communication. The method includes: at the adapter, via the first communication interface, reading information from the electronic torque wrench to the adapter, as shown in block 704. The method includes generating second information from the information, as shown in block 706. The method includes: via the second communication interface, transmitting the second information from the adapter to the computer, as shown in block 708. And the method includes: causing the electronic visual display of the adapter to present the second information, as shown in block 710.

[0043] In some examples, the electronic torque wrench includes a separate processing circuit configured to: send an electrical signal carrying information to a separate electronic visual display on which the information is presented. In some of these examples, reading the information at block 704 includes reading the electrical signal, as Figure 7B shown at block 712.

[0044] In some examples, the torque value is a peak torque value or a current torque value.

[0045] In some examples, the torque value is a peak torque value or a current torque value, and the information read from the electronic torque wrench at block 704 includes the peak torque value and the current torque value.

[0046] In some examples, the peak torque value is expressed as a numerical value, and the current torque value is expressed as a bar graph indicating the current torque value relative to a preset target torque value.

[0047] In some examples, the adapter further includes either or both of a speaker or a vibrator. In some of these examples, method 700 further includes: when the torque value reaches the preset target torque value, causing one or more of the electronic visual display, the speaker, or the vibrator to generate a visual, auditory, or tactile alert, as Figure 7C shown in block 714.

[0048] In some examples, the electronic torque wrench is further configured to: determine - during the applied torque - the angular value of the cumulative angular rotation of the electronic torque wrench. In some of these examples, the information read from the electronic torque wrench at block 704 further includes the angular value.

[0049] In some examples, the angular value is expressed as either or both of a numerical value or a bar graph indicating the angular value relative to a preset target cumulative angular value.

[0050] In some examples, the adapter further includes a speaker or a vibrator. In some of these examples, method 700 further includes: when the angle value reaches a preset target cumulative angle value, causing the electronic visual display, the speaker, or the vibrator to generate a visual, auditory, or tactile alert, as Figure 7D shown in block 716 of

[0051] In some examples, the second information is a copy of the information and includes a torque value.

[0052] In some examples, generating the second information includes applying the torque value to a function at block 706 to determine a regulated torque value. In some of these examples, the second information includes the regulated torque value, as Figure 7E shown in block 718 of

[0053] In some examples, the torque value is a peak torque value or a current torque value, and the regulated torque value is a regulated peak torque value or a regulated current torque value.

[0054] In some examples, the torque value is a peak torque value, and the regulated torque value is a regulated peak torque value. In some of these examples, the information read from the electronic torque wrench at block 704 further includes a current torque value. Method 700 then further includes: applying the current torque value to a function to determine a regulated current torque value, and the second information further includes the regulated current torque value, as Figure 7F shown in block 720 of

[0055] In some examples, the regulated peak torque value is expressed as a numerical value, and the regulated current torque value is expressed as a bar graph indicating the current torque value relative to a preset target torque value.

[0056] In some examples, the adapter further includes either or both of a speaker or a vibrator. In some of these examples, method 700 further includes: when the regulated torque value reaches a preset target torque value, causing one or more of the electronic visual display, the speaker, or the vibrator to generate a visual, auditory, or tactile alert, as Figure 7G shown in block 722 of

[0057] In some examples, the adapter can operate in a calibration mode, in which method 700 further includes: reading information from the electronic torque wrench, the information including the torque value of the applied torque, as Figure 7H shown at block 724. And the method includes: deriving a function that maps the torque value to a corresponding reference torque value, as shown in block 726.

[0058] In some examples, at block 704, information including torque values is read for a plurality of applied torques over the rated torque range of an electronic torque wrench. In some of these examples, at block 726, a function is derived from the torque values and corresponding reference torque values for the plurality of applied torques.

[0059] As explained above and reiterated below, the present disclosure includes but is not limited to the following exemplary embodiments.

[0060] Item 1. An adapter for an electronic torque wrench, the electronic torque wrench being configured to determine a torque value of an applied torque and present information including the torque value, the adapter comprising: a first communication interface including a plug configured to mate with a jack of the electronic torque wrench and thereby enable data transfer from the electronic torque wrench to the adapter; and a second communication interface including an antenna configured to wirelessly enable data transfer from the adapter to a computer via radio communication; an electronic visual display; and a processing circuit coupled to the first communication interface, the second communication interface, and the electronic visual display, the processing circuit being configured to at least: read the information from the electronic torque wrench into the adapter via the first communication interface; generate second information from the information; transmit the second information from the adapter to the computer via the second communication interface; and cause the electronic visual display to present the second information.

[0061] Item 2. The adapter according to Item 1, wherein the electronic torque wrench includes a separate processing circuit configured to send an electrical signal carrying information to a separate electronic visual display on which the information is presented, and wherein the processing circuit being configured to read the information includes the processing circuit being configured to read the electrical signal.

[0062] Item 3. The adapter according to Item 1 or Item 2, wherein the torque value is a peak torque value or a current torque value.

[0063] Item 4. The adapter according to any one of Items 1 to 3, wherein the torque value is a peak torque value or a current torque value, and the information that the processing circuit is configured to read from the electronic torque wrench includes the peak torque value and the current torque value.

[0064] Item 5. The adapter according to Item 4, wherein the peak torque value is expressed as a numerical value, and the current torque value is expressed as a bar graph indicating the current torque value relative to a preset target torque value.

[0065] Item 6. The adapter according to any one of Items 1 to 5, wherein the adapter further comprises either or both of a speaker or a vibrator, and the processing circuit is further configured to: when the torque value reaches a preset target torque value, cause one or more of the electronic visual display, the speaker or the vibrator to generate a visual, auditory or tactile alarm.

[0066] Item 7. The adapter according to any one of Items 1 to 6, wherein the electronic torque wrench is further configured to determine an angular value of the cumulative angular rotation of the electronic torque wrench during the applied torque, and the information read from the electronic torque wrench further comprises the angular value.

[0067] Item 8. The adapter according to Item 7, wherein the angular value is expressed as either or both of a numerical value or a bar graph indicating the angular value relative to a preset target cumulative angular value.

[0068] Item 9. The adapter according to Item 7 or Item 8, wherein the adapter further comprises a speaker or a vibrator, and the processing circuit is further configured to: when the angular value reaches a preset target cumulative angular value, cause the electronic visual display, the speaker or the vibrator to generate a visual, auditory or tactile alarm.

[0069] Item 10. The adapter according to any one of Items 1 to 9, wherein the second information is a copy of the information and comprises the torque value.

[0070] Item 11. The adapter according to any one of Items 1 to 10, wherein the processing circuit is configured to generate the second information including that the processing circuit is configured to apply the torque value to a function to determine an adjusted torque value, and the second information comprises the adjusted torque value.

[0071] Item 12. The adapter according to Item 11, wherein the torque value is a peak torque value or a current torque value, and the adjusted torque value is an adjusted peak torque value or an adjusted current torque value.

[0072] Item 13. The adapter according to Item 11 or Item 12, wherein the torque value is a peak torque value and the adjusted torque value is an adjusted peak torque value, and wherein the information read from the electronic torque wrench by the processing circuit further comprises a current torque value, the processing circuit is further configured to apply the current torque value to a function to determine an adjusted current torque value, and the second information further comprises the adjusted current torque value.

[0073] Item 14. The adapter according to item 13, wherein the adjusted peak torque value is expressed as a numerical value, and the adjusted current torque value is expressed as a bar graph indicating the current torque value relative to a preset target torque value.

[0074] Item 15. The adapter according to any one of items 11 to 14, wherein the adapter further includes either or both of a speaker or a vibrator, and the processing circuit is further configured to: when the adjusted torque value reaches the preset target torque value, cause one or more of the electronic visual display, the speaker, or the vibrator to generate a visual, auditory, or tactile alarm.

[0075] Item 16. The adapter according to any one of items 11 to 15, wherein the adapter is capable of operating in a calibration mode, in which the processing circuit is further configured to at least: read information from the electronic torque wrench, the information including the torque value of the applied torque; and derive a function that maps the torque value to a corresponding reference torque value.

[0076] Item 17. The adapter according to item 16, wherein information including the torque value is read for a plurality of applied torques over the rated torque range of the electronic torque wrench, and the function is derived from the torque values and the corresponding reference torque values for the plurality of applied torques.

[0077] Item 18. A method of operating an electronic torque wrench configured to determine the torque value of an applied torque and present information including the torque value, the method comprising: connecting the electronic torque wrench to an adapter, the adapter including a first communication interface for enabling data transfer from the electronic torque wrench to the adapter, and the adapter including a second communication interface for enabling wireless data transfer from the adapter to a computer via radio communication; at the adapter, reading the information from the electronic torque wrench to the adapter via the first communication interface; generating second information from the information; sending the second information from the adapter to the computer via the second communication interface; and causing an electronic visual display of the adapter to present the second information.

[0078] Item 19. The method according to item 18, wherein the electronic torque wrench includes a separate processing circuit configured to send an electrical signal carrying the information to a separate electronic visual display on which the information is presented, and wherein reading the information includes reading the electrical signal.

[0079] Item 20. The method according to item 18 or item 19, wherein the torque value is a peak torque value or a current torque value.

[0080] Item 21. The method according to any one of Items 18 to 20, wherein the torque value is a peak torque value or a current torque value, and the information read from the electronic torque wrench includes the peak torque value and the current torque value.

[0081] Item 22. The method according to Item 21, wherein the peak torque value is expressed as a numerical value, and the current torque value is expressed as a bar graph indicating the current torque value relative to a preset target torque value.

[0082] Item 23. The method according to any one of Items 18 to 22, wherein the adapter further includes either or both of a speaker or a vibrator, and the method further includes: when the torque value reaches a preset target torque value, causing one or more of the electronic visual display, the speaker, or the vibrator to generate a visual, auditory, or tactile alarm.

[0083] Item 24. The method according to any one of Items 18 to 23, wherein the electronic torque wrench is further configured to determine an angular value of the cumulative angular rotation of the electronic torque wrench during the applied torque, and the information read from the electronic torque wrench further includes the angular value.

[0084] Item 25. The method according to Item 24, wherein the angular value is expressed as either or both of a numerical value or a bar graph indicating the angular value relative to a preset target cumulative angular value.

[0085] Item 26. The method according to Item 24 or Item 25, wherein the adapter further includes a speaker or a vibrator, and the method further includes: when the angular value reaches a preset target cumulative angular value, causing the electronic visual display, the speaker, or the vibrator to generate a visual, auditory, or tactile alarm.

[0086] Item 27. The method according to any one of Items 18 to 26, wherein the second information is a copy of the information and includes the torque value.

[0087] Item 28. The method according to any one of Items 18 to 27, wherein generating the second information includes applying the torque value to a function to determine an adjusted torque value, and the second information includes the adjusted torque value.

[0088] Item 29. The method according to Item 28, wherein the torque value is a peak torque value or a current torque value, and the adjusted torque value is an adjusted peak torque value or an adjusted current torque value.

[0089] Item 30. The method according to Item 28 or Item 29, wherein the torque value is a peak torque value and the adjusted torque value is an adjusted peak torque value, wherein the information read from the electronic torque wrench further includes a current torque value, the method further includes applying the current torque value to the function to determine an adjusted current torque value, and the second information further includes the adjusted current torque value.

[0090] Item 31. The method according to Item 30, wherein the adjusted peak torque value is expressed as a numerical value, and the adjusted current torque value is expressed as a bar graph indicating the current torque value relative to a preset target torque value.

[0091] Item 32. The method according to any one of Items 28 to 31, wherein the adapter further includes either or both of a speaker or a vibrator, and the method further includes: when the adjusted torque value reaches a preset target torque value, causing one or more of the electronic visual display, speaker or vibrator to generate a visual, auditory or tactile alarm.

[0092] Item 33. The method according to any one of Items 28 to 32, wherein the adapter is capable of operating in a calibration mode, in which the method further includes: reading information from the electronic torque wrench, including the torque value of the applied torque; and deriving a function that maps the torque value to a corresponding reference torque value.

[0093] Item 34. The method according to Item 33, wherein the information including the torque value is read for a plurality of applied torques over the rated torque range of the electronic torque wrench, and the function is derived from the torque values and the corresponding reference torque values for the plurality of applied torques.

[0094] Benefiting from the teachings presented in the foregoing description and the associated drawings, those skilled in the art to which this disclosure pertains will envision many modifications and other embodiments of the disclosure set forth herein. Accordingly, it is to be understood that the disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed, and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Moreover, 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 expressly described above are also contemplated as being possible in some of the appended claims. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.

Claims

1. An adapter for an electronic torque wrench, the electronic torque wrench being configured to determine a torque value of an applied torque and to present information including the torque value, the adapter comprising: A first communication interface including a plug configured to mate with a jack of the electronic torque wrench and thereby enable data transfer from the electronic torque wrench to the adapter; And A second communication interface including an antenna configured to wirelessly enable data transfer from the adapter to a computer via radio communication; An electronic visual display; And A processing circuit coupled to the first communication interface, the second communication interface, and the electronic visual display, the processing circuit being configured to at least: Read the information from the electronic torque wrench into the adapter via the first communication interface; Generate second information from the information; Transmit the second information from the adapter to the computer via the second communication interface; And Cause the electronic visual display to present the second information.

2. The adapter according to claim 1, wherein, The electronic torque wrench includes a separate processing circuit configured to send an electrical signal carrying the information to a separate electronic visual display, where the information is presented on the separate electronic visual display, and wherein the processing circuit being configured to read the information includes: the processing circuit being configured to read the electrical signal.

3. The adapter according to claim 1, wherein, The torque value is a peak torque value or a current torque value, and the information that the processing circuit is configured to read from the electronic torque wrench includes the peak torque value and the current torque value.

4. The adapter according to claim 3, wherein, The peak torque value is expressed as a numerical value, and the current torque value is expressed as a bar graph indicating the current torque value relative to a preset target torque value.

5. The adapter according to claim 1, wherein The adapter further includes either or both of a speaker or a vibrator, and the processing circuit is further configured to: when the torque value reaches a preset target torque value, cause one or more of the electronic visual display, the speaker, or the vibrator to generate a visual, audible, or tactile alarm.

6. The adapter according to claim 1, wherein, The electronic torque wrench is further configured to determine an angle value of a cumulative angular rotation of the electronic torque wrench during the applied torque, and the information read from the electronic torque wrench further includes the angle value.

7. The adapter according to claim 1, wherein, The processing circuit being configured to generate the second information includes: the processing circuit being configured to apply the torque value to a function to determine an adjusted torque value, and the second information includes the adjusted torque value.

8. The adapter according to claim 7, wherein, The torque value is a peak torque value, and the adjusted torque value is an adjusted peak torque value, and wherein the information that the processing circuit is configured to read from the electronic torque wrench further includes a current torque value, the processing circuit is further configured to apply the current torque value to a function to determine an adjusted current torque value, and the second information further includes the adjusted current torque value.

9. The adapter according to claim 8, wherein, The adjusted peak torque value is expressed as a numerical value, and the adjusted current torque value is expressed as a bar graph indicating the current torque value relative to a preset target torque value.

10. The adapter according to claim 7, wherein, The adapter further includes any one or both of a speaker or a vibrator, and the processing circuit is further configured to cause one or more of the electronic visual display, the speaker, or the vibrator to generate a visual, audible, or tactile alert when the adjusted torque value reaches a preset target torque value.

11. A method of operating an electronic torque wrench configured to determine a torque value of an applied torque and present information including the torque value, the method comprising: connecting the electronic torque wrench to an adapter, the adapter including a first communication interface to enable data transfer from the electronic torque wrench to the adapter, and the adapter including a second communication interface to wirelessly enable data transfer from the adapter to a computer via radio communication; and at the adapter, reading, via the first communication interface, the information from the electronic torque wrench into the adapter; generating second information from the information; transmitting, via the second communication interface, the second information from the adapter to the computer; and causing an electronic visual display of the adapter to present the second information.

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein The electronic torque wrench includes a separate processing circuit configured to send an electrical signal carrying the information to a separate electronic visual display, wherein the information is presented on the separate electronic visual display, and wherein reading the information includes reading the electrical signal.

13. The method according to claim 11, wherein, The torque value is a peak torque value or a current torque value, and the information read from the electronic torque wrench includes the peak torque value and the current torque value.

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein The peak torque value is expressed as a numerical value, and the current torque value is expressed as a bar graph indicating the current torque value relative to a preset target torque value.

15. The method according to claim 11, wherein The adapter further includes any one or both of a speaker or a vibrator, and the method further includes causing one or more of the electronic visual display, the speaker, or the vibrator to generate a visual, audible, or tactile alert when the torque value reaches a preset target torque value.

16. The method according to claim 11, wherein The electronic torque wrench is further configured to determine an angular value of a cumulative angular rotation of the electronic torque wrench during the applied torque, and the information read from the electronic torque wrench further includes the angular value.

17. The method according to claim 11, wherein, Generating the second information includes applying the torque value to a function to determine an adjusted torque value, and the second information includes the adjusted torque value.

18. The method according to claim 17, wherein, The torque value is a peak torque value, and the adjusted torque value is an adjusted peak torque value, and wherein the information read from the electronic torque wrench further includes a current torque value, the method further includes applying the current torque value to a function to determine an adjusted current torque value, and the second information further includes the adjusted current torque value.

19. The method according to claim 18, wherein The adjusted peak torque value is expressed as a numerical value, and the adjusted current torque value is expressed as a bar graph indicating the current torque value relative to a preset target torque value.

20. The method according to claim 17, wherein The adapter further includes either or both of a speaker or a vibrator, and the method further includes: when the adjusted torque value reaches a preset target torque value, causing one or more of the electronic visual display, the speaker, or the vibrator to generate a visual, audible, or tactile alert.

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