Power Tool Attachment Housing Torque Measurement Near Output Gear

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional power tool attachment parts face challenges in accurately measuring output torque due to friction and gear wheel designs, particularly in confined spaces where size constraints limit the use of conventional torque transducers.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating torque sensors on the elongate housing near the output gear wheel of the power tool attachment part to measure deformation, combined with an electronic box for data processing and display, which can be connected to the power tool's drive electronics.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional torque transducers are used inside the power tool, then torque measurement is provided, but the measurement accuracy is insufficient due to friction and gear wheel design limitations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetorque measurement accuracyVSAvoidmeasurement system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses the elongate housing as an intermediary element to transmit torque from the output gear wheel to the torque sensor. Instead of placing the sensor directly in the gear train, the housing serves as a mechanical mediator that transfers the torque through its structure, allowing accurate measurement without interfering with the gear wheel operation or adding complex measurement mechanisms to the gear train itself.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces complex mechanical torque transducers with a simpler torque sensor that detects deformation of the housing. This substitution uses the housing's structural deformation as a proxy for torque measurement, eliminating the need for complex mechanical measurement devices inside the confined space of the attachment part.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Volume of moving object

If the power tool attachment part is designed to be compact for confined spaces, then accessibility is improved, but torque measurement capability is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment part sizeVSAvoidtorque measurement capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The elongate housing serves multiple functions: it provides the structural framework for the attachment part, transmits torque from the input to output gear wheels, and acts as the measurement element for torque sensing. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate measurement devices, maintaining compact size while enabling accurate torque measurement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the measurement parameter from direct mechanical force measurement (requiring complex transducers) to deformation measurement of the housing. By measuring the housing's structural deformation under torque load, the system achieves accurate torque measurement in a compact configuration, as deformation can be detected by simple sensors mounted on the housing exterior.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enhances the accuracy of output torque measurement by detecting housing deformation caused by torque transmission, providing precise feedback to the user.

Implementation Method 1

at least one torque sensor configured to measure a deformation of the elongated housing

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDeformation: Deformation

Implementation Method 2

The gear wheels are generally located in a straight row, teeth against teeth, inside an elongate housing

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP4003652B1Power tool attachment part
Publication Date: 2026.02.18 ATLAS COPCO IND TECHNIQUE AB INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY DEPARTMENT
  • EP4003652B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4003652B1 patent drawingFigure 3a
  • EP4003652B1 patent drawingFigure 3b

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a power tool attachment part for a power tool. The power tool attachment part (10) comprises an elongate housing (11, 12) including an upper housing part (11) and a lower housing part (12) interconnected with the upper housing part (11), an input gear wheel (22) for connection to an output shaft of a power wrench, which input gear wheel is arranged at a first end of the housing, an output gear wheel (23) with an output connection (23a), which output gear wheel is arranged at a second end of the housing, at least one intermediate gear wheel (24, 25, 26), which is arranged inside the housing (11, 12) to transmit the rotation of the input gear wheel (22) to the output gear wheel (23), and at least one torque sensor (13a, 13b, 13, 13c, 13d, 13e, 13f) configured to measure a deformation of the elongated housing (11, 12).