Torque Wrench Using Bending Metal Part to Limit Max Torque
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wrenches, particularly spring-based ones, are difficult to use due to the need for increasing effort to apply higher torque values and suffer from 'creep,' which affects the accuracy of torque application, making it challenging to achieve high torques and maintain precision in healthcare environments.
Innovation Solution
A wrench design utilizing elongated metal parts that bend to apply torque, with a pusher end exerting force on a torque-applying head to limit torque at a maximum bending point, eliminating the need for preload and preventing creep, allowing for either fixed or adjustable maximum torque based on bending length and momentum adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If spring-based wrenches are used to provide adjustable torque, then torque adjustability is achieved, but the user must exert increasing effort to select higher torque values
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of torque storage from elastic potential energy (springs) to gravitational potential energy (weights). This parameter change allows the wrench to provide adjustable torque values while eliminating the need for increasing user effort, as the weights naturally provide the torque through gravity rather than requiring spring compression force.
2Reliability
If spring-based wrenches are used to provide torque, then torque application is achieved, but creep occurs causing torque scale alteration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes the elastic mechanical system (springs) with a gravitational mechanical system (weights). This replacement eliminates creep because gravitational force on weights is constant and does not deform elastically under continuous load, thereby maintaining accurate torque scale readings throughout operation.
3Force
If spring-based wrenches are used to achieve high torque values, then torque magnitude is increased, but the user effort becomes impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses weights as counterweights that naturally provide the torque force through gravity. Instead of requiring the user to compress springs to generate high torque, the weights act as counterweights that automatically provide the necessary torque magnitude, making high torque application easy and eliminating the impossible effort requirement.
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
The wrench is easier to use with minimal effort required, capable of applying higher torques without preload-induced strain, and prevents material deformation, ensuring accurate and reliable torque application without the need for excessive user force or material creep.
Implementation Method 1
The elongated metal part is capable of withstanding bending when torque is applied with the wrench. As the applied torque increases, the bending increases, thus increasing the force that the elongated metal part exerts on the torque-applying head.
Implementation Method 2
When the elongated metal part reaches the maximum bending point, the pusher end exerts a force on the torque-applying head that is high enough so that the torque-applying head jumps to the next position
Data Source
AI summary
Wrench (1) for providing a maximum torque to an external part, characterized in that it comprises at least one elongated metal part (3) provided with a fixed end (4) and a pusher end (5), and which also comprises a torque-applying head (6) upon which the pusher end (5) acts, wherein the elongated metal part (3) is capable of bending when a torque is applied with the wrench, and wherein the elongated metal part (3) reaches a maximum bending point that determines the maximum torque provided by the wrench (1). The inventive wrench (1) is easier to use than conventional spring-based wrenches as the force required to adjust the torque is minimal and independent of the torque value to which the wrench is adjusted. It is also capable of providing higher torque values.