Color-Coded Torque Tool Identification System

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing torque tools face issues with size identification due to grease coverage and the need for users to memorize color-numeral correlations, leading to potential misuse of tools and inefficiencies in selecting the correct sizes, and lack of clear torque indication for workpieces.

Innovation Solution

A torque tool set featuring a handle with a torque-adjusting mechanism and an indicating unit using colored areas and numbers to directly show the maximum torque value, allowing users to easily identify the correct torque setting without memorization, and a bit with colored layers indicating specific sizes for corresponding torque settings.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If traditional inscriptions (pressing or printing) are used to show tool size, then the inscription can be provided on the tool, but the inscription is covered by grease or requires flipping the tool to be read

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevisibility of tool size inscriptionVSAvoidease of reading inscription
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies color-coded markings (different colors for different size ranges) instead of traditional inscriptions. The colored markings are applied to the upper face of the tool body, making them visible without flipping the tool and resistant to grease coverage. This resolves the contradiction by providing persistent, easily visible size information through color coding.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color changes

2Loss of information

If a color chart with numerals is used to indicate tool size, then size identification is provided, but users must memorize color-numeral correspondence

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetool size identificationVSAvoiduser memory requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a simplified color-coding system where different colors directly correspond to specific size ranges without requiring numerical memorization. The colored markings on the tool body allow users to quickly identify size by color alone, eliminating the need to remember color-numeral associations while maintaining accurate size identification.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color changes

3Loss of information

If torque value is not clearly indicated on the tool, then the tool structure remains simple, but users cannot know the adequate torque value to avoid workpiece damage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetorque value informationVSAvoidtool structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates color-coded torque value indicators directly on the tool body, where different colors or color zones represent different torque ranges. This allows users to immediately see the appropriate torque value without adding complex mechanical indicators or scales, resolving the contradiction by providing essential torque information through simple visual color coding.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color changes

Data Source

PatentEP4088867B1Torque tool using colors for identification
Publication Date: 2024.09.18 MATATAKITOYO TOOL
  • EP4088867B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4088867B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4088867B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A torque tool includes multiple bits, a handle, a pointer and a scale ring. Each of the bits includes a colored area. In use, the handle is connected to a selected one of the bits. The handle is operable to set multiple maximum values of torque transferable to the bit from the handle corresponding to the colored areas of the bits. The pointer is formed on the handle. The scale ring includes multiple colored areas corresponding to the colored areas of the bits. The scale ring is rotated around the handle as the handle is operated to set the maximum values of torque, thereby aligning the pointer with one of the colored areas of the scale ring corresponding to the colored area of a selected one of the bits.