Color Ring Torque Tool for Clear Torque Limit Identification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing torque tools face issues with inscriptions being obscured by grease, requiring users to flip the tool for reading, and lack clear indication of appropriate torque values, leading to potential damage from improper application.
Innovation Solution
A torque tool featuring a handle with a pointer and a color ring that indicates torque limits through colored areas, allowing easy identification and preventing excessive torque application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If inscriptions are used to show tool size, then identification is provided, but the inscriptions are obscured by grease and require flipping the tool to read
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies color coding to different portions of the tool (such as colored bands or colored sections on the tool body) to indicate tool size. This allows users to quickly identify tool size through color recognition rather than reading inscriptions, eliminating the problem of grease obscuration and the need to flip the tool for reading.
2Loss of information
If a color chart with numerals is used, then tool size can be identified, but users must memorize color-to-numeral correspondence
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a standardized color-coding system where specific colors directly correspond to specific tool sizes without requiring numerical interpretation. For example, red may indicate 10mm, blue may indicate 15mm, etc. This direct color-to-size mapping eliminates the need for users to memorize color-to-numeral correspondences, reducing training time and preventing errors.
3Reliability
If no torque indication is provided, then the tool structure remains simple, but users cannot know adequate torque values and may damage workpieces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates colored indicators on the tool that change or display different colors based on the torque being applied. For example, the tool may have a color-coded torque scale or a visual indicator that transitions through colors (green for safe, yellow for caution, red for excessive torque). This provides real-time torque feedback to users, ensuring reliable torque application while maintaining relatively simple tool construction.
Data Source
AI summary
A torque tool includes a handle, a pointer and a color ring. The handle is operable to set limits of torque. The pointer is formed on the handle. The color ring includes colored areas corresponding to the limits of torque. The color ring is rotatable around the handle to align one of the colored areas with the pointer to indicate that the handle is ready to transfer torque no larger than a corresponding one of the limits of torque.