Disposable Torque-Controlled Clamping Accessory for Electrical Connectors
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In the field of electrical equipment, on-site installers lack access to torque wrenches that can accurately apply the recommended tightening torque to connectors, leading to imprecise connections due to the high cost, calibration requirements, and limited torque ranges of available tools, and existing breakable connection screws are not practical for ensuring correct torque application.
Innovation Solution
A disposable clamping accessory with a first part that breaks into two portions at the recommended torque, allowing pre-screwing and ensuring correct torque application using a common 4mm hex tool, featuring a gripping flange for manual pre-screwing and extraction, and made of metallic and plastic materials with torque markings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a torque wrench is used to ensure correct tightening torque, then tightening precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a disposable accessory that is discarded after a single use. This accessory incorporates a breakable element that fractures when the predetermined torque is reached, ensuring correct tightening without requiring expensive, complex torque wrenches. The disposable nature eliminates the need for calibration and maintenance while guaranteeing precise torque application.
Solution Approach 2:
The accessory utilizes a breakable element with specific mechanical properties designed to fracture at a predetermined torque value. By changing the physical state of this element from intact to broken at the exact moment the correct torque is applied, the system ensures precise torque control without requiring complex measurement and adjustment mechanisms.
2Manufacturing precision
If a torque wrench is used to ensure correct tightening torque, then tightening precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to calibration requirements and cost
Solution Approach 1:
The disposable accessory eliminates all the operational complexities associated with torque wrenches, including calibration requirements, expensive purchases, and maintenance. The installer simply attaches the accessory to the screw and turns it with a common tool; the accessory does its job and is discarded, making the process as easy as using any standard tool.
Solution Approach 2:
The accessory performs the torque measurement and control functions automatically through its breakable element. The system is self-regulating - when the correct torque is reached, the element breaks, instantly stopping further tightening. This eliminates the need for the operator to monitor torque values or perform any complex operations.
3Manufacturing precision
If breakable connection screws are used to ensure correct torque, then tightening precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to impracticality
Solution Approach 1:
The invention separates the breakable element from the connection screw itself. Instead of modifying the screw (which would make it impractical), the breakable accessory is attached to the screw head and performs the torque control function. This segmentation allows the use of standard connection screws while adding precise torque control through the detachable accessory.
Solution Approach 2:
The accessory acts as an intermediary between the common tool and the connection screw. It translates the rotational force applied by the tool into controlled tightening torque, using its breakable element to automatically stop tightening at the correct torque. This intermediary approach maintains compatibility with standard screws and tools while ensuring precise torque application.
4Ease of operation
If a disposable accessory with breakable element is used, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to risk of object falling into the table
Solution Approach 1:
The breakable element is nested within the accessory structure, specifically positioned inside the hollow body of the accessory. When the element breaks, the fragments remain contained within the accessory housing, preventing any pieces from falling into the electrical enclosure. This nested design maintains safety while allowing the breakable mechanism to function.
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~5
Figure 6~9
AI summary
The present invention relates to a clamping accessory S by the actuation of a screw, said accessory comprising a first part (1), this first part comprising a first end part (a) forming a tip (2) adapted to cooperate with the aforementioned screw head, and a second end part (b) adapted to cooperate with an actuating member, such that the activation of the actuating member causes the screw to be screwed in and the aforementioned clamping, this first part being adapted to break into two portions (1a,1b) when the recommended tightening torque is reached, respectively a first portion (1a) comprising the aforementioned first end part (a) and a second portion (1b) comprising the aforementioned second end part (b).This accessory is characterized in that it comprises a second part (5) mounted tightly around the first part (1), retaining means provided partly on the first part (1) and partly on the second part (5) and being capable of retaining the second portion (1b) of the first part (1) inside the second part (5) of the accessory S so as to prevent this second portion (1b) from coming out of this second part (5) of the accessory S after the breaking of the first part (1).