Double-fulcrum torque wrench equalizing action forces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional torque wrenches, both mechanical and electronic, suffer from unequal action forces at the force application and resistance ends due to a single-fulcrum design, leading to inaccurate and unreliable torque measurements, especially when the wrenching position is varied.
Innovation Solution
A double-fulcrum torque wrench design where two fulcrums are implemented, ensuring equal action forces at the force application and resistance ends, allowing for accurate and sensitive torque measurement through flexible mechanisms and sensing units that measure flexure between the fulcrums.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single-fulcrum structure is used in the torque wrench, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision deteriorates because the action forces at the resisting force end and application force end are unequal
Solution Approach 1:
The single fulcrum structure is segmented into two fulcrums (first fulcrum and second fulcrum). The first fulcrum is provided at the resisting force end while the second fulcrum is provided at the application force end. This segmentation allows independent positioning of each fulcrum to ensure equal action forces at both ends, thereby improving torque measurement accuracy without excessive complexity increase.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the wrenching position is varied in a single-fulcrum torque wrench, then the adaptability is improved, but the measurement precision deteriorates because the maximum deformation position changes while the tension gauge remains fixed
Solution Approach 1:
A flexible mechanism is introduced as an intermediary between the two fulcrums. This flexible mechanism includes a flexible portion that can deform under load, and a tension gauge is connected to this flexible portion to measure the deformation. The flexible mechanism transmits the force while allowing the tension gauge to remain in a fixed position relative to the fulcrums, enabling accurate measurement regardless of wrenching position changes.
3Device complexity
If a fixed-position tension gauge is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision deteriorates when the maximum deformation position varies with wrenching position
Solution Approach 1:
The tension gauge is extracted from direct attachment to the wrench body and instead connected to the flexible portion of the flexible mechanism. This extraction allows the tension gauge to measure the deformation of the flexible portion, which directly relates to the applied torque, while the gauge itself can remain in a fixed position. The flexible mechanism acts as the element that experiences the varying deformation based on wrenching position.
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 double-fulcrum design ensures that the action force at the force application end is always equal to the action force at the resistance end, providing true and accurate torque measurements regardless of the wrenching position, and allowing for precise reflection of the applied torque.
Implementation Method 1
a spring 22 resiliently abuts against a push block 24. A front end of the push block resiliently abuts against the rear end of the bar body 13. The resilient energy is right the set value of the wrench.
Data Source
AI summary
A double-fulcrum torque wrench including a tubular body, a head section for fitting with a socket or a screwing member and a flexible mechanism including a flexible section. The flexible mechanism is connected with a rear end of the head section and disposed in the tubular body. The head section protrudes from a front end of the tubular body. When a wrenching force is applied to the wrench, the flexible section of the flexible mechanism is flexible. The head section and the flexible mechanism are connected with the tubular body via two fulcrums and the flexible section is positioned between the two fulcrums. By means of the double-fulcrum design, the action force at the force application end of the wrench is equal to the action force at the resistance end. In addition, the flexure of the wrench and the actual wrenching torque applied to the wrench can be more accurately and sensitively measured.