Dual Torque Sensing in Angle-Gear Screw Tightening Tools

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electric power tools face challenges in accurately monitoring torque due to friction variations in joints and unpredictable gear ripple effects, leading to inaccuracies in clamp force installation and tool condition assessment.

Innovation Solution

The electric power tool incorporates both a back torque transducer and a front torque transducer within its housing, allowing for precise measurement of torque reactions before and after the angle gear, thereby reducing variations caused by gear ripple and improving accuracy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a single torque transducer is used to monitor torque in a joint, then the monitoring system is simple, but the measurement precision is reduced due to unpredictable gear ripple and friction variations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetorque measurement precisionVSAvoidtorque monitoring system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The torque monitoring function is segmented into two separate measurement points: a back torque transducer measuring torque before the angle gear and a front torque transducer measuring torque after the angle gear. This segmentation allows the system to capture torque variations at different stages, enabling more accurate compensation for gear ripple effects and friction variations, thereby improving overall measurement precision without requiring a single complex transducer

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If friction in the joint is assumed constant for a specific joint, then the monitoring system is simpler, but the reliability is reduced when joint conditions change

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetorque monitoring reliabilityVSAvoidfriction estimation system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring torque at both the back and front of the angle gear. By comparing the torque values before and after the gear, the system can detect changes in friction conditions and gear ripple patterns in real-time. This feedback mechanism allows the system to adapt to changing joint conditions and maintain reliable torque monitoring without requiring complex pre-programmed friction models

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Productivity

If the electric power tool is used extensively, then productivity increases, but the gear ripple increases due to tool condition degradation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetightening operation productivityVSAvoidtorque delivery precision
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary characterization of the angle gear by measuring torque variations at multiple points during the tightening process. By establishing a baseline profile of gear ripple behavior before extensive use, the system can later detect deviations from this profile that indicate tool degradation. This preliminary action enables the system to maintain accurate torque delivery by compensating for gear ripple effects even as the tool accumulates usage hours

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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

This configuration enables the electric power tool to deliver a more precise output torque with reduced variations, enhancing the accuracy of torque monitoring and allowing for timely detection of tool service needs.

Implementation Method 1

a back torque transducer arranged to measure a back torque reaction value before the input bevel gear

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTorque measurement: Torque

Implementation Method 2

a front torque transducer arranged to measure a front torque reaction value after the output bevel gear

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTorque measurement: Torque

Implementation Method 3

an angle gear comprising an input bevel gear drivingly connected to the electric motor and an output bevel gear drivingly connected to an output shaft

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGear transmission: Gear

Data Source

PatentEP3784441B1Electric power tool for tightening screw joints
Publication Date: 2025.04.02 ATLAS COPCO IND TECHNIQUE AB INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY DEPARTMENT
  • EP3784441B1 patent drawingFigure 1

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to an electric power tool (10) for tightening screw joints. The electric power tool (10) comprises a housing (11). The housing (11) encloses an electric motor (12) and an angle gear (17) comprising a input bevel gear (17a) drivingly connected to the electric motor (12) and a output bevel gear (17b) drivingly connected to an output shaft (16) of the electric power tool (10). The housing (11) further encloses a back torgue transducer (20) arranged to measure a back torgue reaction value before the input bevel gear (17a). The electric power tool (10) further comprise a front torgue transducer (21) arranged to measure a front torgue reaction value after the output bevel gear (17b).