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
Engineering 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
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
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
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
3Productivity
If the electric power tool is used extensively, then productivity increases, but the gear ripple increases due to tool condition degradation
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
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
Implementation Method 2
a front torque transducer arranged to measure a front torque reaction value after the output bevel gear
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
Data Source
Figure 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).