Eccentric Torque Tool for Loosening Corroded Gas Meter Screws
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Solution Overview
Problem
Loosening union nuts on gas meters, especially in spatially restricted areas, is challenging due to corrosion, contamination, and limited accessibility, often requiring high forces that can lead to injury and difficulty in applying leverage.
Innovation Solution
A tool with a handle unit, receiving means, and drive system that allows for eccentric torque transmission, featuring a flexible transmission shaft and ergonomic design, enabling easy access and reduced force requirements for loosening screws, even in tight spaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If high force is applied to loosen corroded union nuts, then the loosening effectiveness is improved, but the risk of injury and tool slippage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a specialized tool as an intermediary between the operator and the corroded union nut. This tool includes a receiving element that engages with the nut and a drive mechanism that applies controlled force, mediating the force application to prevent direct transmission of excessive force to the operator's hand while ensuring sufficient loosening force is applied to the nut.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the direct manual mechanical system (operator applying force through a wrench) with a powered mechanical system. The drive mechanism (electric motor, hydraulic motor, or pneumatic drive) substitutes human muscle force, providing consistent, controlled high force without the risk of operator injury or loss of control.
2Force
If leverage is applied to loosen union nuts in confined spaces, then the loosening capability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to limited access
Solution Approach 1:
The patent's receiving element is designed to approach the union nut from lateral directions rather than requiring direct axial access. The receiving element can engage the nut from the side and apply torque through a rotational motion that accommodates confined spatial constraints, effectively changing the dimensional approach from linear to rotational in limited spaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The tool's receiving element is designed with a compact, nested structure that allows it to fit into tight spaces. The receiving element can be positioned laterally against the union nut, with its components arranged to minimize the tool's overall footprint, enabling operation in confined areas where traditional wrenches cannot reach.
3Ease of operation
If a flat-end wrench is used to loosen union nuts, then the ease of operation is improved for manual control, but the force capability deteriorates when significant torque is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical system (flat-end wrench requiring human effort) with a powered drive mechanism. The drive (electric, hydraulic, or pneumatic) automatically provides the necessary torque without requiring the operator to manually apply force, eliminating the trade-off between manual control and force capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The tool combines the ease of manual positioning and control of a wrench with the high force capability of powered tools. The receiving element allows for simple lateral positioning and engagement like a manual wrench, while the integrated drive mechanism automatically delivers high torque, making the tool universally effective for both positioning and force application.
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 tool simplifies the loosening process by providing mechanical support and reducing the need for high forces, enhancing safety and ease of use in confined areas, allowing for effective loosening of stuck screws due to corrosion or contamination.
Implementation Method 1
an output connected to the receiving element to introduce the power eccentrically into the receiving element about the screw axis to generate the torque
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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AI summary
The invention relates to a tool (1) for loosening a screw element (2), in particular a gas meter (3), comprising a handle unit (10) for guiding the tool (1), a receiving means (20) which is rotatable about a screw axis (21) to a loosening position (II) for transmitting a torque (200) to the screw element (2), with a receiving opening (22) for positively engaging the screw element (2), and a drive (11) for providing drive power for the torque (200). The invention further relates to a method (100).