Electronic Torque Meter Flexure Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional torque meters suffer from mechanical tolerance errors and reduced precision due to multiple mechanical components, making it difficult for operators to accurately and conveniently read torque values, especially when values include decimal points.

Innovation Solution

An electronic torque meter with a housing, rotatable operation shaft, flexible beam, measuring element, and electronic display unit, where the measuring element detects flexure and deformation of the flexible beam, and displays the torque value numerically for easy reading.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If multiple mechanical components are used in the torque meter, then the device can function mechanically, but the total mechanical tolerance increases and measurement precision decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of mechanical componentsVSAvoidtorque measurement precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical indicator system with an electronic sensing and display system. A sensor detects the flexure of the flexible beam and converts it to an electrical signal, which is then processed and displayed numerically on an LCD screen. This substitution eliminates the chain of mechanical components (probe, internal mechanism, indicator) and their associated tolerances, directly resolving the contradiction between device complexity and measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If a mechanical dial gauge is used to display torque values, then the device can show measurements, but it is difficult for operators to read values precisely, especially decimal points

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of reading torque valueVSAvoidreading precision of torque value

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical dial gauge with an electronic numerical display system. The sensor converts the mechanical flexure of the beam into an electrical signal that is processed by a circuit and displayed as clear numerical values on an LCD screen. This eliminates the ambiguities of reading mechanical scales and decimal points, allowing operators to read torque values precisely and conveniently.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Productivity

If the operator needs to watch the gauge while wrenching, then the measurement can be obtained, but it is difficult to read the scale accurately due to watching height and angle variations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement efficiencyVSAvoidreading accuracy of torque value

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical dial gauge requiring visual interpretation with an electronic numerical display. The LCD screen presents clear digital readings that are independent of viewing angle or height, allowing operators to accurately read torque values without straining to interpret scale positions. This resolves the contradiction by making reading accuracy independent of operational posture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

Minimizes measurement errors by eliminating mechanical tolerance issues and enhances sensitivity, allowing users to read torque values more precisely and conveniently, including decimal points, without the need to interpret mechanical scales.

Implementation Method 1

a measuring element mounted on the flexible beam for detecting and measuring flexure of the flexible beam

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectStrain detection: Piezoresistive Effect

Data Source

PatentUS7832285B2Electronic torque meter

Publication Date: 2010.11.16 HSIEH CHIH CHING

AI summary

The invention provides an electronic torque meter for measuring torque of a wrench. The torque meter includes a housing in which an operation shaft and a flexible beam are disposed. When the operation shaft is rotated, the flexible beam is flexed. A measuring element is mounted on the flexible beam for detecting and measuring flexure of the flexible beam. An electronic display unit is mounted on the housing and electrically connected with the measuring element. When measuring the torque of a wrench, the measuring element directly measures the flexure and deformation of the flexible beam to obtain precise torque value. The torque value is displayed by the display unit in the form of numerals for easy reading.