Fluid Engager Torque Wrench for Impact Mode Switching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional impact wrenches are loud, difficult to handle, slow, and provide inconsistent and inaccurate torque output, and lack the ability to easily switch between continuous and impact modes.

Innovation Solution

A torque wrench assembly with a fluid motor and engager that selectively operates in continuous and impact rotation modes, using a fluid circuit with a motor, engager, and controller to connect and disconnect the rotational output to the torque wrench input, allowing for adjustable torque delivery.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Force

If conventional impact wrenches use a high-mass rotating hammer or reciprocating piston to generate high-torque output, then high impact forces can be achieved to loosen stuck fasteners, but the wrench becomes loud, difficult to handle, and provides inconsistent torque output

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimpact forceVSAvoidhandling ease

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the connection between motor and wrench variable - switching between direct continuous connection and interrupted impact connection. The engager mechanism dynamically changes the transmission mode based on operational needs, allowing the system to adapt between smooth torque delivery and high-impact torque bursts, thereby maintaining handling ease while providing impact capability when required.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the torque transmission into two distinct modes: continuous smooth transmission and interrupted impact transmission. The engager divides the motor's rotational output into discrete impact pulses that are selectively applied to the wrench, separating the high-force impact function from the continuous operation function, thus resolving the contradiction between impact capability and handling ease.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Force

If conventional impact wrenches use a hammering mechanism to provide high torque, then stuck fasteners can be loosened, but the wrench becomes slow and provides inconsistent torque output

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetorque outputVSAvoidoperational speed

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic action through the engager mechanism that delivers torque in controlled periodic impulses rather than continuous hammering. The engager selectively engages and disengages the motor rotor from the tool rotor, creating periodic impact cycles that provide high torque when needed while maintaining overall operational speed. This periodic engagement resolves the contradiction by providing high torque output in bursts without continuously slowing the wrench operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

3Force

If conventional impact wrenches operate in impact mode to loosen stuck fasteners, then high torque is achieved, but the hammering cannot be easily turned off and continuous rotation mode cannot be easily activated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehigh torqueVSAvoidmode switching capability

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent makes the single wrench device universal by enabling it to perform both continuous rotation function and impact function through the same mechanism. The engager provides multi-functionality by allowing the wrench to operate in either continuous mode or impact mode as needed, eliminating the need for separate tools and greatly enhancing adaptability across different fastening applications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Force

If conventional impact wrenches use a high-mass rotating hammer to generate impact forces, then high torque can be produced, but the device becomes difficult to handle and control

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetorque generationVSAvoidmechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism (the engager with fluid piston and rotor engagement features) that mediates between the motor's continuous rotation and the wrench's torque application. This intermediary converts the simple continuous rotational motion into controlled impact pulses without requiring a complex high-mass hammer mechanism, thereby simplifying the overall device while maintaining torque generation capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

Enables reliable high-torque output when needed and smooth continuous torque, improving handling and consistency, with automatic or manual mode regulation and optimized torque production.

Implementation Method 1

a fluid piston configured to effect selective engagement of the motor rotor with the tool rotor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid pressure: Pressure Increase

Implementation Method 2

a fluid motor having a rotational output

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydraulic motor principle: Hydraulic Press

Data Source

PatentUS10688609B2Torque wrench having impact engager

Publication Date: 2020.06.23 TECH PATENTS

AI summary

An engager is disclosed for use with a torque wrench. The engager may include a housing connectable to a rotating output of a motor, and a motor rotor slidingly disposed in and mechanically locked to rotate with the housing. The engager may also include a tool rotor connectable to a rotating input of the torque wrench, and a fluid piston configured to effect selective engagement of the motor rotor with the tool rotor.