Torque-Angle Instrument Gyroscopic Angle Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing torque-angle measuring wrenches require mechanical references, are prone to gross errors due to poor positioning, and are often expensive with complex menu-driven operations, making them prohibitive in certain markets.
Innovation Solution
An electronic torque-angle instrument with a microprocessor, gyroscopic sensor, and user-friendly features like bending beam deflection compensation and simultaneous torque and angle measurement, eliminating the need for mechanical references and providing accurate measurements with a vibrating handle and audible alerts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If mechanical reference arms are used for angle measurement, then angular rotation can be measured, but the device requires repositioning for every fastener and is prone to gross errors due to poor positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical reference arm system with a gyroscopic sensor that uses rotational inertia and angular momentum to measure angle of rotation electronically. The gyroscope eliminates the need for mechanical contact and repositioning, allowing the wrench to measure angular rotation automatically without requiring the user to position any reference arms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a gyroscope as an intermediary sensing mechanism between the applied torque and the measurement system. The gyroscope detects angular rotation through its rotational dynamics properties, serving as a mediator that converts mechanical rotation into measurable electrical signals without requiring direct mechanical reference to a stationary point.
2Measurement precision
If mechanical reference arms are used for angle measurement, then angular rotation can be measured, but the device structure becomes complex and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes complex mechanical reference arm structures with a compact gyroscope-based electronic measurement system. The gyroscope, being a solid-state or microelectromechanical device, dramatically reduces the mechanical complexity while maintaining or improving measurement precision. This substitution eliminates the need for elaborate mechanical reference structures, clamps, and positioning mechanisms.
3Force
If torque measurement alone is used, then the wrenching tool can apply force, but frictional variations cause unreliable bolt load determination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges torque measurement and angle measurement capabilities into a single integrated wrench system. By combining these two measurement functions, the device provides both torque data and angular rotation data, allowing users to implement torque-angle tightening procedures that compensate for frictional variations and achieve more reliable bolt load determination.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a multi-functional wrench that can perform torque measurement, angle measurement, and torque-angle combined measurement. This universal tool eliminates the need for separate torque wrenches and angle measurement devices, providing comprehensive fastening control in a single instrument that addresses the reliability issues of torque-only measurement.
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 accurate and efficient bolt-tightening with reduced errors and operational complexity, allowing for precise torque and angle measurements in a single tool, suitable for various applications without the need for repositioning mechanical arms.
Implementation Method 1
input means which comprise a gyroscopic sensor for measuring the rate of rotation around the drive head
Implementation Method 2
bending beam deflection compensation
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic torque-angle instrument including a generally tubular body having a gripping section and a pivoting head for engaging a workpiece, such as a nut or bolt, and a housing associated with the body and containing electronics, including a microprocessor, which permit individual or simultaneous measurement of torque and angle applied to the workpiece. The microprocessor includes stored programs which interpret a signal from an input, such as a gyroscopic sensor, and sends the interpreted signal to an output means. The signal is finally displayed as an accurate torque measure and/or angle measure from the output means.