Hookspanner Wrench Angle Measurement for Bearing Locking Nuts

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for adjusting the angle of a hookspanner wrench to tighten a bearing onto a shaft with a threaded and tapered portion are inaccurate, relying on manual markings and references that do not reliably align.

Innovation Solution

A device and system that incorporates a smartphone with a built-in inclinometer and look-up data tables, secured to a hookspanner wrench, which provides real-time angle measurement and feedback to ensure accurate alignment of the bearing locking nut, using a storage clamping device for smartphone installation and a specialized application for entering bearing type information.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If manual angle marking and reference marks are used on the hookspanner wrench, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision and manufacturing precision deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice complexityVSAvoidmeasurement precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical marking systems with an electronic inclinometer-based measurement system. The inclinometer uses accelerometers and gyroscopes to digitally measure and display the angle of the hookspanner wrench, eliminating the need for manual angle marking while significantly improving measurement precision through real-time digital feedback.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a smartphone as an intermediary device that hosts the inclinometer application. This intermediary provides the angle measurement functionality without requiring direct integration of complex measurement equipment into the hookspanner wrench itself, thus maintaining relative simplicity while achieving high precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If manual angle marking and blind matching of reference marks are used, then the ease of operation is maintained, but the reliability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of operationVSAvoidreliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements real-time feedback through the inclinometer application, which continuously displays the current angle of the hookspanner wrench during the tightening process. This feedback mechanism allows the operator to see exactly when the correct angle is reached, eliminating the unreliability of blind matching while maintaining ease of operation through simple visual guidance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Measurement precision

If real-time angle measurement with inclinometer is implemented, then the measurement precision and reliability are improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement precisionVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent leverages the smartphone as a multi-functional device that already possesses the necessary sensors (accelerometers, gyroscopes) for inclinometer functionality. By utilizing the smartphone's existing capabilities through a specialized application, the system achieves high measurement precision without adding dedicated complex measurement hardware to the hookspanner wrench assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 precise and accurate tightening of bearings by providing real-time angle feedback, ensuring correct mounting angles are achieved, improving the reliability and efficiency of the hookspanner wrench operation.

Implementation Method 1

The application provides a built-in inclinometer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAccelerometer: Accelerometer

Implementation Method 2

The application provides a built-in inclinometer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGyroscope: Gyroscope

Data Source

PatentUS11279006B2Device, system and method for measuring angle adjustment of a hookspanner wrench to accurately tighten a bearing onto a shaft having a threaded and a tapered portion

Publication Date: 2022.03.22 AB SKF SKF PATENT DEPARTMENT

AI summary

A system for measuring angle adjustment of a hookspanner wrench to accurately tighten a bearing onto a shaft having a threaded and tapered portion. The system including a device providing a hookspanner wrench having a lever arm and an engaging portion, the engaging portion of the hookspanner wrench configured to engage a bearing locking nut, the lever arm configured to mount a storage clamping device fixed thereto, a smartphone secured in place by the storage clamping device, and a specialized application stored on the smartphone that provides a built-in inclinometer and look up data tables. A method for measuring angle adjustment of a hookspanner wrench to accurately tighten a bearing onto a shaft having a threaded and tapered portion as well.