Impact Wrench Torque Control by Work Object Identification
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tool systems cannot control tools on a work object basis before work commences, leading to inefficiencies in managing and executing tasks.
Innovation Solution
A tool system that includes an electric impact wrench with an image capturing unit, image processing unit, and a tool-end control unit, which identifies the work object through captured images and sets the appropriate torque setting based on pre-registered values, ensuring accurate and efficient fastening operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If work information is acquired by a work manager separately from the tool after work is done, then the system structure is simple, but the ability to control the tool on a work object basis before work starts is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the identification unit and control functions directly into the portable tool, combining previously separate components (tool and work manager) into an integrated system. This allows the tool to independently identify work objects and adjust control parameters before operation, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The identification unit identifies the work object and the control unit sets appropriate control parameters before the portable tool performs work on the work object. This preliminary action enables pre-work configuration and adaptation to specific work objects, achieving work object-based control before operation begins.
2Measurement precision
If GPS receiver is used to acquire location information, then positioning capability is provided, but the precision and speed of work object identification is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces GPS-based location identification with an image capturing unit that uses optical/image processing methods to identify work objects. This substitution provides more precise work object identification by capturing visual characteristics rather than relying on satellite positioning, directly improving measurement precision for work object identification.
3Productivity
If torque settings are changed manually for each work object, then control flexibility is achieved, but work efficiency and productivity are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit automatically adjusts torque settings based on work object information identified by the identification unit. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for manual torque adjustment by each operator, enabling the system to autonomously optimize control parameters for different work objects, thereby improving productivity while maintaining control flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from the identification unit about work object characteristics to automatically adjust control parameters through the control unit. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures appropriate torque settings are applied for each work object type, improving both efficiency and accuracy without manual intervention.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3
AI summary
An object of the present invention is to provide a tool system allowing a tool to be controlled on a work object basis before the work is started. A tool system (1) includes a portable tool (2) and an identification unit (330). The tool (2) includes a driving unit (24) to operate with power supplied from a battery pack (201). The identification unit (330) identifies, by a contactless method, a current work object, to which the tool (2) is set in place, out of a plurality of work objects.