Knob-Turning Adapter for Uniform Torque and Reduced Worker Fatigue
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Solution Overview
Problem
Repetitive and manual turning of hand knobs for tightening and loosening leads to fatigue, discomfort, and inefficiency, as well as inconsistent pressure application in manufacturing industries.
Innovation Solution
An adapter with a shaft and adapter body that can be coupled to a driving device, featuring engaging members and a collar, allowing the adapter to be rotated to turn knobs without requiring extensive wrist and forearm motion, thereby reducing fatigue and ensuring uniform pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual turning of hand knobs is used for tightening and loosening, then the operation can be performed with simple tools, but worker fatigue and discomfort increase due to extended wrist and forearm motion
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter serves as an intermediary device between the driving device and the hand knob. It includes a shaft that couples to the driving device and an adapter body with engaging members that interface with the knob, thereby mediating the connection and enabling automated turning without direct manual manipulation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical turning system with an automated driving device system. The driving device (such as a power tool) substitutes for manual hand operation, and the adapter enables this mechanical substitution by providing the interface between the powered device and the manual knob
2Productivity
If manual turning of hand knobs is used, then no additional equipment is needed, but the process becomes time-consuming and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical turning system with an automated driving device system. The driving device (such as a power tool) substitutes for manual hand operation, and the adapter enables this mechanical substitution by providing the interface between the powered device and the manual knob
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter serves as an intermediary device between the driving device and the hand knob. It includes a shaft that couples to the driving device and an adapter body with engaging members that interface with the knob, thereby mediating the connection and enabling automated turning without direct manual manipulation
3Manufacturing precision
If manual turning is performed by different workers, then flexibility in operation is maintained, but inconsistent pressure is applied to the knobs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical turning system with an automated driving device system. The driving device (such as a power tool) substitutes for manual hand operation, and the adapter enables this mechanical substitution by providing the interface between the powered device and the manual knob
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by controlling the rotational speed, torque, and rotational direction of the driving device through programmable parameters. This standardizes the turning process across different operations and workers, ensuring consistent pressure application regardless of who performs the operation
Data Source
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AI summary
Adapters for use with a driving device for turning a knob, and methods for making and using such an adapter are provided. In one example, an adapter includes a shaft that extends distally from a proximal end portion to a distal end portion and that defines a longitudinal axis. The proximal end portion is configured to operatively couple to the driving device for rotating the shaft about the longitudinal axis. An adapter body is coupled to the distal end portion of the shaft. At least one engaging member is disposed radially outward from the longitudinal axis and is configured for removably engaging the knob. A collar surrounds at least a portion of the at least one engaging member.