Locking Member for Adjustable Torque Wrench Tamper Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Adjustable torque wrenches can be easily tampered with, leading to unintended changes in torque settings, which can affect the quality and efficiency of manufacturing processes.
Innovation Solution
A locking member is integrated within the adjustment channel of the torque wrench, preventing the torque adjuster from changing the torque setting by blocking the collar's movement into the unlocked position, thus making the wrench tamper-proof.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the torque wrench is made adjustable to allow torque setting changes, then adaptability is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to easy tampering
Solution Approach 1:
The torque adjuster is designed with a collar that can be moved between a first position (allowing adjustment) and a second position (preventing adjustment). The collar is biased toward the second position by a spring, making the default state locked and requiring deliberate action to adjust. This dynamic positioning system allows the wrench to switch between adjustable and fixed states, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and reliability.
2Ease of operation
If the collar is made movable to allow adjustment, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability worsens due to unintended changes
Solution Approach 1:
A spring is installed to bias the collar toward the locked position (second position) before any adjustment action is taken. This preliminary counter-force prevents unintended adjustments by requiring the user to deliberately overcome the spring bias. The collar remains in the locked state by default, and only moves to the unlocked state (first position) when sufficient force is applied in the intended adjustment direction.
3Ease of operation
If the torque adjuster is made easily accessible, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to tampering risk
Solution Approach 1:
The adjuster mechanism incorporates a collar that dynamically changes its state between locked and unlocked. When locked, the adjuster remains accessible but non-functional for changes; when unlocked, it becomes fully adjustable. This dynamic state control allows the adjuster to be both accessible and secure, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and tamper resistance.
4Reliability
If a locking mechanism is added to prevent tampering, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is merged with the torque adjuster itself. The collar that adjusts torque also serves as the locking element, and the spring that provides locking force is integrated into the same assembly. This combination eliminates the need for separate locking components, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The collar performs multiple functions: it adjusts the torque setting by positioning the adjuster, and it simultaneously locks or unlocks the adjustment mechanism. The spring also serves dual purposes by providing both the locking force and the bias for the collar's movement. This multi-functionality reduces the number of components needed, offsetting the complexity added by the locking feature.
Data Source
AI summary
A torque wrench may include a head having a driving member configured to be operably coupled to a socket, a handle, a lever arm operably coupled to the head and the handle at respective opposing ends thereof, a torque adjuster configured to enable a torque setting of the torque wrench to be adjusted and an adjustment channel which may be disposed between the handle and the torque adjuster. A locking member may be disposed within the adjustment channel to block the torque adjuster from changing the torque setting.