Motorized Torque Wrench Adjustment for Automated Calibration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional torque wrench calibration methods are time-consuming and labor-intensive, involving a trial-and-error process of manually adjusting the handle, measuring peak torque values, and replacing springs to achieve a predetermined torque value.
Innovation Solution
An adjustment device for a torque wrench that includes a base unit, a driving unit with a motor, and a control unit to automatically adjust the torque by rotating and moving an adjusting unit along the axis, using a resilient member to vary the preload force, eliminating the need for manual handle rotation and spring replacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual trial-and-error method is used to calibrate torque wrench, then calibration can be performed, but the process is time-consuming and labor-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The calibration device enables self-service calibration by automatically controlling the rotating member to apply torque, measure the peak torque value, and adjust the spring preloading force without requiring manual operation. The system performs the entire calibration process autonomously, eliminating the need for operators to manually rotate handles and replace springs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical adjustment process with an automated electromechanical system. A motor drives the rotating member to apply controlled torque, while a control unit processes sensor data and automatically adjusts the spring preloading force, substituting human mechanical operations with automated mechanical and electronic control.
2Ease of operation
If manual handle rotation and spring replacement is performed, then torque adjustment is achieved, but the operation is complex and labor-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The calibration device performs self-adjustment by automatically controlling the rotating member to apply torque and the control unit to adjust spring preloading force based on measured peak torque values, eliminating the need for operators to manually rotate handles and replace springs.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit acts as an intermediary between the torque sensor and the spring adjustment mechanism. It receives the peak torque value from the sensor, processes the data, and automatically controls the adjustment of spring preloading force, simplifying the operator's task to merely initiating the calibration process.
3Measurement precision
If trial-and-error spring replacement is used, then torque calibration can be achieved, but the process requires multiple iterations and is inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The calibration device implements a feedback loop where the torque sensor continuously measures the peak torque value during rotation, the control unit compares this value with the target torque, and automatically adjusts the spring preloading force accordingly. This closed-loop feedback system eliminates trial-and-error by continuously guiding the adjustment process toward the precise target value.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary measurement of the peak torque value before making any spring adjustment. This preliminary action allows the control unit to determine the exact adjustment needed, preventing unnecessary iterations and enabling direct correction to the target torque value.
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
Facilitates rapid and efficient calibration of torque wrenches by automating the adjustment process, reducing manual labor and time consumption while ensuring precise alignment with predetermined torque values.
Implementation Method 1
a spring disposed in the shank body, and clamped between and abutting against the torsion head and the handle
Implementation Method 2
a motor that is electrically connected to the computer to be controlled thereby and that is operable for driving rotation of the rotating member
Data Source
AI summary
An adjustment device for adjusting a torque of a torque wrench includes a base unit, a driving unit, and a control unit. The torque wrench includes a shank body extending along an axis, an adjusting unit threadedly engaging the shank body, and a resilient member abutting against the adjusting unit. The base unit is for mounting of the torque wrench. The driving unit includes a coupling member removably connected to the adjusting unit, and a driving motor. The control unit controls the driving motor to drive rotation of the coupling member about the axis for driving rotation of the adjusting unit to thereby move the adjusting unit along the axis to vary a preload force of the resilient member and thus a torque of the torque wrench and to move the adjusting unit to a position where the torque of the torque wrench corresponds to a predetermined torque value.