Networked Torque Tool Control for Consistent Simultaneous Tightening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing industrial bolting systems face errors due to incorrect setting of parameters, tool selection, calculation errors, and tool failures, leading to defective screw connections and potential operator injuries or production losses.
Innovation Solution
An operation parameter regulation unit for networked electrically powered torque tools, featuring a processing unit, data capturing unit, output unit, activation unit, and control unit, which automatically captures and sets parameters, ensuring accurate operation within predetermined values, thereby minimizing human error and ensuring consistent torque and pretensioning forces for simultaneous tightening of industrial threaded fasteners.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual parameter setting is used in traditional torque wrenches, then operator flexibility is maintained, but human error increases leading to defective screw connections
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically determines fastener connection parameters by capturing data from the workpiece and autonomously calculating tightening parameters, eliminating the need for manual parameter setting by operators. The processing unit self-generates the optimal tightening parameters based on captured fastener data
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical parameter setting with an automated digital system that captures fastener connection parameters and calculates optimal tightening values through electronic processing, substituting human judgment with algorithmic computation
2Reliability
If automated parameter determination is implemented, then human error is eliminated, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The operation parameter regulation unit serves multiple functions: capturing fastener data, calculating tightening parameters, controlling torque tools, and monitoring process quality, all within a single integrated system that manages the entire bolting process
3Productivity
If simultaneous tightening of multiple fasteners is implemented, then productivity increases, but maintaining consistent torque across all fasteners becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors the tightening process of multiple fasteners and provides feedback to the control unit, which adjusts parameters in real-time to maintain consistent torque values across all fasteners being tightened simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic parameter adjustment during the tightening process, allowing the system to adaptively modify torque parameters for each fastener based on real-time conditions while maintaining overall consistency across the assembly
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to an operation parameter regulation unit (50) for use with a bolting system having a plurality of networked electrically powered torque tools (10, 11) and/or drive portions of torque tools (10, 11) for simultaneous tightening of industrial threaded fasteners (40), the operation parameter regulation unit (50) including: a processing unit (53); an output unit (51) connected and/or integrated with the processing unit (53); an input unit (52) connected and/or integrated with the processing unit (53); an activation unit (55) connected and/or integrated with the processing unit (53) for activating operation units of the plurality of networked electrically powered torque tools (10, 11) and/or drive portions of torque tools (10, 11); and a control unit (54) for controlling operation parameters (41) of each of the plurality of networked electrically powered torque tools (10, 11) and/or drive portions of torque tools (10, 11) to maintain a difference between the operation parameters (41) within a predetermined value.