NFC Torque and Angle Testing for Field Screwdriver Verification

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing test methods for screwing devices require complex setup and specialized personnel to ensure operational uniformity and precision, hindering efficient field testing and interfering with normal operations in industrial settings.

Innovation Solution

A test device with a rotatable shaft, integrated angle and torque transducers, a control unit, NFC communication module, and memory for autonomous operation, allowing for rapid identification and data association of screwing devices and joints, enabling efficient field testing without specialized operators.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If test devices are used in the field with sequential placement between screwing device and joint, then measurement capability is improved, but operational efficiency deteriorates due to time-consuming setup and identification procedures

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetorque and angle measurementVSAvoidtesting speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

NFC tags are pre-attached to screwing devices and joints before testing, storing identification codes in advance. This preliminary action eliminates the need for manual identification input during testing, allowing operators to quickly tap the test device against the screwing device or joint to automatically retrieve and associate identification information, thereby dramatically reducing setup time while maintaining measurement precision

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical operations (sequential placement, manual identification entry, data association) with automated NFC wireless communication. The NFC system automatically reads identification codes from tags and associates them with measurement data without manual intervention, substituting complex mechanical setup procedures with simple tap-to-connect actions, thus improving testing speed without sacrificing measurement accuracy

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If specialized operators are required to manage test systems and associate measurement data with screwing devices, then measurement accuracy is improved, but operational complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata association accuracyVSAvoidsystem setup simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The test device autonomously performs identification code reading, data association, and storage functions through integrated NFC communication. The system automatically reads NFC tags from screwing devices and joints, associates identification codes with measurement data, and stores everything in its memory without requiring specialized operators for data management. This self-service capability maintains data association accuracy while dramatically simplifying operation to basic tap-and-test actions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges multiple previously separate functions (identification reading, data collection, data association, and storage) into a single integrated test device with combined NFC communication and measurement capabilities. This consolidation eliminates the need for specialized operators to manually coordinate these separate tasks, as the unified system performs all functions automatically, thereby maintaining accuracy while improving ease of operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If test devices require stable connection to electronic systems for data transfer, then data integrity is improved, but device portability and field usability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata transfer reliabilityVSAvoidfield testing capability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The test device incorporates multiple communication interfaces including NFC for identification data exchange and wireless communication capabilities for results transmission. This multi-functionality allows the device to operate independently in field conditions without requiring stable connections to fixed electronic systems, while still ensuring data integrity through reliable wireless data transfer to remote systems when needed

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

Enables precise and rapid testing of screwing devices in the field with minimal disruption to normal operations, allowing users to perform tests independently and simplifying data transfer and analysis.

Implementation Method 1

an NFC communication module that is suitable for receiving an identification code from the outside

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectNear Field Communication (NFC):

Implementation Method 2

a first transducer for detecting the rotation angle of the shaft

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAngular displacement measurement:

Implementation Method 3

a second transducer for detecting the torque transmitted by the shaft between the two ends

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTorque measurement: Torque

Data Source

PatentEP3814736B1Device, system and method for testing screwing devices
Publication Date: 2024.07.31 SCS CONCEPT SRL
  • EP3814736B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2

AI summary

A test device (10) for testing screwing devices, comprising a shaft (14) with an end (15) for connection to a screwing device and an opposite end (16) for connection to a joint to be screwed. The device (10) further comprises a first transducer (18) for detecting the rotation angle of the shaft (14) and a second transducer (19) for detecting the torque transmitted by the shaft (14) between the two ends (15, 16). The device (10) further comprises a control unit (20), an NFC communication module (31), a memory (30), and means (24, 31) for communication with the outside. The control unit stores in the memory (30) an identification code received from the NFC communication module (31) and associates it in the memory (30) with test data obtained from the first and second transducers (18, 19). Then the communication means (24, 31) send to the outside data obtained from the contents of the memory (30). A method for testing and managing the tests and a system which comprises in addition to the test device (10) also at least one NFC tag (33) are also described.