NFC Torque Wrench Wireless Data Exchange
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electronic torque wrenches face reliability issues with electrical connections due to moisture and dirt, leading to false connections and recharging problems, and wireless communication is unreliable in environments with radio interference, complicating data exchange and management.
Innovation Solution
The system employs NFC modules for data exchange and induction energy transfer, allowing for wireless communication and recharging without physical connections, enabling rapid, reliable, and efficient management of torque wrenches.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electrical connectors or contacts are provided on the wrench for recharging and data exchange, then power supply and communication functions are enabled, but reliability deteriorates due to moisture and dirt causing false connections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical electrical connector system with a wireless communication system. Data exchange is achieved through wireless communication modules that transmit information without physical contact, eliminating the reliability issues associated with electrical connectors exposed to moisture and dirt.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces wireless communication as an intermediary medium for data exchange between the wrench and external devices. This intermediary allows information transfer without requiring direct physical contact between electrical contacts, thereby avoiding contamination problems.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If sealed covers are provided on electrical connectors to prevent contamination, then protection against moisture and dirt is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to operational hindrances and potential breakage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the mechanical sealed cover system by replacing electrical connectors with wireless communication modules. This substitution removes the need for users to manually open and close protective covers, thereby improving ease of operation while maintaining protection against contamination.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the vulnerable electrical connector and sealed cover assembly from the wrench design. By removing these components and replacing them with wireless communication capability, the system eliminates the operational hindrances associated with manual cover management while maintaining environmental protection.
3Loss of information
If physical connectors are used for data exchange during use, then communication capability is enabled, but device complexity increases due to cables and fixed station requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical connector and cable system with wireless communication modules integrated into the wrench. This substitution enables data exchange during use without requiring physical cables or fixed station connections, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining full communication capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic wireless communication capability that allows the wrench to exchange data freely during movement and operation. Unlike fixed physical connectors that require stationary connections, the wireless system enables flexible, mobile data exchange that adapts to the wrench's operational dynamics.
4Ease of operation
If wireless interfaces are used for data transmission, then ease of operation is improved by eliminating cables, but reliability deteriorates due to radio interference in industrial environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements multi-functionality by equipping the wrench with both wireless communication capability for data exchange and induction recharging capability for power supply. This universal wireless approach handles both information and energy transfer without physical connectors, maintaining ease of operation while addressing reliability through robust wireless protocols.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs parameter changes in the wireless communication system, such as adjustable transmission power, frequency selection, and data rate adaptation, to optimize performance and maintain reliable data transmission despite radio interference in industrial environments.
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
This solution provides a reliable and efficient exchange of information and power to torque wrenches, reducing errors and interference, and allows for flexible use and management of wrenches in plant environments, improving operational efficiency and reducing the need for physical connectors.
Implementation Method 1
The wrench (11) comprises an NFC module (18) for data exchange with another wrench and/or an external unit by moving the wrench close to the other wrench and/or external unit
Implementation Method 2
The recharging base (12) comprises an induction coil (16) for energy transfer to a coil (17) in the wrench by moving the wrench close to the base so as to recharge the battery
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic torque wrench system comprises a plurality of wrenches (11) which communicate with NFC (Near Field Communication) units (12, 42, 44) connected to a unit (20) for managing the plurality of wrenches. The wrench (11) and the external NFC unit (12, 42, 44) each comprise an NFC module (18, 19) for data exchange between wrench and external unit when the wrench is moved close to the external unit. A recharging base, a system and a method for managing the wrenches are also described.