Ratchet Power Wrench Open-Ended Socket with Detachable Angle Encoder
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing power wrench with a ratchet mechanism is limited to one direction of rotation due to a closed end output socket design, which restricts its use for alternative screw joint engagements and torque measurement, and the torque sensor arrangement limits its functionality as an open-ended socket.
Innovation Solution
A ratchet type power wrench with an open-ended output socket and a detachable angle encoder unit that can be attached to either side of the housing, allowing for alternative screw joint engagements and including a rotatable signal initiating part, such as an annular code ring, to provide angular displacement data without the need for a torque transducer on the output socket.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the output socket is designed with a closed end portion to carry the code disc of the angle encoder, then angular displacement measurement is enabled, but the output socket cannot be used as an open ended socket for alternative engagement ways
Solution Approach 1:
The angle encoder is segmented into a separate detachable unit that can be removed and reattached to different sides of the housing. This allows the output socket to function as an open-ended socket when the encoder unit is detached, while still enabling angular displacement measurement when attached.
Solution Approach 2:
The configuration of the angle encoder is made dynamic through detachable connection, allowing it to be attached or detached based on operational requirements. This enables the system to switch between measurement mode and open-ended engagement mode as needed.
2Loss of information
If the output socket is designed as a closed end socket to accommodate the angle encoder, then angular displacement data can be retrieved, but the length of protruding screw end is limited
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the angle encoder into a detachable unit, the output socket is no longer constrained by the encoder's physical presence, allowing screws of varying lengths to be engaged without interference from a closed end structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The detachable encoder unit acts as an intermediary that can be introduced only when measurement is needed, rather than being a permanent structural constraint on the output socket.
3Measurement precision
If the torque sensor arrangement is kept in the output socket, then torque measurement is enabled, but the socket cannot be used for alternative engagement ways
Solution Approach 1:
The angle encoder is extracted from the output socket structure and placed in a separate detachable unit. This removes the constraint that prevented open-ended engagement while preserving the capability for angular displacement measurement when needed.
4Device complexity
If the power wrench is designed for one direction rotation only, then the ratchet mechanism is simplified, but the wrench cannot tighten or loosen both right and left hand threaded joints
Solution Approach 1:
The open-ended output socket design enables the wrench to perform multiple functions: tightening right-hand threads, tightening left-hand threads, and loosening joints, all while maintaining the simplified one-directional ratchet mechanism.
Data Source
AI summary
A ratchet type power wrench includes a housing, a pressure medium powered actuator, a ratchet mechanism included in the housing and coupled to the actuator, an open ended output socket with a constant cross sectional dimension throughout a length thereof, which is rotatably supported in the housing and engaged by the ratchet mechanism, and an angle encoder provided to indicate angular displacements of the output socket. The angle encoder has a form of a separate unit included in a casing, the casing being attachable to either side of the housing for connecting the angle encoder to either end of the output socket. The angle encoder includes a rotatable signal initiating part and a movement sensor rigidly mounted in the casing, the rotatable signal initiating part being provided with at least one coupling dog adapted to engage cavities located at both ends of the output socket.