Rotation Angle Retainer Assembly for Precise Fastener Loading

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing hydraulic torque and tension tools lack precision and safety in controlling fastener loading, particularly in industrial applications, due to limitations in measuring torque and tension simultaneously, and existing solutions are cumbersome and costly, with a need for inexpensive equipment that can operate in constrained spaces.

Innovation Solution

A rotation angle indicating retainer assembly for hydraulically driven tools, comprising a retainer cap assembly, plunger/button assembly, rotation angle scale assembly, and rotation angle indicator assembly, which allows for precise measurement of torque angle without external power sources or loose parts, ensuring safe operation and integration with hydraulic torque wrenches.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If hydraulic torque and tension tools are used separately, then each method can be applied to its specific fastening needs, but it increases tool complexity and operational inefficiency

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecapability to perform both torque and tension operationsVSAvoidneed for separate tools

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent describes a fastening tool that can perform both torque and tension operations through a unified system. The tool incorporates a torque motor, tensioning mechanism, and integrated control system that allows it to switch between torque-based fastening and tension-based fastening modes, eliminating the need for separate tools for each operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If torque method is used for tightening fasteners, then it can be applied to most existing threaded fasteners and avoids unintended loosening, but it is subject to unknown thread friction and facial friction

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveapplicability to existing fastenersVSAvoidaccuracy of fastener loading

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates sensors and control systems that provide real-time feedback on fastener loading conditions. The system monitors torque application, fastener elongation, and loading parameters, using this feedback to adjust and optimize the fastening process, thereby compensating for unknown friction variables and improving measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Reliability

If tension method is used for tightening fasteners, then it is torsion- and side load-free, but it requires the bolt to stick out by at least its diameter over the nut and often necessitates bolt and nut replacement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelimination of torsion and side loadVSAvoidfastener accessibility and reuse

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent describes a dynamic tensioning system that adjusts the tensioning force and application method based on real-time measurements of fastener elongation and loading conditions. The system can optimize the tensioning process to achieve reliable fastening while minimizing the need for fastener replacement and improving accessibility in constrained spaces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Measurement precision

If expensive electronic monitoring hardware is used to monitor torque as a function of angle of rotation, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetorque angle measurement accuracyVSAvoidassembly and control hardware

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex electronic monitoring hardware with a simplified mechanical measurement system. The invention uses mechanical angle indicators, torque sensors, and direct mechanical coupling between the fastening tool and fastener to measure torque and rotation angle, eliminating the need for expensive electronic assemblies while maintaining measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentEP3295044B1Apparatus for tightening threaded fasteners

Publication Date: 2021.09.01 HYTORC DIV UNEX CORP

Figure 1A~1E
Figure 2
Figure 3A~7E

AI summary

A rotation angle indicating retainer assembly, wherein a retainer cap assembly (102) having a substantially hollow cylindrical shape with an upper hollow portion (202), a lower hollow portion (203), a hollow disc (209), a ring (114) having polygonal connection formations (115) and a ball bearing assembly (111); wherein a plunger/button assembly (103) having substantially cylindrical shape with a connection portion (210), a depression portion (225), a compression spring (110) and a lower retaining ring (213); wherein a rotation angle scale assembly (104) having a substantially hollow cylindrical shape with an upper hollow disc (191) with an arrow indicator (192) and a lower portion 177 having polygonal formations (178); and wherein a rotation angle indicator assembly (105) having a substantially hollow cylindrical shape with an upper rotation angle dial (240), a lower portion having a rotation angle scale (241), an upper retaining ring (242), a wave spring (243) and friction ring (244).