Scalloped Outer Race Roller Wrench Eliminates Off-Axis Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional reversible torque wrenches suffer from off-axis locking and auto reverse issues, requiring two-handed manipulation and leading to inefficiencies and safety hazards due to design flaws such as uneven compressive forces and sudden spindle reversal.
Innovation Solution
A torque transfer device with a scalloped outer race and a roller cage bias ring, where the rollers are positioned between pillars and the spindle has a circular inner race, allowing single-handed operation by eliminating off-axis locking and auto reverse through the geometry of the scalloped outer race and confined rollers, which maintain consistent contact and torque.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional reversible torque wrench designs are used, then two-handed manipulation is required for reversing mechanisms, but this reduces operation speed and productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The reversing mechanism is segmented into a独立的reverse lever (102) that can be operated separately from the main handle, allowing one-handed operation while the other hand maintains grip on the handle for stability and control
Solution Approach 2:
The reverse lever acts as an intermediary component that translates user input into roller cage repositioning, enabling direction reversal without requiring the user to manipulate the entire wrench assembly with both hands
2Reliability
If conventional reversible torque wrench designs are used, then off-axis locking occurs, but this reduces tool reliability and creates safety hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The roller cage bias ring uses a curved scalloped outer race geometry that guides rollers along a controlled path, preventing off-axis movement and locking while maintaining reliable torque transfer in the intended direction
Solution Approach 2:
The scalloped outer race geometry preemptively prevents off-axis locking by designing the roller path to naturally resist lateral forces before they can cause harmful locking or reversal
3Reliability
If conventional reversible torque wrench designs are used, then auto reverse occurs due to sudden spindle reversal, but this creates safety hazards and reduces reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The scalloped outer race creates a curved guidance path for the rollers that maintains continuous contact and prevents sudden disengagement or reversal of the spindle, ensuring smooth and predictable torque transfer
Solution Approach 2:
The roller cage bias ring with scalloped geometry provides continuous roller engagement that cushions and controls torque reversal, preventing sudden spindle reversal before it can occur
4Duration of action of stationary object
If conventional reversible torque wrench designs are used, then uneven compressive forces cause brinelling and roller failure, but this reduces durability and increases maintenance needs
Solution Approach 1:
The scalloped outer race geometry distributes compressive forces evenly across the roller contact surfaces through its curved design, preventing stress concentration that would cause brinelling and premature roller failure
Solution Approach 2:
The scalloped outer race creates localized contact zones that optimize force distribution at each roller position, ensuring uniform compressive loading across all rollers rather than concentrated forces on specific points
Data Source
AI summary
A torque transfer device includes a handle, a roller cage bias ring, a plurality of rollers and a spindle. The handle includes a scalloped outer race. The roller cage bias ring is located within the scalloped outer race. The roller cage bias ring includes a base ring and a plurality of pillars extending out of the base ring. The rollers are positioned between the pillars. The spindle includes a circular inner race.