Self-Clamping Torque Adapter With Cam-Driven Radial Clamps
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing torqueing methods, such as strap wrenches, often damage delicate components due to point loads and inconsistent torque application, especially when torquing non-standard components without central tooling features, leading to inaccurate torque values.
Innovation Solution
A self-clamping torque adapter with a tool base, central hub, and radially movable clamps, utilizing a cam actuator mechanism and friction modifiers to apply a variable clamping force, ensuring accurate torque transmission without damaging the component, regardless of its shape or material.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a strap wrench is used to grip the outer surface of a component, then the component can be rotated without requiring tooling features, but the component may be damaged due to point loads and the torque application may be inaccurate
Solution Approach 1:
The single strap of a traditional wrench is segmented into multiple discrete clamps (at least three clamps) that contact the component at multiple points around its circumference. This segmentation distributes the gripping force across multiple contact points rather than concentrating it at a single location, preventing damage to the component while maintaining the ability to rotate components without tooling features.
Solution Approach 2:
Each clamp is equipped with a friction modifier (such as a rubber pad or other high-friction material) at its contact surface with the component. This local modification increases the coefficient of friction at the contact points, enabling reliable torque transmission without requiring excessive clamping force that would damage the component. The friction modifier allows the clamps to grip the component surface effectively while distributing the load.
2Ease of operation
If a strap wrench applies torque off center, then it can grip the outer surface of the component, but the torque values become inconsistent or inaccurate
Solution Approach 1:
The clamps are positioned asymmetrically relative to the component's center of rotation, with at least one clamp located offset from the center. This asymmetric arrangement, combined with the cam actuator mechanism, allows the clamps to be drawn inward to contact the component surface while maintaining proper rotational alignment. The torque input member remains centered on the axis of rotation, ensuring accurate torque measurement despite the asymmetric clamp positions that enable outer surface gripping.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam actuator mechanism serves as an intermediary between the torque input member and the clamps. It translates the centered rotational input into asymmetric clamp positioning and inward movement, allowing the clamps to contact the component at optimal locations while the torque is applied at the centered input member. This intermediary mechanism decouples the torque application point from the clamp contact points, resolving the conflict between ease of operation and measurement precision.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the belt of a strap wrench deflects or stretches under torque, then it can accommodate the component shape, but the torque application becomes inaccurate
Solution Approach 1:
The friction modifiers on the clamps are designed as replaceable, consumable elements (such as rubber pads or other friction material attachments). These friction modifiers can be replaced when worn or contaminated, ensuring consistent friction characteristics and accurate torque transmission throughout the tool's service life. This approach maintains adaptability to different component shapes while ensuring measurement precision through replaceable friction surfaces.
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
The self-clamping torque adapter provides precise and consistent torque application, protecting delicate components by distributing force evenly and preventing damage, while allowing torque in both directions without modification, ensuring accurate torque values across various objects.
Implementation Method 1
a cam actuator mechanism coupling each of the plurality of clamps to the central hub, wherein rotation of the central hub relative to the tool base causes the cam actuator mechanism to move each of the plurality of clamps in a radial direction
Implementation Method 2
Each clamp can comprise a friction modifier configured to increase friction between a respective clamp and an object being clamped
Data Source
AI summary
A self-clamping torque adapter comprises a tool base, a central hub, a plurality of clamps, and a cam actuator mechanism. The tool base has a central axis and the central hub is rotatably coupled to the tool base and configured to rotate relative to the tool base about the central axis. The central hub comprises a torque input member configured to receive a torque input. The plurality of clamps are slidably coupled to the tool base, and configured to displace bi-directionally along a radial axis. The cam actuator mechanism couples each of the plurality of clamps to the central hub. Rotation of the central hub relative to the tool base causes the cam actuator mechanism to move each of the plurality of clamps in a radial direction.