Smooth Torque Tool With Rotor Notches for Reduced Friction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing torque tools experience friction-induced wear between the recess and rounded end, leading to precision loss and unnecessary energy waste when the adjustable torque limit is reached.
Innovation Solution
The torque tool incorporates a hollow head with a chamber and notches in the rotor periphery, a tubular handle connected via a pivot, and an abrasion-resistant element to reduce friction and prevent wear, ensuring smooth operation and energy efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the rotating unit uses a recess and rounded end configuration, then the torque tool can pivot the rod relative to the adjustment unit, but friction causes wear and precision loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the harmful frictional contact by replacing the rounded end configuration with a flat-ended rod that engages with a flat recess. This eliminates the point contact friction that caused wear and precision loss, while maintaining the necessary pivoting functionality through face-to-face contact.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a rounded end that rotates within a recess (creating friction), the patent inverts the approach by using a flat end that pivots on a flat surface. This reverses the contact geometry from curved-to-curved to flat-to-flat, dramatically reducing friction and wear.
2Ease of manufacture
If the rod hits the tubular handle to provide a sound warning, then the user is alerted that torque has reached the adjustable value, but this impact causes wear and potential damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism - a separate indicator element that visually signals torque achievement without requiring physical impact. This mediator transfers the torque limit information to the user through visual rather than mechanical contact, eliminating damage while maintaining the warning function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical impact-based acoustic warning system with a visual indication system. This substitution eliminates the harmful mechanical impact between the rod and tubular handle while preserving the torque limit notification function through a different sensory modality.
3Ease of operation
If friction is present between the recess and rounded end, then the torque tool can provide tactile feedback, but this friction wastes energy and causes wear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the excessive frictional force by replacing the rounded-end configuration with a flat-ended rod. This removes the energy-wasting friction while preserving the necessary mechanical engagement for torque transmission and tactile feedback through optimized contact geometry.
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
Minimizes wear and energy loss by reducing friction between the rotor and chamber components, maintaining precision and efficiency in torque application.
Implementation Method 1
An area of contact of the periphery of the rotor with the wall around the chamber in the hollow head is reduced by the notches
Data Source
AI summary
A torque tool includes a hollow head and a rotating unit. The hollow head includes a wall extending around a chamber. The rotating unit includes notches cut in a periphery. The rotor is located in the chamber. An area of contact of the periphery of the rotor with the wall around the chamber in the hollow head is reduced by the notches.