Adjustable Spanner Strain Gauge Relocation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional adjustable spanners with electronic strain gauge functions face issues in accurately measuring twisting force due to pressure-induced precision deterioration and inability to effectively clamp screws of varying sizes, as the reinforcing rib is not strong enough and the jaw structure is not adjustable for different screw sizes.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable spanner design featuring a sliding groove mechanism that allows the movable jaw to adjust relative to the fixed jaw, with a reinforcing rib and strain gauges positioned to maintain central engagement with the screw, ensuring precise strain measurement across different screw sizes through a balanced ratio of structural components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If strain sensors are adhered on the clamping surfaces of the fixed jaw and moveable jaw, then the twisting force can be measured, but the precision of the strain sensors will be deteriorated due to the pressure from the screw means
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the strain measurement function from the clamping surfaces and relocates it to the handle portion of the spanner. The strain gauges are adhered to the handle where they measure twisting force without being subjected to the pressure and deformation that occurs at the clamping surfaces, thus maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The handle acts as an intermediary element that transmits the twisting force from the clamping action to the strain gauges. By placing strain gauges on the handle rather than directly on the clamping surfaces, the measurement is indirect but accurate, avoiding the harmful pressure effects while still capturing the twisting force information.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the size of the screw means to be measured is changed, then the clamping positions of the adjustable spanner to the screw means will also change, but the precision of the measuring strain will not be retained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical measurement approach (using strain sensors on clamping surfaces that depend on specific contact points) with a more robust mechanical system based on torque transmission through the handle. The strain gauges on the handle measure the twisting force regardless of which specific clamping position is used, making the measurement independent of the clamping position and screw size.
3Device complexity
If the reinforcing rib is extended from the bottom surface to the teeth in a parallel manner, then the structure can be simplified, but the reinforcing rib is not strong enough to rotate the screw means effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enhances the reinforcing rib by extending it not only parallel to the teeth but also downward from the positioning portion in a perpendicular direction. This creates a three-dimensional reinforcement structure that provides both structural support and effective leverage for rotating screw means, solving the insufficiency of the simple parallel extension.
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 design achieves precise strain measurement with minimal error (1% to 3%) across various screw sizes by maintaining consistent central point engagement and enhanced structural strength, improving the accuracy and adaptability of the spanner.
Implementation Method 1
at least one strain gauge... the output display device being electrically connected to the strain gauges... precise strain measurement with errors less than 3%
Data Source
AI summary
An adjustable spanner with electronic strain gauge function which comprises a head; an fixed jaw extending from the head; and sliding groove being transversally formed at one upper side of the head; a handle connected to a lower side of the head; at least one strain gauge; a hollow connecting tube having one end connected to the handle; the hollow connecting tube being installed with an output display device; a clamping surface of the moveable jaw and a clamping surface of the fixed jaw being formed as a working area for clamping a screw device; and a positioning portion being installed on the moveable jaw and at a non-working area below the working area; the position portion facing toward a clamping opening between the clamping surfaces of the moveable jaw and fixed jaw; and the positioning portion being capable of resisting against the screw device.