Power-Operated Tightening Nut with Integrated Force Display
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power-operated tightening nuts require a torque wrench to accurately apply a specified tightening force to a fastening bolt, as the tightening force can only be derived from the torque applied to the adjusting screw.
Innovation Solution
A power-operated tightening nut with an adjusting device and a display that indicates the tightening force, allowing the tightening force to be set and visually or haptically confirmed without the need for a torque wrench, using a spring to exert the desired force on the fastening bolt and a gear mechanism for high transmission ratios.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a torque wrench is used to tighten the adjusting screw to achieve specified tightening force, then the tightening force can be accurately controlled, but the operation becomes more complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a display device that provides real-time feedback on the tightening force being applied to the fastening bolt. The display shows the actual tightening force value, allowing the operator to monitor and control the tightening process without needing a torque wrench. This feedback mechanism enables direct observation of the tightening force, eliminating the need for indirect torque measurement and calculation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a display device as an intermediary between the adjusting screw mechanism and the operator. Instead of requiring the operator to use a torque wrench to measure and control tightening force, the display device mediates this information, presenting it in a readily visible format. This intermediary eliminates the need for the torque wrench while maintaining accurate tightening force control.
2Measurement precision
If a torque wrench is required for tightening, then specified tightening force can be achieved, but productivity decreases due to additional tools and steps
Solution Approach 1:
The display device provides continuous feedback on the tightening force during the tightening process, allowing the operator to achieve the specified tightening force directly without needing to use a torque wrench for measurement and adjustment. This real-time information enables faster and more efficient tightening operations while maintaining precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The tightening nut device performs the function of measuring and displaying tightening force internally through its integrated display mechanism. Instead of requiring an external torque wrench to perform this measurement function, the system serves itself by incorporating the display capability, thereby eliminating the need for additional tools and steps in the tightening process.
3Force
If high tightening force is required on the fastening bolt, then adequate clamping force is achieved, but the torque input to the adjusting screw becomes excessively large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a rack and pinion gear mechanism that translates rotational motion of the adjusting screw into linear motion of the threaded portion along the fastening bolt. This dimensional transformation from rotation to linear movement provides mechanical advantage, allowing high tightening forces to be generated with relatively small torque input to the adjusting screw.
Solution Approach 2:
The tightening mechanism is segmented into distinct functional components: the adjusting screw, the rack and pinion gear mechanism, and the threaded portion. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently, with the gear mechanism acting as an intermediate stage that multiplies the force from the adjusting screw to produce the high tightening force on the fastening bolt.
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
Enables accurate and efficient tightening of fastening bolts with adjustable forces, eliminating the need for a torque wrench and allowing for high tightening forces with low torque input, while providing a clear indication of the applied force.
Implementation Method 1
a spring (e.g. disc spring) which axially pretightens the threaded portion relative to the housing pot such that the axial position of the threaded portion determines the tightening force acting on the fastening bolt
Implementation Method 2
a transmission gear for translating a rotary movement of the adjusting screw into a rotary movement of the threaded portion
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a power-operated tightening nut (1) for axially tightening a fastening bolt, using an adjusting system (1) for adjusting the tightening force acting on the fastening bolt (2). The invention further provides an integrated display (24) for displaying the tightening force acting on the fastening bolt (2).