Torque Adapter Ratchet Reverse Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing torque transmission tools require frequent disassembly and reassembly to access the direction-reversing button, making the process inefficient for applications where the button is not easily accessible, such as in assembling tie rods in gas turbine engines.
Innovation Solution
A torque transmission tool with a fork actuator that includes arms extending along the side of the output link, allowing the actuator to move and contact the torque reversal button without disassembling the tool, utilizing a spring to bias the output link and pin for easy access to the button.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the tool is designed with a conventional ratchet and direction-reversing button, then the tool can transmit torque and reverse direction, but the button is not easily accessible and requires frequent disassembly and reassembly
Solution Approach 1:
The torque reversal button is relocated from the conventional position on the ratchet housing to the end of the output link, changing the spatial dimension and accessibility of the control interface. This allows the button to be accessed from the distal end of the tool rather than requiring disassembly from the proximal end.
Solution Approach 2:
A fork actuator with arms is introduced as an intermediary mechanism between the operator and the torque reversal button. The fork can be manually actuated to push the button, serving as a mediator that enables button activation without direct manual access to the button itself.
2Ease of operation
If the tool requires frequent disassembly to access the direction-reversing button, then the button can be actuated, but assembly time and productivity are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
By relocating the button to the end of the output link, the tool enables torque direction reversal from the working end position, eliminating the need to disassemble the tool from the workpiece and significantly reducing assembly time.
Solution Approach 2:
The output link itself serves dual purposes: both as a mechanical linkage to transmit torque and as a support structure for the torque reversal button. This self-service design allows the existing component to provide both functional and control interface roles.
3Reliability
If the torque reversal button is placed on the ratchet housing, then the button is protected, but the button becomes inaccessible during work applications
Solution Approach 1:
The button is moved from the protected but inaccessible location on the ratchet housing to the end of the output link, which is accessible from the distal end. The output link structure itself provides protection while enabling access.
Solution Approach 2:
The fork actuator serves as an intermediary that can access and actuate the button without requiring the operator to directly access or expose the button mechanism, maintaining protection while enabling operation.
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 efficient direction reversal of the ratchet without disassembling the tool, reducing assembly complexity and time by allowing the torque reversal button to be actuated without removing the tool from the workpiece.
Implementation Method 1
a spring biases the output link outwardly of the fork
Implementation Method 2
The output link rotates an output ratchet on a member to be tightened or loosened
Data Source
AI summary
A torque transmittal tool has an input socket to receive a drive input from a drive tool. The input socket causes a first link to rotate through a range of rotation upon rotation of the input socket. The first link is fixed to rotate with an extension link. The extension link is fixed to rotate with an output link. The output link includes an output ratchet for transmitting rotation, and has a torque reversal button which may be actuated to change the direction of rotation of the output ratchet. An actuator has an unactuated position where a contact surface is spaced away from the torque reversal button, and an actuated position at which it actuates the torque reversal button. A method is also disclosed.