Torque Adjusting Apparatus Lever Catch Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional torque-adjusting apparatuses for torque wrenches are prone to malfunction due to the ball and spring mechanism, which can lead to unintended rotation and incorrect torque settings.
Innovation Solution
A torque-adjusting apparatus featuring a body with a tunnel and slot, a lever, and a catch that moves between withdrawn and extended positions to engage or disengage with the sleeve's teeth, allowing for precise control of torque adjustments without the risk of accidental rotation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a ball and spring mechanism is used in the torque-adjusting apparatus, then the structure can achieve torque adjustment functionality, but the ball could easily escape from the knob causing malfunction
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the ball and spring mechanism from the design entirely. Instead, it uses a lever connected to a catch that moves between a withdrawn position (allowing adjustment) and an extended position (preventing rotation). This eliminates the ball escape problem while maintaining torque adjustment functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention segments the torque adjustment mechanism into distinct functional components: a lever for movement, a catch for locking, and teeth on the sleeve for engagement. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function reliably without the complexity of the ball-spring system.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the knob is moved axially to disengage teeth for adjustment, then torque value can be changed, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the adjustment trigger and the locking mechanism into a single integrated lever-catch assembly. The lever's movement automatically positions the catch to engage or disengage from the sleeve teeth, combining multiple functions into one simple component rather than separate knobs and controlling rings.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of moving the knob axially to disengage teeth as in conventional designs, this invention uses a lever that pivots to move the catch radially. The catch moves from an extended position (locked) to a withdrawn position (unlocked) through rotational movement of the lever, inverting the conventional axial movement approach.
3Ease of operation
If a conventional torque-adjusting apparatus is used, then torque adjustment is possible, but unintended rotation and incorrect torque settings may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies preliminary anti-action by designing the catch to automatically engage with the sleeve teeth and prevent rotation once the desired torque setting is reached. The catch's extended position creates a mechanical lock that actively prevents unintended rotation, countering any forces that might cause accidental changes before they can occur.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention implements mechanical feedback through the catch-sleeve teeth engagement system. When the lever is moved to adjust the torque setting, the catch automatically engages with the teeth at the new position, providing immediate feedback that the adjustment is locked in place. This prevents further unintended rotation and ensures the setting remains accurate.
Data Source
AI summary
A torque tool is provided with a torque-adjusting apparatus that includes a body, a lever and a catch. The body includes a tunnel extending in an axial manner and a slot extending in a radial manner so that the tunnel is in communication with the slot. The catch is formed with teeth and movable between a withdrawn position to locate the teeth in the slot and an extended position to locate the teeth out of the slot. The lever includes a portion pivotally connected to the body and inserted in the tunnel. The lever further includes a rear end connected to the catch and movably inserted in the slot between a lower position to locate the catch in the withdrawn position and an upper position to locate the catch in the extended position.