Torque Structure Digital Display and Adjustment Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional torque wrenches face issues with small numerals and numbers making it difficult for users to identify settings, a small knob volume that makes it hard to apply force, an obstructive handle design, increased fabrication costs due to a groove, and a mismatch between pin movement and ring rotation leading to errors.
Innovation Solution
A torque structure comprising a first body, a second body, a first elastic member, a retaining unit, an adjusting unit, a mobile unit, and a display unit, where the first body drives the adjusting unit to rotate and move, adjusting the torque value, and the display unit indicates the torque value in a digital format, with the mobile unit sensing its position to facilitate easy adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the numerals and numbers are made small to fit in the display, then the device complexity is reduced, but the user cannot identify the numerals easily
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies optical enhancement by making the collar transparent or translucent and incorporating a light source that illuminates the scale and numerals from behind. This allows the numerals to be enlarged and clearly visible without increasing device complexity, as the optical design amplifies the visual impact of the existing numerical display elements.
2Device complexity
If the knob assembly volume is reduced to minimize space, then the device complexity is reduced, but the user cannot easily hold and exert large force on the knob assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a gear mechanism that converts rotational motion into linear motion, allowing the knob assembly to be smaller in volume while maintaining force application capability. The gear teeth engage with a rack or pinion, providing mechanical advantage that enables the user to apply force effectively despite the reduced knob size.
3Volume of stationary object
If the handle is arranged between the notches and the window, then the structural compactness is improved, but the notches and window are obstructed and cannot be observed clearly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the collar transparent or translucent, allowing optical passage through the collar structure. This enables the scale and numerals on the ring to be clearly visible even when the handle is positioned between the notches and window, resolving the obstruction issue while maintaining compact structural arrangement.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the groove is formed in the inner face of the measurement sleeve to allow pin movement, then the device functionality is improved, but the fabrication cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the measurement sleeve into separate functional components: the groove is formed only in the specific region where pin movement is required, rather than throughout the entire sleeve. This segmented approach allows pin movement functionality while reducing manufacturing complexity and cost by limiting the groove formation to the minimum necessary area.
5Device complexity
If the pin movement distance does not match the ring rotation distance, then the device complexity is reduced, but measurement errors are produced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a gear mechanism that provides mechanical feedback and synchronization between pin movement and ring rotation. The gear teeth engagement ensures that the pin movement distance automatically matches the ring rotation distance through a full cycle, eliminating measurement errors without requiring complex electronic sensing and control systems.
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 solution allows for clear digital indication of torque values, improved ergonomic design for easier force application, reduced fabrication costs, and accurate torque adjustments by aligning scales and using a restoring force to return the mobile unit to its original position.
Implementation Method 1
the first elastic member is mounted between the second body and the mobile unit... when the adjusting unit moves in the other direction, the mobile unit is returned to the original position by the restoring force of the first elastic member
Data Source
AI summary
A torque structure includes a first body, a second body, a first elastic member, a retaining unit, an adjusting unit, a mobile unit, and a display unit. The second body has a first guide slot. The first body is rotated relative to the second body to drive the adjusting unit to rotate and move relative to the retaining unit to adjust the torque value. The mobile unit is received in the second body and aligns with the first guide slot. The mobile unit is mounted between the first elastic member and the adjusting unit. The first body drives the adjusting unit which moves the mobile unit which adjusts the compression extent of the first elastic member to adjust the torque value. The display unit display unit detects a position of the mobile unit and indicates a torque value.