Torque Tool Power Amplifier for Energy Storage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing torque wrenches have a high energy requirement due to electrically controlled locking mechanisms, limiting the number of releases that can be made with conventional batteries or accumulators, as they require strong energy consumers to move locking bolts against applied forces and spring forces.

Innovation Solution

A power amplifier is used to amplify mechanical and electrical power for the trigger switch, with an energy store for intermediate storage and rapid release of energy to deliver the required power for triggering, allowing for a reduction in energy consumption and increasing the number of releases possible with conventional batteries or accumulators.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If electrically controlled locking mechanisms are used in torque wrenches, then the triggering function is improved, but the energy consumption increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetriggering functionVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The energy store (capacitor) is charged in advance during normal operation, storing energy that can be rapidly discharged when triggering is needed. This preliminary energy accumulation allows the locking mechanism to be actuated without requiring continuous high power consumption from the battery during the triggering event itself.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses periodic charging of the energy store during normal operation, followed by intermittent discharging during triggering events. This periodic charge-discharge cycle allows the system to maintain low average power consumption while providing high peak power when needed for triggering.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

2Reliability

If strong electromagnets are used to move locking bolts, then the triggering reliability is improved, but the battery life is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetriggering reliabilityVSAvoidbattery life
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The capacitor is charged in advance during normal operation, storing energy that can be rapidly discharged when triggering is needed. This preliminary energy accumulation allows the locking mechanism to be actuated without requiring continuous high power consumption from the battery during the triggering event itself.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The energy store (capacitor) acts as an intermediary between the battery and the electromagnet. It receives energy from the battery during charging and delivers high peak power to the electromagnet during triggering, decoupling the low average power consumption of the battery from the high peak power requirements of the electromagnet.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If conventional batteries are used in torque wrenches, then the device portability is improved, but the number of releases is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice portabilityVSAvoidnumber of releases
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The energy store (capacitor) is charged in advance during normal operation, storing energy that can be rapidly discharged when triggering is needed. This preliminary energy accumulation allows the locking mechanism to be actuated without requiring continuous high power consumption from the battery during the triggering event itself.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses periodic charging of the energy store during normal operation, followed by intermittent discharging during triggering events. This periodic charge-discharge cycle allows the system to maintain low average power consumption while providing high peak power when needed for triggering.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

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 power amplifier ensures that the necessary power is available for triggering the torque tool, reducing energy consumption and enabling more frequent or reliable operation without the need for continuous power sources, such as mains connection.

Implementation Method 1

a power amplifier for amplifying the mechanical and/or electrical power for the electronically or mechanically controlled trigger switch

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPower amplification:

Implementation Method 2

with an energy store for the intermediate storage and rapid release of energy in order to deliver the required power for a tripping process

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEnergy storage: Accumulator (energy)

Implementation Method 3

The mechanical torque is converted into an electronic signal with a strain gauge

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectStrain gauge effect: Piezoresistive Effect

Implementation Method 4

a magnetic coil surrounding the locking bolt is energized in such a way that the ferromagnetic locking bolt releases from the locking recess against a spring force

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic force: Electromagnet

Implementation Method 5

The spring force is used to return the locking bolt to its original state after it has been triggered

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring force: Spring

Data Source

PatentEP1837126B1Torque tool with performance enhancer
Publication Date: 2013.08.28 EDUARD WILLE GMBH & CO KG
  • EP1837126B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP1837126B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP1837126B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a torque tool (10) for measuring and/or triggering a tightening torque on a workpiece. The torque tool (10) has a housing (12) with a handle (14). The torque to be measured is transmitted via a rod (22). A measuring element (50) electronically detects the applied torque. A measuring and control electronic unit (52) processes the detected torque. The electronic measuring and control unit (52) controls a release switch (56) to trigger the torque tool (10).