Electronic Torque Tool Real-Time Clock Circuitry
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Solution Overview
Problem
Precision torque tools lack accurate time-stamped measurement capabilities, making them poorly suited for quality control and process monitoring in automotive and industrial applications.
Innovation Solution
An electronic torque tool equipped with real-time clock circuitry, a processor, memory, torque sensor circuitry, and communication interfaces for generating and storing time-stamped torque data, allowing for automatic logging and external data transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual recording of torque measurements is used, then the tool structure remains simple, but the measurement precision and reliability of time-stamped data deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the real-time clock circuitry with the torque measurement system by integrating both functions into a single electronic device. The clock circuitry and torque sensor are combined in one tool, allowing simultaneous time-stamping of torque measurements without requiring separate timing devices or manual recording processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The electronic torque tool is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a torque measurement device and a time-stamping system. The single tool performs multiple functions: measuring torque, recording time, and storing time-stamped data together, eliminating the need for separate manual timing and recording processes.
2Reliability
If real-time clock circuitry is integrated, then the measurement precision and quality control capability improve, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the real-time clock circuitry with the existing torque measurement electronics, merging two functional systems into one integrated device. This approach improves reliability by ensuring synchronized time-stamping of measurements while avoiding the complexity of separate standalone timing devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The tool automatically performs time-stamping of torque measurements without requiring external timing devices or manual intervention. The integrated clock circuitry self-generates time stamps that are automatically attached to each torque measurement, improving reliability while minimizing operational complexity.
3Productivity
If automated time-stamped logging is implemented, then the productivity and efficiency of quality control improve, but the device complexity and power requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic torque tool is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a torque measurement device and a time-stamping system. The single tool performs multiple functions: measuring torque, recording time, and storing time-stamped data together, eliminating the need for separate manual timing and recording processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The tool automatically performs time-stamping of torque measurements without requiring external timing devices or manual intervention. The integrated clock circuitry self-generates time stamps that are automatically attached to each torque measurement, improving reliability while minimizing operational complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Real-time clock circuitry integrated in an electronic torque tool facilitates time-stamping of torque data acquired by the electronic torque tool. The time stamped torque data may be displayed on a display integrated in the electronic torque tool or may be communicated to an external device. The real-time clock circuitry may be adjusted based on information received from an external device or may be manually input to a keypad of the electronic torque tool. A calibration timer integrated in the electronic torque tool monitors time between calibrations of the tool and notifies a user upon expiration of a calibration interval. A secondary power source is coupled to the real-time clock circuitry to maintain power to the real-time clock circuitry during battery replacement.