Torque Tool Head-Up Display for Real-Time Data

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional torque tools are cumbersome and difficult to use effectively, especially with new lightweight materials in the automotive and aircraft industries, as they require precise torque application without distracting the user from their work, and existing digital displays can be hard to read, especially in confusing environments.

Innovation Solution

A head-up display system for torque tools that projects information directly in the user's line of sight using a projector and transparent projection surface, allowing hands-free operation and real-time data access without needing integrated displays, with optional voice control and acoustic signals for enhanced usability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If an integrated digital display is incorporated into the torque tool housing, then torque data can be displayed, but the tool becomes heavier and more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetorque data visibilityVSAvoidtool structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The display function is extracted from the torque tool housing and implemented as a separate head-up display system. The controller in the housing transmits torque data wirelessly to a separate display device, eliminating the need for integrated display components and reducing tool complexity while maintaining full torque data visibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

A wireless transmission system acts as an intermediary between the torque tool controller and the head-up display device. This mediator enables data communication without physical integration, allowing the tool to remain simple while providing comprehensive torque information through the separate display system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Loss of information

If a traditional display unit is integrated into the torque tool, then torque information is available, but the user's attention is diverted from the workpiece

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetorque information accessVSAvoiduser focus
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The display is moved from a two-dimensional surface in the user's periphery to a three-dimensional virtual image in the user's direct line of sight. This dimensional change allows torque information to be viewed without shifting visual focus from the workpiece, as the head-up display projects information into the user's field of view rather than requiring lateral attention shifts.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Weight of moving object

If lightweight materials are used in construction, then component weight is reduced, but the screw connections become more sensitive to torque errors

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomponent weightVSAvoidscrew connection tolerance
Core Design Contradiction:
Weight of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system continuously monitors torque application in real-time and provides immediate visual feedback through the head-up display. This feedback mechanism allows users to adjust their torque application technique on-the-fly, ensuring precise control when working with lightweight materials that have lower tolerance for torque errors, thereby maintaining reliability despite weight reduction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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 weight reduction and smaller tool designs while providing users with essential information without diverting their attention from the workpiece, improving operational efficiency and reducing the risk of incorrect torque applications.

Implementation Method 1

a head-up display system for torque tools that projects information directly in the user's line of sight using a projector and transparent projection surface

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight projection: Light

Data Source

PatentEP2732922B1Torque tool with display system
Publication Date: 2019.12.25 EDUARD WILLE GMBH & CO KG
  • EP2732922B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2732922B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

The display system (10) has a housing (13), which comprises a handle (15) on one end, where a measuring device (40) is arranged for sensing the torque in the housing. A connection element (37) is provided at another end of the housing that transmits the torque to a workpiece. A processor-controlled control device (42) is provided for digital processing of a set and a measured data. A transmission channel (28,31,34) and a display device (74) is provided for the transmission and display of the graphic display contents and the data.