Electronic Torque Tool with Segmented LED Indicators
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic torque wrenches lack features to prevent over-torqueing and ensure accurate angular rotation, often requiring manual input of settings for each operation, leading to errors and inefficiencies, especially when switching between torque and angular measurement modes.
Innovation Solution
An electronic torque tool that operates in both manual and automatic modes, allowing preset torque and angular targets, with a series of LEDs or other indicators to alert the user when predetermined torque or angular values are reached, and the ability to lock the tool for specific operations, enabling simultaneous or sequential torque and angle applications without disengagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single indicator provides only a single indication when torque is reached, then the device is simple, but the user cannot detect approaching torque levels and may over-torque the work piece
Solution Approach 1:
The single indicator is segmented into multiple indicators (first indicator, second indicator, third indicator) that provide staged feedback at different torque thresholds (e.g., 80%, 100%, 105% of target torque). This segmentation allows the user to detect approaching torque levels progressively, preventing over-torqueing while maintaining reasonable device complexity through modular indicator design.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the torque wrench requires manual setting for each operation, then the device is versatile, but user error increases and operation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates preset torque values stored in memory that can be automatically recalled and applied without manual input. This preliminary action of pre-configuring torque values eliminates the need for manual setting during each operation, reducing setup time and user error while maintaining versatility through the ability to switch between preset and manual modes.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the torque wrench allows switching between torque and angular measurement modes, then the device is versatile, but the tool must be disengaged from the work piece resulting in inaccurate angular measurements
Solution Approach 1:
The device enables dynamic switching between torque and angular measurement modes while remaining engaged with the work piece. The control system dynamically adjusts the measurement parameter based on user input or preset configurations, allowing mode changes without disengagement. This maintains measurement precision by eliminating the disruption of tool removal while preserving versatility through multi-mode operation.
4Manufacturing precision
If the torque wrench uses a fixed tolerance for torque alerts, then the device is simple, but sensitive operations cannot achieve the required precision
Solution Approach 1:
The device allows users to change the tolerance parameter dynamically based on the specific torqueing operation requirements. The control system accepts user input to define custom tolerance ranges and adjusts the alert thresholds accordingly. This parameter change capability enables sensitive operations to achieve required precision while maintaining simplicity through straightforward user input interfaces.
5Adaptability or versatility
If the torque wrench provides only torque measurement, then the device is simple, but angular rotation requirements cannot be verified
Solution Approach 1:
The device integrates both torque measurement and angular measurement capabilities into a single universal tool. The control system manages multiple measurement functions through a unified architecture, allowing the same device to verify both torque values and angular rotations without requiring separate tools. This multi-functionality achieves the required versatility while managing complexity through integrated design.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic torque wrench or other tool, and a method and a computer program for using the same, are disclosed. The disclosed systems allow a user to operate the tool in either a manual mode or automatic mode. In the manual mode, torque or angle targets are input into the wrench before the torqueing operation, and in the automatic mode, preset torque or angle targets are selected by the user. A user can also lock the tool so only a specific torqueing operation can be used without unlocking the tool. The torque and angle values can be input simultaneously such that a work piece can be torqued to a predetermined torque and angle without separate operations. An indicator can also be implemented that indicates the progress of the torqueing operation.