Torque Tool Release Mechanism for Target Torque Cutoff
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing torque tools are complex and costly to manufacture, lacking an effective mechanism to interrupt torque transmission at a target value, which can lead to damage in sensitive screw connections made from lightweight materials like magnesium, aluminum, or plastic.
Innovation Solution
A triggering mechanism for electronic torque tools that decouples the drive body from the base body using a spring-loaded lever arrangement and an electrically operated actuator, such as a lifting magnet, to prevent further torque transmission once the target torque is reached, allowing the base body to rotate freely and preventing over-torque.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If interrupting torque tools are used to prevent over-torque damage, then the reliability of screw connections is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The torque tool is divided into functionally independent segments: a drive body for generating torque and a base body for transmitting torque to the workpiece. The coupling between these segments can be selectively engaged or disengaged, allowing the tool to switch between torque transmission and release states. This segmentation enables reliable torque control while keeping each component relatively simple in structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling between the drive body and base body is made dynamic rather than static. A lever arrangement with spring-loaded locking elements allows the connection to automatically engage during torque application and disengage when release force is applied. This dynamic coupling mechanism provides reliable torque interruption without requiring complex control systems.
2Ease of manufacture
If a locking mechanism with lever arrangement is used, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lever arrangement incorporates spring-loaded locking elements that automatically engage and disengage based on the applied forces. The spring force maintains the locked state during torque transmission, and the release force automatically triggers unlocking. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for external actuators or complex control systems, simplifying both manufacturing and operation.
3Ease of operation
If common torque-signaling tools are used, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability deteriorates because they only indicate torque without interrupting transmission
Solution Approach 1:
The tool combines two previously separate functions into one integrated device: torque indication and torque interruption. The drive body and base body are coupled through a locking mechanism that both signals when target torque is reached and automatically interrupts torque transmission. This merging provides both ease of operation and reliable protection without requiring separate indicator and interrupting devices.
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
This solution simplifies the construction and reduces manufacturing costs of torque tools while ensuring reliable and secure locking and unlocking, effectively preventing over-torque damage to sensitive screw connections.
Implementation Method 1
the lever arrangement is spring-loaded
Implementation Method 2
an electrically operated actuator, such as a lifting magnet
Data Source
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
Figure 7~8
AI summary
The invention relates to a release mechanism (10, 110, 210, 310, 410) for an electronically releasing torque tool (12, 112, 212, 312, 412) for tightening a screw or the like, which is released in the event of a target torque. The release mechanism (10, 110, 210, 310, 410) contains a drive element (16, 118, 218, 318, 418) and a main part (14, 114, 214, 314, 420), which rotate about a common axis in order to transmit a torque. A locking mechanism (30, 150, 219, 220, 414) couples the drive element (16, 118, 218, 318, 418) and the main part (14, 114, 214, 314, 420) together in order to transmit a torque. Detection and analysis means are provided for detecting and analyzing the transmitted torque, wherein a signal transmitter actuates the locking mechanism (30, 150, 219, 320, 414) in order to uncouple the drive element (16, 118, 218, 318, 418) from the main part (14, 114, 214, 314, 420) when a target torque is reached.