Torque Tool Release Mechanism for Target Torque Decoupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current torque tools are costly and complex to manufacture, especially those designed to interrupt torque transfer at a target value, which is essential for preventing damage to lightweight materials in mechanical engineering applications.
Innovation Solution
A release mechanism for electronic torque tools that includes a drive body and main body rotating around a common axis, with a locking mechanism coupled by a spring-loaded lever arrangement, activated by an electrically operated actuator, such as a solenoid, to decouple the drive from the main body upon reaching the target torque, ensuring the torque is not exceeded.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If torque tools are designed to interrupt torque transfer at a target value, then over-tightening of lightweight materials is prevented, but manufacturing cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical interrupting mechanisms with a simpler indicating mechanism combined with an electronic control system. The torque tool uses strain gauges to measure torque and an electronic evaluation unit to detect when target torque is reached, then sends a signal to stop the drive motor. This substitution of mechanical interrupting mechanisms with electronic control reduces device complexity while maintaining reliability in preventing over-tightening of lightweight materials.
2Reliability
If mechanical interrupting mechanisms are used, then torque transfer is automatically stopped at target torque, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive mechanical interrupting mechanisms with a more cost-effective electronic control system. Strain gauges mounted on the torque transfer element measure the applied torque, and an electronic evaluation unit processes this data to determine when target torque is reached. The control unit then stops the drive motor, achieving automatic torque interruption without the high manufacturing costs associated with complex mechanical interrupting mechanisms.
3Loss of information
If indicating mechanisms are used, then target torque is displayed, but torque transfer is not interrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the indicating function with the torque transfer control function into an integrated system. Strain gauges both indicate the applied torque through a display and simultaneously provide data to the electronic evaluation unit that controls torque transfer interruption. When the evaluation unit detects that target torque is reached, it sends a stop signal to the drive motor, thereby combining information feedback with automatic torque transfer control in a unified system.
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 provides a cost-effective and simple design for torque tools that reliably prevent over-tightening, protecting lightweight materials by decoupling the drive from the main body when the target torque is reached, thus preventing damage to sensitive threaded connections.
Implementation Method 1
activated by an electrically operated actuator, such as a solenoid
Implementation Method 2
locking mechanism with a spring-loaded lever arrangement
Data Source
AI summary
A release mechanism for an electronically triggered torque tool to tighten a screw or a similar fastener triggers at a target torque. The release mechanism comprises a drive body and a main body, which rotate around a common axis to transfer a torque. A locking mechanism couples the drive body and the main body to transfer a torque. Measuring and evaluating means to measure and evaluate the torque transferred are provided, whereby a signaling device activates the locking mechanism to decouple the drive body from the main body upon reaching a target torque.