Torque Tool Roller Contact to Preserve Precision

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional torque tools experience wear and precision loss due to friction between the recess and rounded end, leading to audible warnings and energy waste when the torque limit is reached.

Innovation Solution

Incorporation of an abrasion-resistant element, such as a roller or ball made of SUJ2 bearing steel, to minimize contact area and reduce wear between the rod and lever components, ensuring smooth operation and silent torque limit indication.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the recess and rounded end are used for pivoting the rod, then the torque tool can pivot the rod relative to the adjustment unit, but friction causes wear and precision loss

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepivoting capabilityVSAvoidprecision

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A roller element is introduced as an intermediary between the recess and the rounded end. The roller reduces direct sliding friction to rolling friction, significantly decreasing wear on the recess and rounded end while maintaining the pivoting function. This mediator preserves the ease of operation while improving reliability by preventing precision loss from wear.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Loss of information

If the rod hits the tubular handle to provide a sound warning, then the user is alerted that torque limit is reached, but energy is wasted and components are damaged

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetorque limit indicationVSAvoidenergy waste

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The mechanical impact system (rod hitting handle) is replaced with a magnetic detection system. A magnet is embedded in the rod, and a magnetic sensor on the handle detects the magnet's position. When the rod reaches the torque limit position, the sensor detects the magnet and generates an electrical signal to light an LED indicator, eliminating the need for mechanical impact and associated energy waste and component damage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the recess and rounded end contact each other during pivoting, then the rod can rotate relative to the hollow head, but friction causes audible warnings and component damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverotation capabilityVSAvoidfriction damage

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The roller element serves as a mediator between the recess and rounded end during rotation. It converts sliding friction into rolling friction, enabling the rod to rotate relative to the hollow head with minimal wear. This maintains the adaptability of the pivoting mechanism while eliminating the harmful friction that causes audible warnings and component damage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The mechanical friction-based rotation system is supplemented with a magnetic detection system. The magnet and magnetic sensor provide non-contact detection of the rod's position, eliminating the need for high-friction mechanical contacts and reducing component damage while maintaining rotation capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical 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

Minimizes damage to tool components and reduces energy waste by preventing audible warnings and maintaining precision, enhancing the durability and efficiency of the torque tool.

Implementation Method 1

The abrasion-resistant element includes a first portion in contact with the extensive portion and a second portion in contact with the long protuberance. The abrasion-resistant element is a roller. Alternatively, the abrasion-resistant element is a ball.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRolling friction: Roller

Implementation Method 2

there is friction between a concave face of the recess 99 wears against a convex face of the rounded end 96. This friction inevitably causes the recess 99 and the rounded end 96 to wear away each other.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction reduction: Friction

Implementation Method 3

The abrasion-resistant element is made of a hard material. More particularly, the hard material is SUJ2 bearing steel.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectWear resistance: Wear

Data Source

PatentEP4624097A1Durable torque tool

Publication Date: 2025.10.01 MATATAKITOYO TOOL

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AI summary

A torque tool includes a tubular handle, a hollow head, a rod and a rotating unit. The hollow head includes a tubular portion for receiving a section of the tubular handle. The rod includes a middle section pivotable in the tubular handle, a terminal section extending in the tubular portion, an extensive portion extending from the terminal section, and a concave portion located next to the extensive portion. The extensive and concave portions are located in the hollow head. The rotating unit includes a lever pivotable in the hollow head, a long protuberance extending from the lever, and a cutout located next to the long protuberance. The cutout receives the extensive portion. The long protuberance extends in the concave portion. The abrasion-resistant element includes a first portion in contact with the extensive portion and a second portion in contact with the long protuberance.