Torque Tool Abrasion Resistance Through Rolling-Friction Contact
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional torque tools experience friction-induced wear between the recess and rounded end, leading to precision loss and potential damage when the torque limit is reached, resulting in unnecessary noise and energy waste.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of an abrasion-resistant element, such as a roller or ball made of SUJ2 bearing steel, into the torque tool design to minimize wear by allowing it to roll relative to the rod, reducing contact area and preventing damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a recess and rounded end design is used for the rotating unit, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but friction causes wear and precision loss over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary element (the rounded end with reduced radius) between the recess and the rod to mediate the contact interaction. This intermediary design reduces the contact area and friction between surfaces, thereby minimizing wear while maintaining manufacturing simplicity. The rounded end acts as a mediator that transfers force with reduced frictional contact.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by modifying specific contact surfaces (reducing the radius of the rounded end to 0.5-2mm) while leaving other parts unchanged. This localized modification concentrates the design improvement at the critical wear point (the contact interface) without requiring changes to the entire structure, thus maintaining ease of manufacture while improving reliability.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If the rod hits the tubular handle to provide a sound warning, then the user is alerted that torque limit is reached, but this causes noise and potential damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the potentially harmful impact (rod hitting tubular handle) into a beneficial audible warning signal. By designing the rod to pivot and contact the tubular handle at a controlled manner, the impact energy is converted into a sound wave that alerts the user, rather than causing damage. The harmful kinetic energy is transformed into a useful acoustic signal.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic design by making the rod pivotable rather than fixed. The rod can dynamically pivot during operation and only contacts the tubular handle when the torque limit is reached, allowing controlled interaction that produces audio warning without causing damage. This dynamic behavior enables the system to adapt between normal operation (no contact) and limit indication (controlled contact).
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 wear and energy loss by maintaining precision and reducing noise, ensuring durable operation without the need for excessive force application.
Implementation Method 1
an abrasion-resistant element, such as a roller or ball made of SUJ2 bearing steel, into the torque tool design to minimize wear by allowing it to roll relative to the rod
Data Source
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.