Torque Tool Locking Mechanism with Rotating Switching Ring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing torque tools, such as screwdrivers and wrenches, have complex and non-intuitive locking and unlocking mechanisms, making it difficult for users to easily adjust and secure the desired torque setting.
Innovation Solution
A torque tool design featuring a locking body with a switching ring and locking disc that allows for intuitive operation through a rotating mechanism, where the switching cones move along a control rail to alternate between locked and unlocked states, displayed via multiple viewing windows, enabling easy adjustment and secure locking regardless of hand preference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional locking mechanism is used to secure the adjusting body, then the torque setting can be secured against accidental adjustment, but the operation becomes complex and non-intuitive for users
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional locking mechanism operation: instead of requiring separate locking/unlocking actions, the adjusting body itself performs the locking function through its rotational movement. The adjusting body rotates to engage/disengage locking elements automatically, making the locking action intuitive and directly coupled with the adjustment action.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjusting body serves its own locking function without requiring a separate locking mechanism. As the adjusting body rotates to change torque settings, it automatically engages or disengages locking elements through its own movement, making the system self-sufficient and simplifying the overall structure.
2Ease of operation
If the adjusting body can be freely rotated for torque adjustment, then torque can be easily set, but the set torque can be accidentally adjusted during use
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism transitions dynamically between locked and unlocked states based on the rotational position of the adjusting body. The locking elements are designed to engage automatically at specific rotational positions, providing stable torque settings while allowing easy adjustment when needed. This dynamic behavior ensures both accessibility and security.
3Ease of operation
If a simple rotational mechanism is used for locking, then the operation becomes intuitive, but the reliability of the locking may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is segmented into multiple independent locking elements distributed around the adjusting body. Each locking element can engage independently with corresponding features on the handle, providing redundant locking points. This segmentation maintains the simple rotational operation while significantly enhancing locking reliability through multiple engagement points.
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
The design facilitates easy and reliable operation by allowing torque adjustment and locking/unlocking with a simple rotational movement, ensuring the desired torque is set and maintained without unintentional changes, enhancing user experience and operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a spring element (22) that loads the locking disc (21)
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~7
AI summary
The invention relates to a torque tool, in particular a torque screwdriver, having a handle (2) and an actuating body (7), which can be rotated about the longitudinal axis L of the handle (2) and is intended for setting a torque, wherein the actuating body (7) can be locked and unlocked in relation to the handle (2) by a locking body (9), wherein the locking body (9) is assigned a switching ring (18), wherein the switching ring (18) can be displaced linearly relative to the locking body (9), and the switching ring (18) has provided on it at least one switching lug (19), which is supported on a control track (20) in the actuating body (7), and the switching ring (18) and the locking body (9) have arranged between them a locking plate (21) and a spring element (22), which subjects the locking plate (21) to loading, wherein the locking plate (21) has catch bodies (30), which interact with catch mounts (31) in the handle (2), wherein rotation of the locking body (9) moves the switching pin (19) along the control track (20) and can cause the switching ring (18) of the locking plate (21) to move axially relative to the handle (2), as a result of which the catch bodies (30) can be moved out of the catch mounts (31) for the purpose of unlocking the actuating body (7) and can be brought into engagement with the catch mounts (31) for the purpose of locking the actuating body (7).