Self-Adjusting Torque Wrench Adapter for Multi-Size Fasteners
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional torque wrenches require a large assortment of sockets in different sizes to accommodate various fasteners, leading to inconvenience, expense, and delays in matching the correct socket, as each fastener often necessitates a new socket for proper torque application.
Innovation Solution
A torque wrench with an adjustable adapter module that includes a gear train, a driver with integral lobes, and clamps that can radially engage and lock onto a range of different sized fasteners, allowing for versatile torque application without the need for multiple sockets.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a large assortment of sockets of different sizes is carried to accommodate various fasteners, then the torque wrench can address different fastener sizes, but the burden on the technician and cost to stock and maintain increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter is designed with a universal mechanism that can accommodate multiple fastener sizes through a single device. The adapter includes a driver with integral lobes and clamps that can adjust to engage different sized fasteners, eliminating the need for multiple specialized sockets.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter incorporates dynamic adjustment capabilities through springs that bias clamps away from fasteners and guides with radially oriented channels that allow the clamps to move and engage with different sized fasteners. This dynamic mechanism enables the same adapter to adapt to various fastener dimensions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple sockets of different sizes are maintained to handle various fasteners, then all fastener sizes can be serviced, but the expense to stock and maintain increases
Solution Approach 1:
A single adapter design serves multiple functions by accommodating different fastener sizes through its adjustable clamp mechanism, replacing the need to stock multiple specialized sockets.
Solution Approach 2:
The function of multiple different-sized sockets is merged into a single adapter unit that combines the capabilities of various sockets through its adjustable engagement mechanism.
3Reliability
If the correct socket is matched to a given fastener, then proper torque application is achieved, but time is delayed in matching the correct socket
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter performs self-adjustment through its spring-biased clamps and guided movement mechanism, automatically adapting to the fastener size without requiring manual selection or matching by the technician.
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic clamp mechanism with radial channels allows the adapter to automatically adjust its engagement geometry to match different fastener sizes, eliminating the time-consuming process of selecting the correct socket.
4Reliability
If a new socket is required for each new fastener encountered, then each fastener can be properly addressed, but efficiency is reduced due to frequent changes
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter's universal design allows it to properly engage different fastener types and sizes without requiring changes, maintaining reliable torque application while improving operational efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustable clamp mechanism dynamically adapts to different fastener configurations, ensuring proper engagement while eliminating the need for frequent socket changes, thereby improving productivity.
Data Source
AI summary
A torque wrench is disclosed for use in rotating a range of different sized fasteners. The torque wrench may include an input end configured to receive a torsional input, and a gear train operatively driven to rotate by the torsional input. The torque wrench may also include an adjustable adapter connected to the gear train at an output end and configured to adjustably engage the range of different sized fasteners, and a housing configured to enclose the gear train and the adjustable adapter.