Torque-Wrench Attachment with Adjustable Moment Arm
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Solution Overview
Problem
Torque wrenches face challenges when applying torque to fasteners in confined spaces, requiring wrench extensions or adaptors, which necessitate time-consuming correction factor computations to ensure accurate torque application and are prone to errors due to varying geometries.
Innovation Solution
A torque-wrench attachment with a chassis, wrench head, and translating element that allows for an adjustable angle between the torque axis and the handle axis, enabling automatic compensation of torque variations through a varying moment arm, eliminating the need for manual calculations and reducing operator error.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If wrench extensions or adaptors are used to access confined spaces, then the ability to apply torque to fasteners in confined spaces is improved, but the complexity of the device increases and manual correction factor computations are required
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment device incorporates a translating element that dynamically adjusts the moment arm length based on the angle between the torque axis and handle axis. This dynamic adjustment automatically compensates for torque variations when using extensions or adaptors, eliminating the need for manual correction factors while maintaining the ability to access confined spaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The device changes the geometric parameter of the moment arm length in response to angle variations. By making the moment arm variable rather than fixed, the system automatically adapts to different configurations when extensions or adaptors are used, resolving the contradiction between versatility and complexity.
2Measurement precision
If correction factors are manually computed for each extension or adaptor configuration, then accurate torque application is achieved, but the time required for computation and the potential for error increase
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment device performs self-adjustment through its mechanical design. The translating element automatically modifies the moment arm length based on the operating angle, enabling the device to self-correct for torque variations without requiring manual computation of correction factors, thus eliminating time loss and computational errors.
Solution Approach 2:
The translating element acts as an intermediary mechanism between the force application and the torque generation. It mediates the relationship between the handle and the wrench head by dynamically adjusting the moment arm, automatically compensating for angular deviations without requiring external computation or intervention.
3Device complexity
If the moment arm length is fixed, then the device structure is simpler, but torque variations occur when the angle between torque axis and handle axis changes
Solution Approach 1:
The translating element introduces dynamic capability to the moment arm length, allowing it to vary with the operating angle. This dynamic adjustment maintains consistent torque application across different angles while adding minimal structural complexity, as the translation mechanism integrates smoothly with the existing attachment components.
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 solution provides consistent and predictable torque application over a range of angles, reducing installation time and minimizing errors by automatically adjusting the force imparted to the torque wrench handle, ensuring accurate torque delivery without manual calculations.
Implementation Method 1
a moment arm between the click-pivot axis and the centroid of the contact surface of the translating element along the first longitudinal central axis of the torque-wrench handle varies as a function of the adjustable angle between the torque axis of the wrench head and the first longitudinal central axis
Data Source
AI summary
A torque-wrench attachment (100) comprises a chassis (140) and a wrench head (110) comprising a second longitudinal central axis (203) and a torque axis (112). The torque axis (112) of the wrench head (110) has an adjustable angle (190) relative to a first longitudinal central axis (202) of a torque-wrench handle (200). The torque-wrench attachment (100) also comprises a link (150) and a translating element (160). The translating element (160) comprises a contact surface (162). The contact surface (162) is movable along the first longitudinal central axis (202), and a moment arm (180) between the click-pivot axis (144) and a centroid (602) varies as a function of the adjustable angle (190).