Torque Wrench Bending Force Adjustment Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users face difficulties in achieving smooth operation and optimal functionality with existing torque wrenches due to issues with button wear or malfunction, leading to poor user feedback and interface challenges when adjusting torque settings.
Innovation Solution
A torque wrench design incorporating a force detector and user interface that allows adjustable torque settings via bending force applied to the body, enabling intuitive and accurate adjustments through proportional or constant rate changes based on force direction and magnitude.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If buttons or traditional adjusters are used for torque setting adjustment, then the device structure is simple, but the reliability deteriorates due to button wear and malfunction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical button adjusters with a force detector that senses bending forces applied to the torque wrench body. This substitution eliminates wear-prone mechanical components while maintaining adjustment functionality through electronic sensing of user input forces.
Solution Approach 2:
The torque wrench body itself serves as the input interface for adjustment. Users apply bending force directly to the wrench body, and the force detector converts this natural handling action into adjustment commands, eliminating the need for separate adjuster mechanisms.
2Ease of operation
If traditional buttons or adjusters are used, then the device structure is simple, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to poor user feedback and interface challenges
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical button interfaces with electronic force sensing that detects bending moments applied to the wrench body. This provides continuous, smooth adjustment with immediate digital feedback, eliminating the discrete stepping and mechanical resistance of traditional buttons.
Solution Approach 2:
The force detector acts as an intermediary that translates natural user handling forces into precise torque setting adjustments. This intermediary layer provides smooth, wear-free translation of user intent while maintaining intuitive physical interaction.
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 a more intuitive and comfortable method for users to adjust torque settings, offering flexibility and accuracy in adjustments, enhancing the overall usability and reliability of the torque wrench.
Implementation Method 1
a force detector operably coupled to the body and configured to detect a bending force applied to the body
Data Source
AI summary
A torque wrench (100, 400) may include a body (410), a force detector (420) operably coupled to the body and configured to detect a bending force applied to the body, and a user interface (140) operably coupled to the body and the force detector. The user interface may be configured to include a setting mode in which a variable feature of the torque wrench is adjustable. The user interface may be further configured to, when in the setting mode, adjust the variable feature based on the bending force applied to the body and detected by the force detector.