Low-Profile Torque Wrench Coupling for Cross-Brand Ratchet Links
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hydraulic torque wrench systems are limited by proprietary connections between power heads and ratchet links, preventing compatibility with ratchet links from different manufacturers and restricting their use in tight clearance applications.
Innovation Solution
A low profile power head design with a first connection unit featuring a stem and opposed arms that fit within the connection slot of a ratchet link, and a second connection unit with a bottom projection and bore, allowing the power head to couple with various ratchet links, including those from different manufacturers, while maintaining a compact profile.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If a conventional power head with a pin connection is used, then the power head can couple to a ratchet link, but the power head width is always greater than the ratchet link width, preventing low profile operation
Solution Approach 1:
The connection unit is divided into a stem portion and opposed arm portions, where the arms can be received within the connection slot of the ratchet link. This segmentation allows the connection function to be distributed across multiple structural elements that can fit within tighter spatial constraints.
Solution Approach 2:
The opposed arms of the connection unit are designed to be received within the connection slot of the ratchet link, creating a nested configuration where the power head connection elements fit inside the ratchet link structure. This nesting enables the power head width to be equal to or less than the ratchet link width.
2Shape
If a proprietary connection design is used, then the power head can maintain a low profile, but it cannot couple to ratchet links from different manufacturers
Solution Approach 1:
The connection unit with its stem and opposed arms is designed to interface with the widely used connection slot configuration found in ratchet links from multiple manufacturers. This universal design allows the power head to couple with various ratchet links while maintaining a low profile, eliminating the need for proprietary connection designs.
3Shape
If the power head width is reduced for low profile operation, then access to fasteners in tight clearances is improved, but the coupling mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The stem and opposed arms are formed as integral portions of a single connection unit, which is itself integrated into the power head housing. This merging of functions into a unified structure achieves the low profile width requirement while avoiding the complexity of multiple separate components.
Data Source
AI summary
A hydraulic torque wrench system including a low profile power head connectable to a ratchet link is disclosed. The power head includes a housing having opposed side walls with a width therebetween. A first connection unit located on the front wall of the housing includes a front projection having a stem and opposed arms. The stem has opposed side walls that extend from the front wall of the housing to a radiused free end. The opposed arms extend laterally from the opposed side walls. The first connection unit is coupled a connection slot in the ratchet link. A second connection unit located on the bottom wall of the housing includes a bottom projection with a bore. The second connection unit is coupled to a bore in the ratchet link by a pin. The opposed arms span a distance that is less than or equal to the width of the housing.