Torque Wrench Display Segmentation for Peak and Current Readouts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic torque wrenches often fail to provide simultaneous display of current and peak torque values, leading to potential over or under-torquing of fasteners, and are affected by temperature variations that impact accuracy.
Innovation Solution
An electronic torque wrench with a digital display showing both current and peak torque values as a percentage of a preset value, along with temperature compensation to ensure accurate readings, allowing for continuous monitoring and alerting the user of torque limits through visual and auditory cues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If only current torque value is displayed, then the display is simple, but the user does not get immediate feedback regarding the actual peak torque value
Solution Approach 1:
The display is segmented into distinct regions: a first display region shows the current torque value while a second display region shows the peak torque value. This segmentation allows both types of information to be presented simultaneously without overwhelming the user, resolving the contradiction between providing complete information and maintaining display simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from displaying torque values in a single dimension (one value at a time) to displaying them in multiple dimensions (current and peak values simultaneously in different regions). This dimensional expansion allows comprehensive torque monitoring without significantly increasing perceived display complexity.
2Loss of information
If only peak torque value is displayed, then the maximum torque information is available, but the user is ignorant of the current torque level
Solution Approach 1:
The display area is divided into functional segments where one segment dedicatedly displays current torque level and another segment displays peak torque value. This segmentation ensures that neither piece of information is lost while keeping the overall display structure simple and organized.
3Productivity
If torque is applied quickly, then productivity is improved, but friction forces cause inaccurate readings and potential over-torquing
Solution Approach 1:
The dual-display system provides continuous feedback to the user showing both current torque level and peak torque value. This feedback mechanism allows the user to monitor torque application in real-time and adjust the speed of torque application to maintain measurement accuracy while still achieving reasonable productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The display dynamically adapts to show different torque information based on the operational state. During torque application, the system continuously updates both current and peak values, allowing the user to respond dynamically to friction conditions and maintain measurement precision regardless of application speed.
4Measurement precision
If strain gages are used for torque measurement, then accurate torque measurement is achieved, but temperature variations affect the accuracy of readings
Solution Approach 1:
The system compensates for temperature effects by adjusting the torque measurement parameters based on detected temperature conditions. This parameter adjustment maintains measurement precision despite temperature variations affecting the strain gage readings.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful effect of temperature on strain gage readings into a measurable parameter. By detecting temperature variations and using them to compensate for their own effect on the measurement, the system turns a source of error into a correction mechanism, maintaining accuracy despite thermal influences.
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
Enables accurate and simultaneous display of current and peak torque values, reducing the risk of over or under-torquing and improving measurement precision by compensating for temperature effects, thus enhancing the reliability of torque applications.
Implementation Method 1
Strain gages that are used in electronic torque wrenches to measure applied torque
Implementation Method 2
it is often necessary to measure the existing temperature and adjust the displayed torque value
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic torque wrench for engaging a workpiece, the electronic torque wrench including a wrench body and a wrench head disposed on the wrench body, the wrench head being configured to engage the workpiece. A grip handle is disposed on the wrench body opposite the wrench head and a user interface is carried by the wrench body. The user interface includes a digital display with a first readout and a second readout, and an input device for inputting a preset torque value. The first readout displays a peak torque value continuously during operations and the second readout displays an applied torque value continuously during operations.