Torque Wrench Recalibration Interval Prediction From Drift

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing torque measurement devices, particularly electronic torque wrenches, face inaccuracies due to unpredictable recalibration intervals, leading to either premature or delayed recalibrations, which affect their precision and reliability.

Innovation Solution

A system and method for recalibrating torque measurement devices that predict the optimal recalibration interval based on a derived calibration function, determining deviations, and outputting an indication for timely recalibration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If periodic recalibration is performed at preset intervals, then the torque wrench is kept within specification, but the recalibration may occur prematurely or after the device is out of specification

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccuracy within specificationVSAvoidrecalibration timing inefficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system continuously monitors the actual torque measurements against the calibration function and calculates a deviation value. This feedback mechanism allows the system to determine when recalibration is actually needed based on measured performance degradation, rather than following a fixed schedule. The feedback loop compares expected vs. actual measurements and triggers recalibration only when deviation exceeds a threshold.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The recalibration interval is made dynamic rather than static. The system adjusts the predicted recalibration interval based on the calculated deviation and its rate of change. If deviation increases rapidly, the system predicts an earlier recalibration need; if deviation increases slowly, the interval can be extended. This dynamic adjustment optimizes recalibration timing based on actual device performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Measurement precision

If recalibration is performed frequently, then measurement accuracy is maintained, but unnecessary recalibrations increase time loss and operational disruption

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetorque measurement accuracyVSAvoidrecalibration frequency

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses continuous feedback from torque measurements to monitor calibration drift. By calculating the deviation between actual measurements and the calibration function, the system only initiates recalibration when precision actually degrades below acceptable levels, avoiding unnecessary recalibrations that would waste time while still maintaining measurement accuracy when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical/time-based recalibration schedule with an intelligent prediction system using processing circuitry. Instead of recalibrating based on fixed time intervals or usage counts, the system uses computational algorithms to predict when recalibration will be needed based on actual performance data, substituting mechanical scheduling with intelligent prediction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Productivity

If recalibration is delayed, then operational continuity is maintained, but the torque wrench may operate out of specification

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational continuityVSAvoidspecification compliance

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary analysis of calibration drift trends by calculating deviation and predicting future recalibration needs. This preliminary action allows the system to plan recalibrations in advance based on projected performance degradation, ensuring specification compliance is maintained while optimizing operational continuity by scheduling recalibrations at the most appropriate time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces reactive recalibration (done after deviation is detected) or rigid scheduled recalibration with a predictive system. The processing circuitry analyzes trends and predicts when recalibration will be needed, allowing operational planning that maintains both productivity and reliability by knowing in advance when specification compliance will be at risk.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS20260001201A1Recalibration of a Torque Measurement Device with Recalibration Interval Prediction

Publication Date: 2026.01.01 APEX BRANDS INC

AI summary

A method is provided for recalibrating an torque measurement device configured to determine a torque value of an applied torque using a calibration function derived during a calibration of the torque measurement device. The method includes performing a recalibration of the torque measurement device in which a second calibration function is derived and written to the torque measurement device (502). The method includes determining a deviation in the torque value determined using the calibration function relative to the second calibration function (504). The method includes predicting an interval from the recalibration to a next recalibration of the torque measurement device, for a different deviation over the next interval, based on the deviation, the different deviation, and the interval from the calibration to the recalibration (506). And the method includes outputting an indication of the interval from the recalibration to the next recalibration (508).