Torque wrench with electronic sensor for self-calibration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional torque wrenches suffer from wear over time, leading to errors between the set and true torque values, which can compromise the security of mechanical equipment or structures, requiring users to send the wrench back to the manufacturer for correction.

Innovation Solution

A torque wrench with a mechanical trip mechanism and electronic torque sensor that allows users to correct the torque value by detecting the true trip torque and adjusting the elastic force, enabling precise calibration of the mechanical structure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a mechanical torque wrench with trip mechanism is used, then the wrench can provide alert effect when torque reaches set value, but the trip mechanism wears over time causing error between set torque value and true trip torque value

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetorque measurement accuracyVSAvoidservice life of trip mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the purely mechanical trip mechanism with an electronic torque sensor system that uses strain gauges to detect torque values. This electronic substitution eliminates the wear problems of mechanical components while maintaining torque detection functionality, directly resolving the contradiction between reliability and service life.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables users to perform torque value correction themselves through a correction mechanism that adjusts the relationship between set torque values and actual torque values. This self-service capability eliminates the need to send the wrench to manufacturers for correction, maintaining reliability while extending the effective service life by enabling user-maintained accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If the trip mechanism is worn, then the set torque value does not match the true trip torque value, but sending the wrench back to manufacturer for correction is inconvenient and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetorque value accuracyVSAvoidtime for torque correction

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates a torque correction mechanism that allows users to perform calibration themselves using standard weights or reference torque values. The correction mechanism adjusts internal parameters to realign set torque values with actual torque output, enabling users to maintain accuracy without returning to manufacturers, thus eliminating time loss while preserving reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Measurement precision

If electronic torque sensor is added to detect true torque value, then the torque value error can be corrected, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetorque detection accuracyVSAvoidstructure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical measurement mechanisms with electronic torque sensors and strain gauges that provide more accurate measurements with simpler structural implementation. The electronic system requires fewer moving parts and maintenance while delivering superior measurement precision, resolving the contradiction between accuracy and complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 users to accurately correct torque values, ensuring the wrench applies the necessary torque without needing professional intervention, thereby enhancing user convenience and equipment safety.

Implementation Method 1

a front end of the elastic member elastically abutting against the abutment member

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic force: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

at least one torque sensor disposed on one side of the flexible rod for detecting the strain of the flexible rod

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectStrain detection: Piezoresistive Effect

Data Source

PatentUS9561583B2Torque wrench capable of correcting torque and torque correction method thereof

Publication Date: 2017.02.07 KABO TOOL COMPANY

AI summary

A torque wrench includes a mechanical structure and an electronic structure. The mechanical structure includes a tubular body, a flexible rod, an abutment member, an elastic member, a trip mechanism, an adjustment mechanism and a mechanical scale indication mounted in the tubular body for indicating the set torque of the wrench. The electronic structure includes at least one torque sensor and a display unit. When correcting the torque value of the mechanical structure, a force is applied to the wrench and the torque sensor detects the trip torque value of the wrench. The torque value of the mechanical structure is adjusted to match the torque value detected by the torque sensor so as to eliminate the error of the torque value of the mechanical structure.