Torque Wrench Evaluation via Click, Peak, and Release Point Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for testing mechanical and mechatronic torque wrenches are unreliable in detecting correct handling and potential mechanical or material issues, as they may misinterpret torque curves, leading to inaccurate assessments of click and peak points without considering the release point.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that detect and measure torque at the click point, peak point, and release point, with the release torque value being typically lower, allowing for a comprehensive evaluation of the torque wrench's condition and handling accuracy by determining if all points are correctly detected.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If only peak torque at peak point is measured, then measurement is simple, but reliability of testing is insufficient and cannot detect if click point was reached
Solution Approach 1:
The torque measurement process is segmented into three distinct phases: click point detection, peak point detection, and release point detection. Each phase measures a specific torque value (click torque, peak torque, release torque) to provide comprehensive testing information without overwhelming complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The testing approach transitions from measuring only torque magnitude to measuring torque across multiple temporal dimensions (click point, peak point, release point). This multi-dimensional measurement provides reliability verification while maintaining manageable complexity.
2Device complexity
If only click point and click torque value are detected, then testing is simpler, but reliability is insufficient and wrong handling cannot be detected
Solution Approach 1:
The testing methodology is divided into sequential detection stages: click point detection, peak point detection, and release point detection. This segmentation allows systematic verification of torque wrench operation while maintaining clear procedural structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides feedback through multiple torque measurements (click torque, peak torque, release torque) to verify correct operation. The comparison of these values provides feedback on whether the torque wrench was handled correctly and is functioning properly.
3Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If torque curve shape is used for detection, then detection is easier, but torque wrench cannot be tricked into false positive readings
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of relying on overall curve shape analysis, the method segments the torque measurement into three distinct points (click, peak, release). This segmentation provides specific verification markers that are harder to fake while maintaining clear detection criteria.
Solution Approach 2:
The method replaces subjective curve shape interpretation with objective torque value comparisons at specific points. This substitution of mechanical/visual analysis with quantitative measurement reduces the risk of false positives while maintaining detection simplicity.
4Reliability
If release point detection is added to the testing method, then reliability of evaluation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The testing procedure is segmented into three clear measurement phases (click, peak, release), with each phase having a specific detection criterion. This segmentation structure makes the added complexity manageable and systematic rather than arbitrary.
Solution Approach 2:
The release point detection serves multiple functions: verifying click mechanism operation, detecting wrong handling, and providing additional reliability verification. This multi-functionality justifies the added measurement step by providing multiple benefits from a single additional detection point.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for evaluating a condition of a torque wrench includes connecting the torque wrench to an adapter, detecting a click point, where a click mechanism of the torque wrench is decoupled from a first position into a second position, and measuring a click torque value at the click point, detecting a peak point and measuring a peak torque value at the peak point, detecting a release point, where the click mechanism is moving back from the second position into the first position, and measuring a release torque value at the release point, determining that the evaluation was performed correctly if the click point, the peak point and the release point were detected.