Torque Wrench Handle and Head Piece Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing torque wrenches used in surgery and prosthetics have complex designs with numerous small parts, making cleaning difficult and time-consuming, and they lack a ratchet function for easy tool engagement and disengagement, as well as adaptability to different tools and shapes.
Innovation Solution
A torque wrench design featuring a handle with a resilient torque arm and locking mechanism that allows for easy assembly and disassembly, a ratchet element for one-way rotation, and a head piece with interchangeable tool compatibility, all made from a single blank to reduce material waste and facilitate cleaning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If torque wrenches are designed with numerous small parts for functionality, then the device can perform multiple operations, but cleaning becomes difficult and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functional components into a single integrated head piece structure. The head piece integrates the tool receiving chamber, locking mechanism, and engagement features into one monolithic component that can be detached from the handle, reducing the number of separate parts while maintaining versatility for different surgical tools.
Solution Approach 2:
The torque wrench is divided into two main separable sections: a handle portion and a head piece portion. This segmentation allows the head piece to be easily detached for cleaning while the handle remains intact, simplifying the cleaning process without compromising the device's functional versatility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If torque wrenches have multiple detachable components for adaptability, then different tools can be used, but assembly and disassembly become tedious
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism and tool engagement features are merged into the single head piece structure, allowing all tool interchange operations to be performed through one detachable connection between the handle and head piece, rather than multiple separate assembly steps.
3Reliability
If torque wrenches are designed with traditional multi-part structures, then functional requirements are met, but cleaning efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The head piece is designed as a separate detachable component from the handle, creating a clear segmentation that allows the head piece to be easily removed and cleaned independently. This single-piece head design eliminates internal crevices and multiple small parts that would trap debris, significantly improving cleaning efficiency while maintaining hygiene compliance.
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
The design enhances ease of use, cleaning efficiency, and adaptability, ensuring secure tool engagement and disengagement while allowing for precise torque application and reduced manual handling during manufacturing.
Implementation Method 1
a resilient torque arm (10) with a proximal end attached to the body element (8), and a distal end (14)
Implementation Method 2
a ratchet element (34) that is adapted to engage with a tool piece in a ratchet device or a ratchet gear
Implementation Method 3
The first locking element (22) may comprise a resilient, straight first locking arm (24) extending in a first direction parallel to the first axis (X)
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
The present invention relates to a handle (4),a head piece (6) and a wrench, such as a torque wrench, in particular for use in surgery and prosthetics, such as surgery and prosthetics within the dental field. A handle (4) for a wrench is provided, wherein the handle comprises an elongated body element (8) extending along a first axis, and a torque arm (10) for indicating the torque applied to the torque arm (10), the torque arm having a proximal end attached to the body element (8). Furthermore, the handle (4) comprises a first locking element (22), the first locking element being adapted to removably engage with a locking element (22) of a head piece, and the handle (4) further comprises a ratchet element (34) that is adapted to engage with a tool piece in a ratchet gear.