Torque wrench with image analysis for automated screwing location logging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for screwing vehicle parts require high personnel involvement and manual logging of torque, making it inefficient and costly to ensure accurate torque application at specific screwing locations.
Innovation Solution
A device and method utilizing an image recording unit to monitor the work area and analyze images to automatically log torque and rotation angles at specific screwing locations, using a tool unit with a torque wrench and identification marks, and a data processing unit to generate protocol tuples for verification and feedback.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual monitoring and logging of torque is performed by skilled workers according to the four-eyes principle, then high reliability in maintaining specified torque is achieved, but high personnel costs and significant labor requirement occur
Solution Approach 1:
The torque wrench performs self-monitoring and self-logging of torque values through integrated sensors and electronic recording devices. The tool automatically captures torque data, eliminates the need for manual observation and recording by workers, while maintaining reliable torque control through automated feedback mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
Manual mechanical monitoring and paper-based logging are replaced by electronic sensors, digital memory storage, and automated data processing systems within the torque wrench. This substitution eliminates the need for human operators to manually record torque values while preserving measurement accuracy and reliability
2Productivity
If torque logging is performed without location identification, then sequential logging of tightening operations is achieved, but manual assignment and recording of locations are necessary
Solution Approach 1:
The torque wrench integrates multiple functions including torque measurement, location identification via image capture, and data logging into a single unified device. The image recording unit and torque sensor work together to simultaneously capture both location visual information and torque measurement data, eliminating the need for separate manual location assignment processes
Solution Approach 2:
Image data captured by the integrated recording unit serves as an intermediary that links torque measurements to specific locations. The images act as visual identifiers that automatically associate torque log entries with their corresponding fastening locations, replacing manual location assignment with automated image-based identification
3Extent of automation
If image analysis is used to recognize objects and screwing locations, then automatic generation of location-related torque reports is achieved, but additional equipment and processing requirements occur
Solution Approach 1:
The torque wrench is designed as a multi-functional universal tool that combines torque measurement, image capture, image analysis, and automated report generation capabilities. This single device performs multiple functions that would otherwise require separate equipment, reducing overall system complexity despite the advanced capabilities integrated into the tool
Data Source
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AI summary
The device according to the invention for screwing objects has a tool unit (200), a rotational specification output device (230), and a data processing unit (400) which is designed to detect torque data which describes the torque applied during the screwing process. Furthermore, an image capturing unit (300) is provided which is designed to capture an image of a working region with at least one section of an object (100) to be screwed and to provide the captured image data, and the data processing unit (400) has an image analysis unit (450) which is designed to detect the object (100), the tool unit (200), a screw location, and a corresponding rotational angle on the object (100) in the captured image and to generate a protocol tuple (p) with data that describes the detected screwing location and includes the detected torque data in a mutually assigned manner. A method according to the invention for screwing objects has the following steps: - capturing a spatial image of a working region using a stereo camera,the detected image comprising at least one section of an object (100) to be screwed; detecting the object (100) and a screwing location on the object (100) from the one or more captured images; - automatically detecting a torque applied during the screwing process by means of the tool unit (200); and generating a protocol tuple of data which describes the screwing location and the torque in a mutually assigned manner.