Torque Wrench Limit Switch Assembly Stabilizes Readout
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Solution Overview
Problem
Digital torque wrenches experience erroneous torque readings due to extraneous forces applied when the wrench clicks, leading to inaccurate displays, potentially causing operators to apply excessive or insufficient torque.
Innovation Solution
A limit switch assembly is integrated into the digital torque wrench, which stabilizes the readout by comparing real-time torque measurements to a set value, preventing temporary jumps in readings and ensuring accurate display of the applied torque.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a digital torque wrench with loadcell is used to measure torque, then measurement precision is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to erroneous readings from extraneous forces during clicking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a limit switch assembly as an intermediary component between the loadcell and the display system. This limit switch detects the clicking event (torque threshold exceeded) and uses this information to stabilize the display reading, preventing erroneous jumps caused by extraneous forces. The limit switch acts as a mediator that filters out noise and ensures reliable display output while maintaining the precision of the loadcell measurement.
2Ease of operation
If the torque wrench clicks to indicate threshold reached, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to extraneous forces on loadcell
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the limit switch detects the clicking event and sends a signal to stabilize the display reading. The system continuously monitors the torque through the loadcell, detects when the threshold is exceeded via the limit switch, and then adjusts the display output to prevent erroneous readings. This closed-loop feedback ensures that the clicking indication remains clear and easy to detect while maintaining measurement precision.
3Adaptability or versatility
If loadcell assembly with wire and PCBA is used in digital torque wrench, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases leading to reading instability
Solution Approach 1:
The limit switch assembly serves as an intermediary component that simplifies the interaction between the complex loadcell-PCBA system and the display. By introducing this intermediate element, the patent manages the complexity of the digital components while ensuring stable operation. The limit switch provides a simple mechanical-digital interface that stabilizes the system output without requiring major changes to the existing complex assembly.
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 limit switch assembly effectively prevents inaccurate torque readings, ensuring that the operator applies the correct amount of torque by maintaining a stable display, even during the 'click' event, thus enhancing the accuracy and reliability of the digital torque wrench.
Implementation Method 1
Within a digital torque wrench, loadcells may be a part of a loadcell assembly that also includes a loadcell holder, a wire and a printed circuit board assembly (PCBA). The wire of the loadcell assembly attaches the loadcell to the PCBA. As force is applied to the loadcell, it is converted into a change in electrical resistance that can then be measured.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention discloses a limit switch assembly for use with a digital torque wrench. The limit switch assembly is configured to prevents the micro-controller from displaying undesired jumps in real-time torque measurements. The limit switch assembly includes a housing, actuator that is movable between a first and second position and a biasing element that biases the actuator toward its first position. The limit switch assembly is characterized in that when the actuator is in its first position, the micro-controller will continually read the signals received from the loadcell and display the corresponding torque setting, and when the actuator is moved to its second position, the micro-controller marks the last received force measurement as Fset and marks the corresponding torque as Tset. Thereafter when the actuator is in the second position, and the digital torque wrench is used to apply torque to a work piece, force is applied to the loadcell and marked by the micro-controller as F1, which is converted to the corresponding torque measurement T1 and compared to Tset. If T1 is less than Tset or within a predetermined range thereof, the micro-controller will display T1. If T1 is greater than Tset and outside the predetermined range, the micro-controller will display Tset.