Dual-Beam Torque Wrench Linear Display Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional torque wrenches have limited resolution and visibility in displaying applied torque settings, making it difficult to accurately set and limit torque values, especially in high-torque applications.
Innovation Solution
A torque wrench design featuring a lever beam, deflecting beam, and a torque adjustment mechanism with a rack gear, pinion gear, and locking lever, which includes a linear display visible through a window in the handle, allowing for high-resolution and scalable torque readout and single-handed operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a conventional torque wrench design is used, then the device is simple in structure, but the torque resolution and visibility are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a traditional radial or compact display to a linear display that extends along the longitudinal axis of the handle. This dimensional change allows the torque readout to scale linearly with the applied torque, providing enhanced resolution and visibility without requiring a more complex mechanical structure. The linear display area increases in the direction of the handle's length, enabling precise torque indication while maintaining structural simplicity.
2Loss of information
If a traditional torque display mechanism is used, then the device is easy to manufacture, but the visibility and resolution of torque settings are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The torque adjustment mechanism is segmented into distinct functional components: a rack gear for linear movement, a pinion gear for rotational input, and a locking lever for position fixation. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured independently and assembled together, maintaining ease of manufacture while enabling the linear display functionality that improves torque visibility and information transmission to the user.
3Manufacturing precision
If a torque adjustment mechanism with multiple components is added, then torque setting precision is improved, but the number of components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the torque adjustment and locking functions into an integrated mechanism where the locking lever simultaneously engages with both the rack gear and the pinion gear. This combining of functions allows precise torque setting through the gear interaction while using a single locking component rather than separate adjustment and locking mechanisms, thereby improving precision without proportionally increasing the number of components.
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
Enhances torque resolution and visibility, enabling precise torque setting and limiting excessive torque application, while reducing components and allowing for single-handed operation.
Implementation Method 1
The torque adjustment mechanism includes a rack gear, a pinion gear coupled to the rack gear
Implementation Method 2
The pinion gear is coupled to the rack gear
Implementation Method 3
The locking lever is biased away from the rack gear
Implementation Method 4
The lever beam is coupled at one end to the handle and coupled at an opposite end to the head. The deflecting beam is coupled to the head and selectively coupled to the lever beam
Data Source
AI summary
A dual-beam torque wrench with a linear display and a linear locking member is provided. The torque wrench includes a head that couples to a socket to rotate a fastener or bolt. A housing of torque wrench extends from the head to form a handle. Within the housing forming the handle are two beams: a lever beam that transmits the force from the handle to the head and a deflecting beam that couples to the head and not the handle. The deflecting beam deflects away from the lever beam to indicate that a predetermined torque has been applied. A torque adjustment assembly moves the lever beam relative to the head to set the predetermined torque, and a pin follows the linear display to indicate to the user the set predetermined torque.