Torque Wrench with Integrated Marking Member
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing torque wrenches used for tightening bolts in railway applications are cumbersome and inefficient due to the need for separate tools for tightening and marking, wasting time and being difficult to handle in confined spaces.
Innovation Solution
A torque wrench with a dual-function design that allows for both tightening and marking in different angular orientations, incorporating a marking member that can be accessed by rotating the wrench, featuring a wedging member for precise marking and a paint cartridge for continuous marking between the screw and nut, with optional communication modules for data exchange.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a separate marking pen is used to mark the bolt after tightening, then the marking can be clearly visible for detecting loosening, but the operator must alternate between torque wrench and marking pen which wastes time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the marking pen and torque wrench into a single integrated tool. The marking member is positioned on the torque wrench handle or body, allowing the operator to perform both tightening and marking operations with one tool without switching between separate instruments, thereby eliminating time loss while maintaining clear marking visibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The torque wrench is designed with multi-functionality by incorporating a marking member that can apply visible marks to the bolt. This universal tool performs both the tightening function (torque application) and the marking function (visual indication), allowing one instrument to fulfill multiple operational requirements that previously needed separate tools.
2Loss of time
If a marking pen is attached directly to the torque wrench to mark the bolt during tightening, then time is saved, but the dimensions of the torque wrench become large which penalizes handling in confined spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The marking member is integrated into the torque wrench structure in a nested or compact manner, where the marking components are positioned within or alongside existing wrench elements rather than as external attachments. This nesting approach minimizes the overall increase in tool dimensions while maintaining the dual functionality of tightening and marking capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The marking member is positioned to extend in a plane transverse to the clamping axis, utilizing the transverse dimension rather than increasing the longitudinal length of the wrench. This dimensional approach allows the marking function to be added without significantly increasing the wrench's length or bulk, preserving ease of handling in confined spaces.
3Ease of operation
If the marking member extends in a plane transverse to the clamping axis, then the marking member can have large dimensions without hindering the operator during clamping, but the marking alignment precision may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The wrench includes alignment features such as a longitudinal body extending along a wrench axis and positioning mechanisms that pre-align the marking member with the bolt before the marking action occurs. This preliminary alignment ensures that even though the marking member extends in a transverse plane for operator comfort, the actual marking is applied with precise alignment to the bolt surface.
Data Source
Figure 1~4
Figure 5~8
AI summary
A tightening wrench (1) comprising a longitudinal body (10), extending along a wrench axis (Xc), having a handle (11) suitable for being gripped by hand by an operator and a tightening head (12) extending along a tightening axis (Xs) suitable for cooperating with an axial bolt (B) in a first angular orientation of the wrench around its wrench axis (Xc), the wrench (1) having at least one marking element (4) suitable for marking an axial bolt in a second angular orientation of the wrench around its wrench axis (Xc).