Torque Wrench Adjustment System with Electric Motor Chuck
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Click type torque wrenches require numerous repetitive motions to adjust torque values, leading to user fatigue and potential injury, and existing solutions have been inadequate in minimizing these motions while maintaining accuracy and portability.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing an electric motor with a self-centering chuck and safety features, allowing the torque wrench head to be rotated automatically while the handle is restrained, reducing the need for manual rotations and incorporating a portable design with adjustable components for various wrench sizes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual rotation of the wrench handle is used to adjust torque values, then the wrench can be adjusted to any desired torque setting, but the operator must perform numerous repetitive wrist rotations (20-45 turns) leading to fatigue and potential injury
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical rotation system with an electric motor-driven system. The motor automatically rotates the wrench head to compress the internal spring, eliminating the need for repetitive manual wrist rotations. This substitution directly resolves the contradiction by maintaining full adjustment capability while removing the harmful repetitive motion element.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service operation where the motor automatically performs the rotation and compression tasks that would otherwise require manual operator intervention. The operator simply initiates the process, and the system serves itself by automatically adjusting the torque value through motor-driven rotation, eliminating operator fatigue from repetitive motions.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If an electric motor system is introduced to automate handle rotation, then repetitive motions are minimized, but device complexity and portability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the torque wrench into two independent functional parts: the handle (which remains stationary and is held by the operator) and the wrench head (which is mounted on the motor and rotates automatically). This segmentation allows the complex motorized function to be isolated to just the head portion, minimizing overall system complexity while maintaining portability.
Solution Approach 2:
The motorized system is designed with universal applicability to work with standard torque wrenches. The motor unit can be attached to various wrench types, making the system multi-functional and reducing the need for multiple specialized devices, thereby managing complexity through standardization rather than customization.
3Productivity
If the wrench handle is rotated manually to adjust torque values, then the system remains simple and portable, but the operator must perform 240-270 turns to check a single wrench in quality assurance testing
Solution Approach 1:
The electric motor automatically performs the rotation task required for quality assurance testing, replacing the manual mechanical rotation. This substitution increases productivity by eliminating the need for operators to manually turn the handle 240-270 times, directly addressing the time loss issue while maintaining inspection accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The motor enables continuous automatic rotation of the wrench head through the full range of motion required for testing, maintaining continuous useful action without the interruptions and fatigue associated with manual operation. This continuity significantly reduces the time required for quality assurance inspections while ensuring complete coverage of the torque adjustment range.
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
Significantly reduces the number of repetitive motions required to adjust torque values, enhancing user safety and convenience while maintaining precision and portability, thus minimizing operator fatigue and injury risks.
Implementation Method 1
an electric motor with a self-centering chuck... allowing the torque wrench head to be rotated automatically
Data Source
AI summary
A system for adjusting torque value settings on click type torque wrenches. The system is configured to limit repetitive motions by an operator including limiting repetitive wrist movements to rotate a wrench handle, while also providing a very portable and easy to use system with built-in safety features. The system includes an electric motor or driver that is operable, e.g., by manual movement of a lever on a controller or control signals from a digital controller, to rotate the head of the wrench while the operator holds the wrench handle in an unlocked configuration. The operator inserts the head of the wrench into an adaptive, self-centering chuck provided at the output of the electric motor. A tool rest extends from a base of the system at an end opposite the mounting chuck, and this rest is configured to support the body of the wrench parallel to the motor shaft.