Torque Wrench Test Bench With OCR Display Reading

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing test benches for torque wrenches, particularly those with visual monitoring systems, face challenges in fully automating the test cycle due to the lack of a universal communication protocol and the need for human intervention to read and digit wrench display values, especially for wrenches without a compatible interface.

Innovation Solution

A test bench equipped with a video camera and decoding/reading program to automatically read and acquire wrench display values, using computer vision and OCR technology, allowing the bench to manage the entire test cycle without operator intervention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If a video camera and decoding program are added to read wrench display values, then automation extent and productivity are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomation of test cycleVSAvoidcomplexity of test bench

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual reading and data entry operations with an automated optical measurement system. A video camera captures images of the wrench display, and decoding software automatically extracts measurement values, substituting the mechanical/manual process with an automated electromechanical system. This resolves the contradiction by achieving full automation while managing complexity through software-based solutions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If manual reading and digitization of wrench display values is performed, then device complexity is reduced, but loss of time and productivity decrease

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetest cycle efficiencyVSAvoidtime for manual reading and data entry

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables continuous automated operation by implementing an optical measurement system that continuously captures and processes display values without interruption. The video camera and decoding software operate continuously during the test cycle, eliminating the discontinuous manual reading process and thereby increasing productivity while reducing time loss.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Reliability

If human operators read and digitize wrench display values, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability decreases due to human error

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccuracy of measurement dataVSAvoidcomplexity of automated reading system

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a self-service automated system where the test bench independently captures, decodes, and processes display values without human intervention. The video camera and decoding software form a self-contained automated measurement system that eliminates human error while managing complexity through integrated software solutions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

4Adaptability or versatility

If a universal optical measurement system is implemented, then adaptability is improved for different wrench types, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompatibility with different wrench interfacesVSAvoidcomplexity of decoding software

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal optical measurement system using a video camera and decoding software that can handle different wrench types and display formats. The system is designed to be adaptable to various wrench interfaces through software configuration rather than hardware modifications, achieving universality while managing complexity through flexible software architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

Enables fully automated testing of torque wrenches by decoding and acquiring wrench measurements, ensuring accurate and repeatable results without human error, regardless of the wrench's communication interface.

Implementation Method 1

a video camera (43) positioned so as to frame the display (22) of the wrench (2) under test

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight reflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS20260029287A1Test benches to check correct operation of torque wrenches fitted with visual monitoring systems and acquisition of wrench readings

Publication Date: 2026.01.29 ATLAS COPCO IND TECHNIQUE AB INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY DEPARTMENT

AI summary

A test bench to check correct operation of a torque wrench may include: at least one transducer including a first head configured to rotate and configured to couple with a second head of the wrench, wherein the wrench includes a first display configured to display parameters related to tightening, and wherein the at least one transducer is configured to measure the parameters related to the tightening exerted by the wrench; an electronic processing unit configured to control load exerted by the at least one transducer according to predetermined tightening programs which vary depending on the wrench; and a support station configured to receive the wrench. The station may be further configured to rotate around an axis, so that the first and second heads rotate in unison. The station may include at least one video camera configured to read the parameters related to the tightening from the first display.