Torque Wrench with Recognition Device for Automated Tightening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing torque wrenches require manual consultation of manuals or databases to set the correct torque value for tightening, leading to potential errors due to incorrect association of torque values with elements and cumbersome operation.
Innovation Solution
A torque wrench with a recognition device, such as a bar code reader or QR code reader, connected to a control unit that automatically sets the torque value by associating it with the recognized element, eliminating the need for manual data entry and ensuring accurate torque settings through automatic operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual consultation of manuals or databases is used to set torque value, then the torque wrench can be used with simple structure, but the operation becomes cumbersome and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The torque wrench automatically identifies the fastener type and selects the appropriate torque value from stored data without requiring the operator to manually consult manuals or databases. The device serves itself by autonomously retrieving and applying the correct torque setting based on the detected fastener characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical process of consulting references and adjusting settings with an automated electronic system that uses sensors, microprocessors, and stored databases to automatically determine and set the correct torque value.
2Reliability
If manual data entry is used to set torque value, then the device structure remains simple, but errors occur due to incorrect association of torque values with elements
Solution Approach 1:
The torque wrench autonomously identifies the fastener type through sensing mechanisms and automatically retrieves the corresponding torque value from its database, eliminating the need for manual data entry and ensuring accurate association between fastener type and torque value without human error.
Solution Approach 2:
The device uses sensing elements to detect fastener characteristics, processes this information through a microprocessor, and automatically adjusts the torque setting based on the detected parameters, creating a closed-loop system that ensures accurate torque value selection.
3Productivity
If automatic recognition system is implemented, then error-free torque value setting is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The torque wrench pre-stores torque value data for various fastener types in its memory before operation. During use, the system quickly retrieves the appropriate pre-stored value based on fastener identification, eliminating the need for real-time calculation or manual lookup and enabling rapid, error-free setting.
Solution Approach 2:
The torque wrench incorporates a multi-functional system that combines fastener identification, automatic data retrieval, and torque setting capabilities in a single integrated device, allowing it to handle various fastener types while maintaining a unified operational interface.
Data Source
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AI summary
A torque wrench for controlled tightening of threaded couplings, comprising a substantially tubular body (2; 20), a grip (3; 30) positioned at a first end (4; 40) of said tubular body (2; 20), a tightening head (5; 50) positioned at a second end (6; 60) of said tubular body (2; 20), a tightening torque setting mechanism positioned inside said tubular body (2; 20), an indicating device (10) for indicating when the tightening torque set has been reached, a recognition device (11; 110) for recognising an element to be tightened and/or elements that are positioned at the element to be tightened, said recognition device (11; 110) being connected to said tubular body (2; 20), preferably at said second end (6; 60), and a control unit (12; 120) connected to said recognition device (11; 110) and designed to associate with the element recognised by said recognition device (11; 110) a tightening torque design value to be set.