Torque Wrench Self-Adjusting Adapter Radial Clamps
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional torque wrenches require a large assortment of sockets in various sizes to accommodate different fasteners, leading to inconvenience, expense, and delays in matching the correct socket, as each fastener often necessitates a new socket for proper torque application.
Innovation Solution
A torque wrench with an adjustable adapter module featuring a driver with arcuate slots and clamps that can radially engage and lock onto a range of fastener sizes, allowing for versatile torque application without the need for multiple sockets.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple sockets of different sizes are used to accommodate different fasteners, then the torque wrench can handle various fastener sizes, but the equipment complexity and inventory requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter assembly is designed as a universal tool that can accommodate multiple fastener sizes through a single device. The adjustable adapter with radial clamps allows the same adapter to engage different fastener diameters, eliminating the need for multiple dedicated sockets for different size fasteners.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter incorporates movable clamps that can radially adjust their position to match different fastener sizes. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the adapter to adapt its internal geometry to various fastener dimensions, providing versatility without requiring multiple static adapter configurations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple sockets of different sizes are carried to accommodate different fasteners, then all fastener sizes can be addressed, but the weight and portability burden increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single adapter assembly performs the function of multiple sockets, consolidating what would otherwise be a heavy collection of individual sockets into one lightweight device. The universal design allows one adapter to replace an entire assortment of size-specific sockets.
Solution Approach 2:
The function of multiple separate sockets is merged into a single integrated adapter assembly. By combining the capabilities of multiple size-specific sockets into one device with adjustable clamps, the total weight and bulk of the toolset is significantly reduced.
3Reliability
If the correct socket is matched to each fastener, then proper torque application is achieved, but the time required to match sockets increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter assembly performs self-adjustment through its radial clamp mechanism that automatically adapts to the fastener size encountered. The operator simply positions the adapter over the fastener, and the clamps radially adjust to engage the correct diameter, eliminating the time-consuming process of selecting and matching the correct socket size.
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic radial adjustment of the clamps allows the adapter to automatically conform to different fastener sizes in real-time. This eliminates the static selection process where the operator must stop to choose the correct socket, as the adapter continuously adapts its geometry to match the fastener it is engaged with.
Data Source
AI summary
A torque wrench is disclosed for use in rotating a range of different sized fasteners. The torque wrench may include an input end configured to receive a torsional input, and a gear train operatively driven to rotate by the torsional input. The torque wrench may further include a driver connected to the gear train at an output end and having an axial end surface with a plurality of arcuate slots formed in the axial end surface, and a plurality of clamps each pinned to a corresponding one of the plurality of arcuate slots and moveable by rotation of the driver to radially engage a range of different sized fasteners. The torque wrench may additionally include a housing configured to enclose the gear train, the driver, and the plurality of clamps.