Hydraulic Torque Wrench Side Plates for Thin-Head Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional hydraulic torque wrenches with support plates are bulky and prone to wear when thinned for smaller spaces, exposing moving parts and increasing the risk of operator injury, while those without support plates lack protection and durability.
Innovation Solution
A hydraulic torque wrench design featuring noncircular apertures in side plates based on overlapping nonconcentric circles, which allows for thin material usage while providing protection and accommodating transverse movements, reducing wear and injury risks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If support plates are made thinner to reduce head thickness, then the tool can operate in smaller spaces, but the support plates wear very quickly reducing tool life
Solution Approach 1:
The support plates are given an asymmetric non-circular aperture shape (based on overlapping nonconcentric circles) rather than a traditional circular shape. This asymmetric geometry allows the plates to be made thinner while maintaining structural integrity and protecting operators from exposed moving parts, resolving the contradiction between reduced head thickness and improved tool life.
2Length of moving object
If support plates are completely removed to reduce head size, then the tool head becomes smaller, but moving parts are exposed creating safety risks
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses thin support plates with noncircular apertures that act as protective shields. These thin plates cover the junction between the object engaging portion and the support member, preventing operator injury from exposed moving parts while maintaining the reduced head thickness needed for tight spaces.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If traditional thick support plates are used, then operator protection is maintained, but the head thickness increases preventing operation in tight spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The non-circular asymmetric aperture shape allows the support plates to provide comprehensive protection around moving parts while being made much thinner than traditional circular support plates. This asymmetric geometry optimizes the distribution of material to provide protection where needed while minimizing overall plate thickness for operation in tight spaces.
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
The design enables the torque wrench to operate in tight spaces with reduced wear and injury risks, maintaining protection and durability by using thin side plates with noncircular apertures that accommodate transverse movements without damage.
Implementation Method 1
at least one ratchet mechanism cooperating with said first ratchet teeth to facilitate the application of a rotational force to said object engaging portion in a first rotational direction in response to a force being applied to said support member in a first substantially linear direction and said ratchet mechanism preventing the application of a rotational force in a second rotational direction, opposite to said first rotational direction
Implementation Method 2
a hydraulic torque wrench for applying a rotational force to an object
Data Source
AI summary
A hydraulic torque wrench is disclosed and includes a nut engaging portion with ratchet teeth on an external surface thereof. There is also a support member which can rotate relative to whilst retaining the nut engaging portion. A ratchet mechanism cooperates with the ratchet teeth to apply a rotational force to the nut engaging portion as a result of the pushing force from a hydraulic ram. Side plate cover a junction between the nut engaging portion and the support member with the side plates having a noncircular aperture through which a nut and bolt can extend when the wrench is in use.