Torque Wrench Spring Block Assembly Cost Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional torque wrenches face increased manufacturing costs due to heat treatment requirements for strength enhancement and additional machining for support, which complicates the structure and raises production expenses.
Innovation Solution
A torque wrench design featuring a first spring securely engaged within a second section, with a block and second spring configuration that allows for torque adjustment without slidable components, utilizing different viscous liquids for contact points and a C-shaped clip for assembly stability, reducing the need for expensive machining and heat treatment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If heat treatment is applied to the tube to enhance strength, then the strength of the tube is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the heat treatment process from the tube and applies it only to the sleeve component. The sleeve is heat-treated to achieve the required strength properties, while the tube maintains its original material state. This selective application of heat treatment reduces overall manufacturing cost while ensuring the sleeve has sufficient strength to support the tube.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different material treatments to different components based on their specific functional requirements. The sleeve, which requires high strength to support the tube, undergoes heat treatment. The tube itself does not require heat treatment as its structural design and the sleeve's support provide sufficient strength. This localized quality approach optimizes manufacturing cost while meeting strength requirements.
2Strength
If a sleeve is added between the tube and pushing member to reinforce strength, then the strength is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the support function with the existing sleeve component that is already part of the torque adjustment mechanism. The sleeve serves dual purposes: it provides structural support to the tube and enables torque adjustment through its sliding motion. This merging of functions adds strength without significantly increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The sleeve is designed to perform multiple functions: it acts as a structural support element for the tube, serves as a torque adjustment mechanism through sliding, and provides a connection interface between the tube and pushing member. This multi-functionality reinforces the wrench structure without adding separate dedicated components, thereby avoiding excessive complexity.
3Strength
If a cylindrical body is inserted into the tube passage to support the tube, then the tube is well supported, but the manufacturing cost increases due to extra machining
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the support function from a complex cylindrical body with flat cross-sections and assigns it to a simpler sleeve component. The sleeve achieves tube support through its sliding capability and elastic deformation, eliminating the need for expensive flat-cross-section machining. This extraction of the support function to a simpler component reduces manufacturing cost while maintaining effective tube support.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a simple sleeve component that can be manufactured at low cost through standard machining processes, replacing the expensive cylindrical body with flat cross-sections. The sleeve achieves the required support function through its design and material properties without requiring complex machining operations, thereby reducing manufacturing cost while maintaining support effectiveness.
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 enhances strength and reduces manufacturing costs by using a cost-effective compression spring ring and adjustable torque mechanism, while maintaining structural integrity and simplicity.
Implementation Method 1
The first spring is securely located in the second section. A pushing member is located in the first spring and includes a second contact portion. The block is removably in contact between the first and second contact portions. A second spring is mounted to the pushing member.
Data Source
AI summary
A torque wrench includes a first part, a second part, a first spring, a block and a second spring. The first part includes a first section and a second. An axial passage is defined through the first part and a second part is received in the passage. The first part and the second part are connected to each other. The first spring is securely located in the second section. A pushing member is located in the first spring and includes a second contact portion. The block is removably in contact between the first and second contact portions. A second spring is mounted to the pushing member. The block is disengaged from the first and second contact portions when the torque wrench rotates clockwise or counter clockwise.