Electronic Torque Wrench USB Interface Automation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Precision torque wrenches are labor-intensive and prone to errors when resetting for different torque and angular displacement specifications, and manual recording of measurements is time-consuming and error-prone in industrial and automotive applications.
Innovation Solution
An electronic torque wrench with a USB interface allows for communication with external devices to upload preset job parameters, store and download torque and angular displacement measurements, and receive real-time clock settings and software updates, facilitating efficient configuration and data logging through client software on a personal computer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual configuration and recording methods are used, then device complexity is low, but productivity is reduced and errors increase
Solution Approach 1:
A USB interface acts as an intermediary between the torque wrench and external computing devices, enabling automated data transfer for both configuration and recording functions. This mediator eliminates manual operations while keeping the wrench itself relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The USB interface serves multiple functions: transferring torque settings, downloading measurement data, updating software, and configuring tool parameters. This multi-functionality improves productivity across multiple tasks without proportionally increasing complexity.
2Loss of time
If manual recording of measurements is used, then device complexity is low, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The torque wrench automatically stores measurement data in its memory, eliminating the need for manual recording. The device serves itself by autonomously capturing and preserving torque and angular displacement data for later retrieval via USB connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The USB interface mediates between the wrench's internal memory and external computing devices, enabling automated retrieval and storage of measurement data without manual transcription, thus eliminating time loss while managing complexity through standardized communication.
3Reliability
If manual configuration for each specification is used, then device complexity is low, but reliability is reduced due to errors
Solution Approach 1:
The USB interface serves as a reliable mediator that transfers configuration data digitally from computing devices to the torque wrench, eliminating manual entry errors and ensuring accurate transmission of torque settings and parameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables bidirectional communication where the wrench can confirm received settings and external devices can verify data integrity, providing feedback mechanisms that enhance reliability and reduce errors in configuration and recording operations.
4Productivity
If automated data transfer is implemented, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The USB interface acts as a standardized intermediary that leverages existing, well-documented communication protocols. This approach enables automated data transfer with high productivity while managing interface complexity by relying on aĉç, widely-supported communication standard rather than developing a custom complex interface.
Data Source
AI summary
A communication port interface facilitates downloading of torque and/or angle log information from an electronic torque tool to an external device. Torque and/or angle preset job information may be entered in client software and uploaded from the external device to the electronic torque tool via the communication port interface. Additional information including real time clock information and wrench system parameters may be uploaded to the electronic torque tool via the communication port interface.