Integrated Torsion Force Sensing Device for Electric Screwdrivers

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing torque sensors require additional components to measure twisting force and degree of twist, leading to increased hardware volume and cost, complicating operational convenience.

Innovation Solution

A torsion and force sensing device integrated into an electronic screwdriver, comprising a contacting portion, deformation portion, sensing portion, and processor, which detects torque and force by deforming an elastic deformation portion and generating electrical signals for determining twist and force magnitude, with a strain gauge and signal processing circuit for accurate measurement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If additional sensors are set up to detect twisting force and degree of twist, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetorque and force detection accuracyVSAvoidnumber of sensors and components

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines torque sensing and force sensing functions into a single integrated sensing device. The deformation portion serves dual purposes: it deforms under torsional torque to indicate twist degree, and simultaneously deforms under axial force to indicate force magnitude. This merging eliminates the need for separate torque sensors and force sensors, reducing component count while maintaining measurement precision for both parameters.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The sensing device is designed with multi-functionality where the deformation portion can respond to both torsional loads and axial forces. By positioning strain gauges to detect different deformation modes (shear strain for torque, normal strain for force), a single device performs multiple measurement functions that would traditionally require separate specialized sensors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Measurement precision

If additional sensors are set up to detect twisting force and degree of twist, then measurement precision is improved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetorque and force detection accuracyVSAvoidhardware cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines torque sensing and force sensing functions into a single integrated sensing device. The deformation portion serves dual purposes: it deforms under torsional torque to indicate twist degree, and simultaneously deforms under axial force to indicate force magnitude. This merging eliminates the need for separate torque sensors and force sensors, reducing component count while maintaining measurement precision for both parameters.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Measurement precision

If additional sensors are set up to detect twisting force and degree of twist, then measurement precision is improved, but volume of mechanical components increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetorque and force detection accuracyVSAvoidmechanical component volume

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines torque sensing and force sensing functions into a single integrated sensing device. The deformation portion serves dual purposes: it deforms under torsional torque to indicate twist degree, and simultaneously deforms under axial force to indicate force magnitude. This merging eliminates the need for separate torque sensors and force sensors, reducing component count while maintaining measurement precision for both parameters.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 solution allows for efficient detection of torque and force applied to objects, reducing the need for additional sensors, thereby minimizing hardware complexity and cost while enhancing operational convenience and accuracy.

Implementation Method 1

a deformation portion (12) fixed to the contacting portion (11)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

a sensing portion (13) placed on the deformation portion (12) and electrically connected to the processor (14)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectStrain gauge measurement: Piezoresistive Effect

Data Source

PatentUS10823628B2Torsion and force sensing device and electric screwdriver utilizing same

Publication Date: 2020.11.03 HONGFUJIN PRECISION ELECTRONICS (ZHENGZHOU) CO LTD

AI summary

A device to sense degree of twist in a screwdriver and the magnitude of force applied includes a contacting portion, a deformation portion, a sensing portion, and a processor. The contacting portion receives a grip and twist pressure through the deformation portion which is tiltedly fixed to the contacting portion. The deformation portion carries the sensing portion and elastically deforms under the force and/or the torsion. The sensing portion detects a deformation of the deformation portion and generates a corresponding electrical signal. The processor receives the signal and determines the values of the twist caused and the force applied.