USB Torque Wrench Interface for Automated Job Setup and Logging

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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, especially in applications requiring multiple settings.

Innovation Solution

An electronic torque wrench with a USB interface that allows communication with external devices for setting job parameters, storing and downloading torque and angular displacement measurements, and receiving real-time clock settings and software updates, facilitating automated operation and data logging.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If manual configuration and recording methods are used, then device complexity is low, but productivity decreases and error rate increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconfiguration speedVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A USB communication interface serves as an intermediary between external computing devices and the electronic torque wrench, enabling automated parameter configuration and data recording. This mediator transfers job parameters, torque settings, and measurement data between systems, eliminating manual input while maintaining manageable device complexity through standardized communication protocols.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

Manual mechanical configuration processes are replaced with electronic digital communication through the USB interface. Instead of physically adjusting settings and manually recording data, the system uses electronic data transfer to automatically configure torque parameters, angular displacement settings, and to record measurement results, significantly improving productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Loss of time

If manual recording of measurements is used, then device complexity is low, but loss of time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata recording timeVSAvoiddata management complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The electronic torque wrench performs self-service by automatically recording torque and angular displacement measurements during operation and storing them in internal memory. The USB interface enables automatic transfer of this data to external computing devices for logging and analysis, eliminating the need for manual recording and significantly reducing data management time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Manual data recording processes are replaced with automated electronic data capture and transfer. The system automatically logs measurement data through the USB interface to external systems, replacing time-consuming manual transcription with rapid electronic data exchange, thereby reducing loss of time while managing data complexity through structured digital formats.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If manual configuration for multiple specifications is used, then device complexity is low, but reliability decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconfiguration accuracyVSAvoidconfiguration system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The USB communication interface acts as a reliable intermediary that accurately transfers job parameters, torque settings, and angular displacement specifications from external computing devices to the electronic torque wrench. This digital communication channel eliminates manual transcription errors and ensures configuration accuracy by directly transmitting data without human intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

Manual configuration processes are replaced with automated electronic parameter loading through the USB interface. The system automatically configures torque and angular displacement settings based on transferred data, eliminating human error in manual input and significantly improving reliability while managing configuration complexity through structured digital parameter sets.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Productivity

If automated USB interface is implemented, then productivity increases, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperation efficiencyVSAvoidinterface complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The USB interface provides multi-functionality by handling multiple tasks: transferring job parameters, configuring torque settings, recording measurements, and managing data storage. This universal communication interface consolidates multiple functions into a single standardized connection, improving productivity while managing interface complexity through a unified communication protocol.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS11797469B2Method and system of using USB user interface in electronic torque wrench

Publication Date: 2023.10.24 SNAP ON INC

AI summary

A communication port interface facilitates charging of a power source, such as a battery, while the power source remains coupled to a tool. The communication port interface also 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.