Wireless Synchronized Power Wrench System for Even Joint Pre-tensioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for synchronizing the tightening of multiple threaded fasteners using power wrenches connected via cables are cumbersome, especially in hard-to-reach locations, posing safety and operational challenges.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing manually supported, battery-powered power wrenches with wireless communication modules that communicate with a common operation control unit for synchronized tightening, eliminating the need for cables and enhancing flexibility and safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If power wrenches are connected via cables to a common control unit for synchronized tightening, then synchronized control of multiple power wrenches is achieved, but the system becomes cumbersome and unsafe in hard-to-reach locations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical cable connection system with a wireless communication system. Each power wrench is equipped with a wireless communication module that communicates with a common control unit via radio frequency signals, eliminating the need for physical cables. This substitution maintains synchronized control capability while dramatically improving operational flexibility and safety in hard-to-reach locations.
2Reliability
If cables are used to connect power wrenches for synchronized tightening, then control synchronization is maintained, but safety and operational flexibility are compromised in difficult-to-reach positions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the cable-based mechanical connection system and replaces it with wireless communication modules in each power wrench that transmit control signals via radio frequency. This removes the physical constraints and safety hazards associated with cables in hard-to-reach positions while maintaining reliable control synchronization through wireless signal transmission.
3Extent of automation
If cable-based control systems are used for synchronized tightening, then coordination between power wrenches is achieved, but adaptability to different applications is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the rigid cable-based control system with a wireless communication system that allows greater freedom of movement and positioning. The wireless communication modules enable the power wrenches to operate independently in terms of physical positioning while maintaining synchronized control through digital communication, significantly enhancing adaptability to various applications including hard-to-reach positions.
Data Source
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AI summary
A system for pre-tensioning a joint (13) including two or more threaded fasteners (11a – c) by a synchronized tightening of the threaded fasteners, comprising two or more torque delivering power wrenches (10a – c) and at least one operation control unit (18) communicating with the power wrenches for control of the operation of each one of the power wrenches, wherein the power wrenches are manually supported battery powered power wrenches each having a wireless communication module, and that the operation control unit comprises a wireless communication module (24) for communicating with the wireless communication modules (16a – c)of the power wrenches to thereby receive actual operation data from each power wrench and to deliver relevant operation data to each power wenches to adapt the tightening operation of each power wrench to the actual tightening status of the other power wrench or wrenches to obtain a synchronous tightening of the fasteners and an even pre-tensioning of the joint.