Abstract:
The present invention relates to torque application tools, such as an electronic torque screwdriver, with a multiple axis gyroscope (such as a 3-axis gyroscope or other type of gyroscope) and torque sensor that allows for simultaneous or sequential measurement of torque and angle around the axis of the tool. Targets for torque and angle measurements may be used to create algorithms to detect breakaway torque, residual torque, or to perform error proofing to ensure unique fasteners are tightened.
Abstract:
An interactive software application on a mobile computing device is used to configure an electronic torque wrench via a wireless connection. The software application obtains torque specifications for a vehicle from a remote database. When the torque specification require that work pieces be torqued in an ordered sequence, the software application guides the technician through the sequence, but accommodates changes when the technician departs from the sequence.
Abstract:
The present invention relates to torque application tools, such as a torque screwdriver and ratchet tools, with one or more light indicators disposed in a ring shape around the tool. The light indicators are adapted to indicate amounts of torque values and/or angle values as the tool is used to tighten or install a work piece. For example, the light indicators may flash at a first flashing rate, when about 40% of a target torque or angle value is applied; flash at a second flashing rate (greater or faster than the first flashing rate) when about 60% of the target torque or angle value is applied; and illuminate at a solid state when about 80% of the target torque or angle value is applied.
Abstract:
The present disclosure relates to an electronic torque tool, a calibration fixture, and a method for calibrating the electronic torque tool. The calibration includes applying a torque to the torque wrench and releasing the applied torque once the applied torque reaches a full scale calibration torque. The calibration fixture holds and displays a peak value of the applied torque and the torque wrench holds and displays a measured peak value of the applied torque. The measured peak value on the torque wrench may then be adjusted, by incrementing or decrementing the displayed value, to match the peak value displayed on the calibration fixture.
Abstract:
Real-time clock circuitry integrated in an electronic torque tool facilitates time-stamping of torque data acquired by the electronic torque tool. The time stamped torque data may be displayed on a display integrated in the electronic torque tool or may be communicated to an external device. The real-time clock circuitry may be adjusted based on information received from an external device or may be manually input to a keypad of the electronic torque tool. A calibration timer integrated in the electronic torque tool monitors time between calibrations of the tool and notifies a user upon expiration of a calibration interval. A secondary power source is coupled to the real-time clock circuitry to maintain power to the real-time clock circuitry during battery replacement.
Abstract:
An electronic torque wrench or other tool, and a method and a computer program for using the same, are disclosed. The disclosed systems allow a user to operate the tool in either a manual mode or automatic mode. In the manual mode, torque or angle targets are input into the wrench before the torqueing operation, and in the automatic mode, preset torque or angle targets are selected by the user. A user can also lock the tool so only a specific torqueing operation can be used without unlocking the tool. The torque and angle values can be input simultaneously such that a work piece can be torqued to a predetermined torque and angle without separate operations. An indicator can also be implemented that indicates the progress of the torqueing operation.
Abstract:
An electronic torque wrench is disclosed that instantaneously logs data in real time from a torqueing operation and can later transfer the data to an external device, such as a computer, for further analysis. For example, the computer can create a graph that can be analyzed to determine relevant parameters of the torqueing profile. The parameters of the graph can be analyzed to determine whether the torqueing operation was performed properly for a particular work piece or job task, or to assist users in future torqueing operations.
Abstract:
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.
Abstract:
The present invention relates to torque application tools, such as a torque screwdriver and ratchet tools, with one or more light indicators disposed in a ring shape around the tool. The light indicators are adapted to indicate amounts of torque values and/or angle values as the tool is used to tighten or install a work piece. For example, the light indicators may flash at a first flashing rate, when about 40% of a target torque or angle value is applied; flash at a second flashing rate (greater or faster than the first flashing rate) when about 60% of the target torque or angle value is applied; and illuminate at a solid state when about 80% of the target torque or angle value is applied.
Abstract:
The present invention relates to torque application tools, such as an electronic torque screwdriver, with a multiple axis gyroscope (such as a 3-axis gyroscope or other type of gyroscope) and torque sensor that allows for simultaneous or sequential measurement of torque and angle around the axis of the tool. Targets for torque and angle measurements may be used to create algorithms to detect breakaway torque, residual torque, or to perform error proofing to ensure unique fasteners are tightened.