System and method for measuring torque and angle
AssigneeSnap-on Incorporated
InventorsJerry A. King, Nathan J. Lee, John L. Reynertson, Stephen M. Bauer, Jie Li
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
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.
Claims19
A tool having a drive portion adapted to apply torque to a work piece, the tool comprising:
- a torque sensor adapted to measure an amount of torque applied to the work piece by the drive portion during an application of torque to the work piece, thereby creating a torque measurement;
- a gyroscope adapted to measure an amount of angular rotation of the drive portion, thereby creating an angular measurement;
- and
- a processor configured with a maximum target torque value and a minimum angular rotation value, the processor adapted to cause
- an indication when the torque measurement substantially meets the maximum target torque value and the angular measurement fails to substantially meet the minimum angular rotation value.
A method of measuring torque applied to a work piece by a tool having a drive, a controller, a torque sensor, a gyroscope, and a display, the method comprising:
- receiving a minimum torque value and a maximum torque value;
- determining a minimum rotational angle value;
- receiving, from the torque sensor, a torque measurement representing an amount of torque applied to the work piece by the tool;
- when the torque measurement reaches the maximum torque value, receiving, from the gyroscope, an angular measurement representing an amount of rotational angle applied to the work piece by the tool;
- comparing the angular measurement to the minimum rotational angle value;
- and
- providing an indication when the torque measurement substantially meets the maximum torque value and the angular measurement does not substantially meet the minimum rotational angle value.
A method of measuring an amount of torque applied by a tool to a work piece, the method comprising:
- receiving a minimum torque value and a maximum torque value;
- receiving a minimum rotational angle value and a maximum rotational angle value;
- receiving, from a torque sensor, respective torque measurements of amounts of torque applied to the work piece;
- determining respective rotational angle values based on rotational measurements received from a gyroscope;
- respectively recording the torque measurements and the rotational angle values until a target value is reached, the target value including at least one of the minimum torque value, the maximum torque value, the minimum rotational angle value, and the maximum rotational angle value;
- and
- providing an indication when the amount of torque measured by the torque sensor meets the maximum target torque value and the rotational angle value does not meet the minimum rotational angle value.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.