U.S. patent application number 17/704587 was filed with the patent office on 2022-07-07 for wireless torque wrench with torque specifications.
This patent application is currently assigned to Snap-on Incorporated. The applicant listed for this patent is Snap-on Incorporated. Invention is credited to Jerry A. King, Christopher Lawton, Nathan J. Lee.
Application Number | 20220214240 17/704587 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | |
Filed Date | 2022-07-07 |
United States Patent
Application |
20220214240 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
King; Jerry A. ; et
al. |
July 7, 2022 |
WIRELESS TORQUE WRENCH WITH TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
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.
Inventors: |
King; Jerry A.; (Hacienda
Heights, CA) ; Lee; Nathan J.; (Escondido, CA)
; Lawton; Christopher; (Costa Mesa, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Snap-on Incorporated |
Kenosha |
WI |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Snap-on Incorporated
Kenosha
WI
|
Appl. No.: |
17/704587 |
Filed: |
March 25, 2022 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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17007546 |
Aug 31, 2020 |
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17704587 |
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15601361 |
May 22, 2017 |
10792795 |
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17007546 |
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International
Class: |
G01L 25/00 20060101
G01L025/00; G01L 3/00 20060101 G01L003/00; B25B 23/142 20060101
B25B023/142 |
Claims
1. A method of configuring an electronic torque wrench, comprising:
providing, via an external device, editable calibration fields for
an electronic torque wrench, the editable calibration fields
including: calibration interval, calibration cycles, calibration
warning cycles, and calibration warning days; and sending, by the
external device, a notification based on the editable calibration
fields and a state of the electronic torque wrench.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein sending the notification includes
sending a notification of a number of days before calibration is
needed.
3. The method of claim 1, wherein sending the notification includes
sending a notification of a number of torque cycles since a last
calibration date.
4. The method of claim 1, wherein sending the notification includes
sending a notification of a number of cycles left before
calibration is needed.
5. The method of claim 1, further comprising determining an
expiration of a calibration interval, and wherein sending the
notification includes sending a notification indicating that the
electronic torque wrench requires calibration.
6. The method of claim 1, further comprising sending instructions
to the electronic torque wrench to enter a locked state when
calibration is needed.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a divisional of, and claims the priority
benefit of, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/007,546, filed Aug.
31, 2020, which is a continuation-in-part of, and claims the
priority benefit of, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/601,361,
filed May 22, 2017 (now U.S. Pat. No. 10,792,795), the contents of
which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] A torque wrench with a wireless link to a software
application on a mobile device. The software application is used to
lookup specifications and configure the wrench, and provides
real-time interactive functionality.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Electronic torque wrenches are gaining popularity in
automotive, fleet, aviation, and other assembly and repair
applications. Such wrenches are used to apply torque to a rotatable
"work piece," such as a screw, a nut, a bolt, or other rotatable
fastener, and to measure the torque applied to the work piece by
the wrench. These wrenches can indicate to a technician (i.e., a
wrench user) when the work piece has been torqued to the
appropriate torque value, such as 100 ft-lb. Some electronic torque
wrenches also measure angles as a work piece is rotated. Angle
measurement may be used to determine which work pieces have already
been tightened, and/or to tighten a work piece beyond a snug point
or threshold torque by a certain angle.
[0004] Some tasks require a specific fastening procedure, such as
applying specific amounts of torque to a series of work pieces in
an ordered sequence. Fastening procedures may also require applying
specific angle adjustments to the work pieces in the sequence to
ensure proper tightening. The procedure for an individual work
piece in the sequence may also require applying torques and/or
angles to the individual work piece in stages. For example, an
aerospace fuel line nut requires a specific rundown angle, seating
torque, and final torque and angle to determine if the joint seats
correctly.
[0005] Technicians may try to find the correct torque
specifications and sequence in literature, in original equipment
manufacturer (OEM) data, online, or via a consolidated information
service, such as the "Mitchell 1" service for automotive industry
repair information. However, the time lost to researching
specifications lengthens the time required to conduct a torqueing
operation. Due to the time required to lookup the correct fastening
values and procedures, technicians often instead rely on inaccurate
personal experience or resort to trial and error. Further, if a
technician programs a wrench with a preset called "Preset 1," then
unless the preset is used on a regular basis, its purpose may be
quickly forgotten (and be a complete mystery if the wrench is
shared with another technician).
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] A system broadly comprising an electronic torque wrench and
a software application. The software application is executable by a
computing device, such as a cellular telephone or tablet computer,
and connects to the electronic torque wrench by way of a wireless
communications link. Using the software application, a technician
can configure the torque wrench, and use the software application
to obtain torque specifications from a remote service. If the
torque specifications include an ordered sequence, the software
application can direct the technician through the sequence,
configuring the torque wrench accordingly. Should the technician
depart from the sequence, the software application accommodates the
change, providing a recommendation to the technician on how to
proceed in view of the alteration of the sequence. The process
performed by the software application may take the form of a
method, computer-executable code stored on a computer readable
medium, or a computing device configured to perform the
process.
[0007] Implemented as a method, the method broadly comprises
querying a database to determine at least one fastening task
associated with a torqueing operation. After receiving the results,
they are displayed for a technician to review, so that the
technician may select a fastening task for which the electronic
wrench will be configured. After receiving a selection of a
fastening task from among those displayed, torque specifications
are determined for the selected fastening task. When the torque
specifications include an ordered sequence of work pieces, an
indication is provided for the technician as to which work piece to
torque as a recommendation.
[0008] However, the technician can select a different work piece
than the one indicated. When a work piece is selected that does not
comport with the ordered sequence, the electronic torque wrench is
configured for the torque specification corresponding to the
selected work piece, and a determination is made as to which work
piece should be torqued next in view of the selected work piece
departing from the ordered sequence. Based on the determination, an
indication is provided for the technician as to which work piece is
recommended as the next to torque. This process of recommending
which work piece should be torqued, receiving a selection, and
configuring the wrench, continues until all work pieces in the
sequence have been torqued.
[0009] Implemented as a computing device, the device broadly
comprises a processor, a display, and a memory storing instructions
to be executed by the processor. The instructions configure the
processor to query a database to determine at least one fastening
task associated with a vehicle. The fastening tasks are output to
the display. A selection of a fastening task is received from among
the fastening tasks output to the display. The processor determines
torque specifications for the selected fastening task. When the
torque specifications include an ordered sequence of work pieces,
the processor indicates, via the display, a work piece to be
torqued in accordance with the ordered sequence. After a work piece
is selected that does not comport with the ordered sequence (i.e.,
selected out-of-order), the processor configures an electronic
torque wrench for the torque specification corresponding to the
selected work piece, and determine a next work piece to be torqued
after the selected work piece. The processor indicates, via the
display, the next work piece to be torqued. This process of
recommending which work piece should be torqued, receiving a
selection, and configuring the wrench, continues until all of the
work pieces in the sequence have been torqued.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0010] For the purpose of facilitating an understanding of the
subject matter sought to be protected, there are illustrated in the
accompanying drawings embodiments thereof, from an inspection of
which, when considered in connection with the following
description, the subject matter sought to be protected, its
construction and operation, and many of its advantages should be
readily understood and appreciated.
[0011] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a system including an
electronic torque wrench and a mobile computing device.
[0012] FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate different views of the electronic
torque wrench of FIG. 1.
[0013] FIG. 3 is a block diagram conceptually illustrating example
electronic components of the torque wrench of FIG. 1.
[0014] FIG. 4 is a block diagram conceptually illustrating example
electronic components of the mobile computing device of FIG. 1.
[0015] FIGS. 5A to 5L illustrate examples of user interfaces
provided by the software application executed on the mobile
computing device of FIGS. 1 and 4, to configure and interact with
the electronic torque wrench of FIGS. 1 to 3, and to provide
additional functionality.
[0016] FIG. 6 is a process flow diagram illustrating example
operations of the software application executed by the mobile
computing device of FIGS. 1 and 4.
[0017] FIGS. 7A to 7E illustrate examples of user interfaces
provided by the software application in conjunction with the
process flow in FIG. 6 that configure the wrench with fastening
specifications.
[0018] FIGS. 8A to 8D illustrate examples of an interactive user
interface provided by the software application to guide a
technician through an ordered fastening sequence in conjunction
with the process flow in FIG. 6.
[0019] FIG. 9 illustrated an example batch operation, in accordance
with an embodiment of the invention.
[0020] FIG. 10 is a process flow diagram illustrating example
operations of a wrench lock operation based on a connection between
a wrench and computing device, in accordance with an embodiment of
the invention.
[0021] FIG. 11 a process flow diagram illustrating example
operations of another wrench lock operation, in accordance with an
embodiment of the invention.
[0022] FIG. 12 a process flow diagram illustrating example
operations of a wrench lock operation based on a batch operation,
in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
[0023] FIG. 13 a process flow diagram illustrating example
operations of a wrench lock operation based on a torqueing
operation, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS
[0024] While the present invention is susceptible of embodiments in
many different forms, there is shown in the drawings, and will
herein be described in detail, embodiments, including a preferred
embodiment, of the invention with the understanding that the
present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the
principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the broad
aspect of the invention to any one or more of the embodiments
illustrated or disclosed. As used herein, the term "present
invention" is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed
invention, and is instead a term used to discuss exemplary
embodiments of the invention for explanatory purposes only.
[0025] Many technicians use mobile computing devices, such as
tablet computers or "smart" phones with them. Among other things,
technicians may use these devices to look up fastening values and
procedures. The user interfaces of the applications on these
devices tend to use standardized graphical user interfaces (GUIs),
such that operating new applications is often intuitive and
requires little-to-no training. The near-ubiquity of these devices
and users' existing familiarity with the interface can be leveraged
to simplify and expand access to the full suite of features offered
by an electronic torque wrench, and to add new features and
services.
[0026] Such an approach avoids the substantial costs and complexity
associated with tethered base station solutions, which primarily
are designed for the industrial market. Tool sharing is also
simplified, since the presets and wrench settings can be seamlessly
reconfigured for the preferences of the technician currently using
the wrench based on which technician is associated with and/or
logged into the mobile computing device, while preserving the
presets and preferences of other technicians. Since presets and
preferences can be transferred from the device to the tool at the
start of a session, the electronic wrench can provide a full suite
of services with a smaller amount of on-tool memory than an
equivalent standalone wrench.
[0027] Referring to FIG. 1, an example of a system including an
electronic torque wrench 100 and a mobile computing device 160. The
wrench 100 communicates with the device 160 via a wireless
communications link 170 using a protocol such as Bluetooth,
Bluetooth Smart (also known as Bluetooth low energy), Wi-Fi Direct,
or any other wireless protocol. In an embodiment, the device 160
includes a touch-sensitive display 165 via which a technician
interacts with user interfaces provided by a software application
on the device 160. Among other things, the software application may
be used to configure the wrench, to look-up fastening values and
procedures, and to review wrench logs. The software application
also provides the technician with live, real-time feedback and
interactive functionality to assist the technician with progressing
through fastening procedures.
[0028] The device 160 provides access to a torque values and
procedures database 195 via a wireless communications link 175 to a
data communications network 180, such as the Internet. The wireless
communications link 175 may be, for example, a Wi-Fi link between
the device 160 and a local wireless router, or a cellular data link
between the device 160 and a nearby cell tower, using a cellular
protocol such as Long Term Evolution (LTE), Global System for
Mobile Communications (GSM), Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA),
etc.
[0029] One-or-more servers 190 are connected to the network 180 via
communications link(s) 185. Based on queries received from the
software application on the device 160, a server 190 retrieves
fastening value and procedures data from the database 195,
transmits query results to the device 160 via the network 180.
Among other system arrangements, the server(s) 190 and database(s)
195 may be associated with a software service provider, a
manufacturing company, or with the company providing repair
services. In one example, the database 195 may be the "Mitchell 1"
database/service for automotive industry repair information.
[0030] FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate different views of an example of
the electronic torque wrench 100. The wrench 100 is adapted to
apply torque to a work piece via an adapter or socket coupled to a
drive 240, such as a bi-directional ratcheting square or hexagonal
drive. Conventionally, the drive 240 is a "male" connector designed
to fit into or penetrate a female counterpart (as illustrated), but
the drive may be a "female" connector designed to receive a male
counterpart. The drive may also be structured to directly engage a
work piece without coupling to an adapter or socket.
[0031] As will be described in further detail below, in an
embodiment, the wrench 100 can measure, record, and display torque
and angle data in real time during torqueing operations, as well as
transmit that data in real time to the device 160. In the context
of the system in FIG. 1, "real time" means "without significant
delay" (e.g., measurement and processing delays not exceeding one
second per data sample). Torque application and angle data may be
logged and stored with a time index by the wrench 100 and/or the
software application on the device 160.
[0032] The torque wrench 100 broadly comprises a shaft 201
connected to a head 210 housing the drive 240. When ratcheting and
torqueing, the head 210 rotates around the center axis 241 of the
drive 240, with the center axis 241 transecting the head 210. The
shaft 201 comprises a handle 205, a control unit 245, and a neck
250. The neck 250 is coupled to the head 210 at the opposite end of
the shaft 201 from the handle 205. As illustrated, the male drive
240 extends perpendicularly from the head 210, relative to the
plane in which the head 240 rotates around the axis 241. Force is
applied to the handle 205 to rotationally pivot the wrench 100
around the axis 241, thereby transferring torque to a workpiece
(not illustrated) coupled to the drive 240.
[0033] The handle 205 may include a textured grip 215 to improve a
technician's grasp of the wrench 100 during torqueing operations.
The control unit 245 may include a user interface 220, such as a
tactile user interface comprising at least one button 225 and a
display screen 230. The display screen 230 may optionally be
touch-sensitive, with the software or firmware executed by a
processor or controller of the control unit 245 providing virtual
on-screen controls.
[0034] Instructions and other information can be input directly
into the wrench 100 via the user interface 220. During torqueing
operations, the display 230 may display information, such as torque
and/or angle information. The head 210 may include a reversing
lever 235 for reversing the drive direction of a ratcheting
mechanism. As will be discussed further below, the head 210 also
houses one or more sensors used to sense the torque applied to a
work piece via the drive 240, and the angle of rotation of the head
210 and shaft 201 around the axis 241. The head 210 may also
include an orientation sensor to determine the angle of the axis
241 relative to "down" (that is, relative to the force of
gravity).
[0035] FIG. 3 is a block diagram conceptually illustrating examples
of the electronic components of the electronic torque wrench 100 of
FIG. 1. The wrench 100 may include one or more
controllers/processors 302, a memory 306, non-volatile storage 308,
and a wireless communications transceiver 310. Each
controller/processor 302 may include a central processing unit
(CPU) for processing data and computer-readable instructions. The
processor/controller 302 retrieves instructions from data storage
308 via a bus 304, using the memory 306 for runtime temporary
storage of instructions and data. The memory 306 may include
volatile and/or nonvolatile random access memory (RAM). While
components are illustrated in FIG. 3 as being connected via the bus
304, components may also be connected to other components in
addition to (or instead of) being connected to other components via
the bus 304.
[0036] Data storage 308 stores the instructions, including
instructions to manage communications with the software application
on the mobile computing device 160. The data storage component 308
may include one-or-more types non-volatile solid-state storage,
such as flash memory, read-only memory (ROM), magnetoresistive RAM
(MRAM), phase-change memory, etc. The wrench 100 may also include
an input/output interface to connect to removable or external
non-volatile memory and/or storage (such as a removable memory
card, memory key drive, networked storage, etc.). Such an
input/output interface may be a wired or embedded interface (not
illustrated) and/or may comprise the wireless communications
transceiver 310.
[0037] Computer instructions for operating the wrench 100 and its
various components may be executed by the controller/processor 302,
using the memory 306 as temporary "working" storage at runtime. The
computer instructions may be stored in a non-transitory manner in
non-volatile memory 306, storage 308, or an external device.
Alternatively, some-or-all of the executable instructions may be
embedded in hardware or firmware in addition to or instead of
software.
[0038] The wrench 100 may include multiple input and output
interfaces. These interfaces include the radio transceiver 310,
one-or-more buttons 225a/225b, one-or-more light-emitting diodes
LEDs) 330a/330b, a speaker or audio transducer 335, a haptics
vibrator 340, one-or-more torque sensors 320, one-or-more angle
sensors 324, and an orientation sensor 328. The torque sensor 320
may include, for example, one-or-more of a torque transducer, a
strain gauge, a magnetoelastic torque sensor, and a surface
acoustic wave (SAW) sensor. The angle sensors 324 may comprise, for
example, one-or-more of a rotational angle sensor and an electronic
gyroscope (such as a two-or-three axes gyroscope). The orientation
sensor 328 may comprise a three-axes electronic accelerometer or
gravity sensor to determine the orientation of the head 210
relative to "down."
[0039] Depending upon the type of torque sensor 320 used,
analog-to-digital (A/D) converters 321 may receive analog signals
from the torque sensor 320, outputting digital signals to the
processor/controller 302. Likewise, A/D converters 325 may receive
analog signals from the angle sensor 324, and A/D converters 329
may receive analog signals from the orientation sensor 328,
outputting digital signals to the processor/controller 302. The A/D
converters 321/325/329 may be discrete, integrated with/in the
processor/controller 302, or integrated with/in their respective
sensors 320/324/328.
[0040] The number of, and need for, the A/D converters 321/325/329
is dependent on the technology used for each sensor 320/324/328.
Multiple A/D converters may be provided to accommodate as many
signals as needed, such as if the angle sensor 324 provides analog
outputs for a plurality of gyroscope axes, or if the orientation
sensor 328 provides analog outputs for a plurality of accelerometer
axes. Signal conditioning electronics (not illustrated) may also be
included as standalone circuitry, integrated with/in the
processor/controller 302, or integrated with/in the respective
sensors 320/324/328, to convert non-linear outputs generated by a
component of a sensor 320/324/328 into a linear signal.
[0041] Instructions executed by the processor/controller 302
receive data from the sensors 320/324/328, such as torque and angle
values. From that data, the processor/controller 302 may determine
various information, such as the duration that torque has been or
should be applied to a work piece. For some job tasks where work
pieces have distinctive orientations, the processor/controller 302
may determine which work piece is being torqued based on the
orientation of the head 210.
[0042] The sensor data and information can be logged in real time
or at a predetermined sampling rate and stored in a memory 306
and/or storage 308. The sensor data and information may also be
transmitted to the device 160 via the communication link 170 for
further analysis and review. The software application on the device
160 may, for example, graphically plot the sensor data and/or
information. As other examples, the software application may
determine an optimal torqueing profile to apply to future torqueing
operations for that work piece or job task, or to determine that a
correct torqueing profile was applied during the torqueing
operation.
[0043] "Data" is/are values that are processed to make them
meaningful or useful "information." However, as used herein, the
terms data and information should be interpreted to be
interchangeable, with data including information and information
including data. For example, where data is stored, transmitted,
received, or output, that may include data, information, or a
combination thereof
[0044] The radio transceiver 310 comprises a transmitter, a
receiver, and associated encoders, modulators, demodulators, and
decoders. The transceiver 310 manages the radio communication
links, establishing the communications link 170 with the mobile
device 160 via one-or-more antennas 312 embedded in the wrench,
enabling bidirectional communication between the
processor/controller 302 and the software application executed by
the mobile device 160. The communications link 170 may be a direct
link between the wrench 100 and the computing device 160 (as
illustrated), or may be an indirect link through one-or-more
intermediate components, such as via a Wi-Fi router or mesh
connection (not illustrated).
[0045] The wrench 100 also includes a power source 390 to power the
processor/controller 302, the bus 304, and other electronic
components. For example, the power source 390 may be one-or-more
batteries arranged in the handle 205. However, the power source 390
is not limited to batteries, and other technologies may be used
such as fuel cells. The wrench 100 may also include components to
recharge the power source 390, such as organic or polymer
photovoltaic cells arranged along the neck 250, and/or an interface
by which to receive an external charge, such as a Universal Serial
Bus (USB) port or an inductive pick-up, along with associated
charging-control electronics.
[0046] The display 230 may be used by software/firmware executed by
the processor/controller 302 to display information for the
technician to view and interpret. Such information may be formatted
as text, graphics, or a combination thereof. The display 230 may
also be used to provide feedback when information is entered into
wrench 100 (for example, via the buttons 225 and/or a
touch-sensitive interface integrated with the display 230 itself).
The display 230 may be a liquid crystal display (LCD) display, an
organic light emitting diode (OLED) display, an electronic paper
display, or any kind of black-and-white or color display that has
suitable power-consumption requirements and volume to facilitate
integration into the control unit 245.
[0047] FIG. 4 is a block diagram conceptually illustrating example
components of the mobile computing device of FIG. 1. In a typical
implementation, the computing device 160 is a smartphone or tablet
computer with a touch-sensitive display 165.
[0048] The device 160 may include one or more
controllers/processors 402, that may each include a central
processing unit (CPU) for processing data and computer-readable
instructions, and a memory 406 for storing data and instructions.
The memory 406 may include volatile random access memory (RAM),
non-volatile read only memory (ROM), and/or other types of memory.
The device 160 may also include a data storage component 408, for
storing data and controller/processor-executable instructions (for
example, instructions for the software application that performs
the processes and generates the user interfaces illustrated in
FIGS. 5-8). The data storage component 408 may include one-or-more
types of non-volatile solid-state storage, such as flash memory,
read-only memory (ROM), magnetoresistive RAM (MRAM), phase-change
memory, etc. The device 160 may also be connected to removable or
external non-volatile memory and/or storage (such as a removable
memory card, memory key drive, networked storage, etc.) through the
input/output device interfaces 410.
[0049] Computer instructions for operating the device 160 and its
various components may be executed by the
controller(s)/processor(s) 402, using the memory 406 as temporary
"working" storage at runtime. The computer instructions may be
stored in a non-transitory manner in non-volatile memory 406,
storage 408, or an external device. Alternatively, some of the
executable instructions may be embedded in hardware or firmware in
addition to or instead of in software.
[0050] The input/output (I/O) interfaces 410 provide the device 160
with connectivity and protocol support. A variety of input and
output connections may be made through the input/output interfaces
410. For example, radio frequency (RF) antenna 470 may be used to
provide connectivity to the wrench 100 via communication link 170.
The same RF antenna 470 or another antenna 475 may be used to
provide connectivity to the network 180 via communication link
175.
[0051] A variety of protocols may be supported by the I/O device
interfaces 410 to support the links 170/175. The protocol/radio
access technology used for each link 170/175 may be different. For
example, the communication link 170 may use a protocol such as
Wi-Fi Direct, or a personal area network (PAN) protocol such as
Bluetooth, Bluetooth Smart (also known as Bluetooth low energy),
Wireless USB, or ZigBee (IEEE 802.15.4). The communication link 175
may be a wireless local area network (WLAN) link such as a flavor
of Wi-Fi, or a cellular communications data protocol associated
with mobile broadband, LTE, GSM, CDMA, WiMAX, High Speed Packet
Access (HSPA), Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS),
etc.
[0052] The input/output interfaces 410 may support audio/video
(A/V) user interfaces, such as the touch sensitive display 165, a
microphone 430, a speaker 435, a haptic vibrator 440, and a camera
445. The input/output interfaces 410 may also support other types
of connections and communications protocols. For example, the
device 160 may also include a wired interface such as a USB port
(not illustrated).
[0053] The device 160 may include an address/data bus 404 for
conveying data among components of the device 160. Each component
within the device 160 may also be directly connected to other
components in addition to (or instead of) being connected to other
components across the bus 404. The device 160 also includes a power
source 490, such as a battery or a fuel cell, along with associated
charging circuitry (not illustrated).
[0054] The software application stored in storage 408 and executed
by the controller(s)/processor(s) 402 of the mobile computing
device 160 provides user interfaces that allow a technician to
configure and interact with the electronic torque wrench 100, and
to provide additional functionality. While some of the
functionality may be available directly via the user interface 220
of the torque wrench, the added capabilities of the device 160
provides additional processing power, and leverages the
connection(s) 175 to the network(s) 180, such as connectivity to
the external database(s) 195.
[0055] Via the wireless link 170, a technician can use the software
application on the device 160 to configure the wrench 100, such as
configuring how the wrench 100 provide a technician feedback using
the haptic vibrator 340, such as to indicate when a target torque
or target angle is achieved.
[0056] A technician may also use the software application on the
device 160 to set up or configure preset values, and set preset
numbers and names for certain operations. Preset values may include
user defined torque and/or angle settings and measurement units,
such as torque and angle target values with minimum and maximum
tolerances and/or a batch counter. The preset values and names can
be set for custom operations, as well as augmenting or replacing
the values and names provided by the database(s) 195. Among other
things, preset values may be set for non-database aftermarket
parts, and to replace values received from the database(s) 195 with
custom values. As used herein, "names" refer to text strings. The
preset values, and set preset numbers and names may be transmitted
to the wrench 100, and displayed on the wrench to a user to
identify the fastening operation to be performed.
[0057] The software application on the device 160 may be used to
configure the wrench 100 to set a fastener preset type to which
torque is to be applied, such as, for example, torque, angle,
torque then angle or torque and angle measurement modes. The
software application on the device 160 may be used to configure the
wrench 100 with an allowable direction of measurement for measuring
torque and rotation/angle application amounts. The software
application on the device 160 may be used to configure the wrench
100 to prevent measuring torque in an incorrect or wrong direction,
prevent measurement of a fastening task or operation before the
target values have been configured, and/or prevent
technician/operator changes and wrench use if the wrench 100 is due
for calibration or another error is detected.
[0058] The software application on the device 160 may be used to
configure the wrench 100 to use an offset or adapter when measuring
torque. For example, by configuring the wrench 100 with an offset
or adapter length. For example, an adapter may be coupled to the
wrench 100, which changes a length of the torque wrench and changes
the measured torque reading. The wrench 100 receives the offset or
adapter length, and the wrench 100 automatically compensates for
the change in length to allow the wrench 100 to display a
compensated measured torque value.
[0059] The software application on the device 160 may be used to
configure the wrench 100 with automatic sequencing through preset
operations to prevent any operation other than the use of the
preset target fastener operations, to prevent further use after a
preset torque sequence is completed, to prevent further use after
over torque or rotation, and/or to redo a preset torque or angle
operation.
[0060] The software application on the device 160 may be used to
configure the wrench 100 to determine the elapsed time from the
last calibration date to notify the operator of the number of days
before calibration is required. The software application on the
device 160 may be used to configure the wrench 100 to determine the
number of torque cycles since the last calibration date and to
notify the operator of the number of cycles left before calibration
is required. The software application on the device 160 may be used
to configure the wrench 100 to indicate that the wrench 100
requires calibration following an expired calibration interval or
number of torque cycles since last calibration. The software
application on the device 160 may also be used to configure the
wrench 100 to prevent the use of the wrench 100 once calibration is
required.
[0061] The wrench 100 may transmit batch, torque, angle, and/or
orientation information to the device 160 in real time, based on
data from the sensors 320/324/328. The software application on the
device 160 may record the data and information in one-or-more log
files to be stored in storage 408, forwarded via the communication
connection 175, and/or uploaded to external storage. The software
application may use the log information to generate and send
reports for auditing purposes, and determine whether the rate of
force application, torque values, and angle values are consistent
with customer and/or regulatory compliance requirements.
[0062] For example, a fastener operation or preset may include
applying a minimum target torque and/or rotational angle value. In
this example, the wrench 100 receives the preset information from
device 160, and indicates that the target value(s) has been
reached. If the applied torque and/or angle continues to increase,
the wrench 100 may provide a warning indication, such as an audible
sound, light, etc., to indicate that the upper limit has been
exceeded. The results of the operation may also be wirelessly
transmitted by the wrench 100 to the device 160 for processing and
data logging.
[0063] The software application may also generate and output
graphic plots in real time via display 165, such as graphs
illustrating torque versus time, torque versus angle, etc. The
application may compare fastener orientation information from a
database 195 with received data from orientation sensor 328 to
automatically track which work pieces have been completed.
[0064] The software application may obtain torque and angle
settings from the database 195, and substitute or augment those
setting with presets values stored on the device 160. The wrench
100 may also be configured to output a preset name for a workpiece
to the display 230, rather than a name assigned to the operation by
the database 195. For tasks where the software application
downloads torque and/or angle values for multiple tasks to the
wrench 100 in a batch, a technician may choose which work piece to
operate on via the user interface 220 on the wrench 100 itself, or
via an interface provided on the device 160 by the software
application. In an alternative to batch downloading, the software
application may download torque and/or angle values to the wrench
for one workpiece at-a-time.
[0065] The technician may interactively select which workpiece
included in a fastening procedure to work on, or in a slaved-mode,
the software application may control the order in which work pieces
are automatically selected, dictating to the technician the order
in which a fastening procedure comprising multiple work pieces is
carried out. Upon selection, the wrench 100 is configured with the
torque and/or angle values for that work piece. Automatic selection
in slave mode may be used for error proofing where customer or
regulatory requirements require an order of steps.
[0066] For many jobs, technicians need flexibility to carry out
fastening procedures based on their own preferences and
experiences, preferring not to be locked into a fixed procedure.
Failing to provide technicians such flexibility increases the
likelihood that they will ignore or otherwise disregard
manufacturer specifications. In addition, looking up manufacturer
specifications typically adds a quarter-hour to the time required
to complete a task, further discouraging use of such
specifications. To address these needs, the software application on
the device 160 makes it quick and easy for a technician to obtain
the correct specifications, while providing them increased
flexibility on how fastening procedures are carried out.
[0067] FIGS. 5A to 5H illustrate examples of graphical user
interfaces (GUIs) provided by the software application executed by
the mobile computing device 160, to configure and interact with the
electronic torque wrench 100, and to provide additional
functionality. In the GUI figures, editable text fields are boxed
to indicate that the fields may be edited via the GUI. It will be
appreciated that any GUI interface, user interface, and/or menu
operation can be used without departing from the scope and spirit
of the present invention.
[0068] FIG. 5A illustrates an example of a startup "splash" screen
of the software application, after a communications link 170 is
established with the torque wrench. The screen includes a
navigation icon 502. Actuation of the icon opens an options menu
(menu 512 in FIG. 5B). There is a mode indicator 504a identifying
that a current operational mode of the application is "measure,"
which would typically be used as default mode. The screen also
identifies (506) the wrench 100 to which the software application
has been configured to connect, and the current state (508) of the
connection 170. A "ready" message (510) indicates that the software
application is connected and ready to interact with the wrench
100.
[0069] FIG. 5B illustrates an example of features of the software
application that are accessible via the options menu 512. As
illustrated, the features include "measure" 514a, "presets" 514b,
"log" 514c, "wrench settings" 514d, "wrenches" 516, and "database
lookup" 518.
[0070] FIG. 5C illustrates an example of the "presets" feature
514b. The mode indicator 504b identifies that the current
operational mode is "presets." Selecting the presets feature causes
the software application to upload any presets already stored on
the wrench 100, and display those presets. As illustrated, there
are no presets stored on the wrench 100 for the software
application to upload, so a user is presented with an interface
comprising a "NEW" field 520, a "Target Torque" field 522, and a
"Target Angle" field 524. Selecting any of these fields launches an
interface to define a new preset. If existing presets are uploaded
and displayed, a user can select and edit each preset's setting, in
addition to creating new presets. Presets may be, for example,
custom presets as might be fastening procedures used for
aftermarket parts.
[0071] FIG. 5D illustrates an example of the "edit preset" feature,
which may be used to edit an existing preset or customize a new
preset. The mode indicator 504c identifies that the current
operational mode is "edit preset." Editable fields allow a
technician to change any of the setting associated with a preset,
including the preset's name 528, a minimum torque 530 for proper
fastening torque, a maximum torque 532 for indicating over torque,
the units 534 used for the preset's torque, and an angle 536 (which
may include a minimum target value for proper fastener rotation and
a maximum target value for indicating over rotation). Once changes
are made, the changes can be saved using a "save" button 538, or
discarded using a "cancel" button 540.
[0072] In an example, the device 160 may send or transmit a
wireless message to the wrench 100 to set a preset minimum target
torque value for a fastener. The message can also contain a torque
maximum value. An optional message can be transmitted to set the
target torque value. The wrench receives the optional target torque
value and displays the value on the wrench 100 if set, otherwise
the minimum target torque value is displayed. When the minimum
target torque value is applied to the fastener or the maximum
torque is exceeded, the wrench 100 wirelessly transmits the torque
results to the device 160.
[0073] FIG. 5E illustrates an example of the "wrench settings"
feature 514d. The mode indicator 504d identifies that the current
operational mode is "wrench settings." The software application
uploads the current wrench settings from the wrench 100, and
displays the current values. As illustrated, the editable settings
include the wrench's name 544, a sleep timer 546 that the wrench's
processor/controller 302 uses to determine when to enter a
low-power state after a period of inactivity, and whether the
wrench's haptic vibrator 340 to generate vibration feedback. As
illustrated, the vibration-setting interface is a slider 548 with a
text indication 550 that indicates whether vibration is enabled or
disabled. When a change is made to any of the wrench settings, the
software application downloads the change to the wrench 100. A
"sync" indicator 552 activates when the software application is
uploading from or downloading to the wrench 100. The illustrated
wrench settings are examples, and other or different settings may
be included depending on (among other things) the capabilities of
the wrench 100, such as settings for the brightness of a backlight
included with the display 230, whether acoustic feedback is
provided via speaker/transducer 335, the tones used by for acoustic
feedback, etc.
[0074] FIG. 5F illustrates an example of the wrench back in
"measure" mode. The software application receives torque, angle,
and/or orientation data from the wrench 100 via communications link
170. Each type of data may be received at a sampling rate specified
for the respective data type in software, firmware, or hardware.
The sampled data is processed by the processor/controller 302 and
provided to the software application on the device 160 in real
time, with continuous updates sent via communications link 170
(e.g., several times per second). As an alternative, instead of
sending continuous updates to the device 160, the wrench 100 may
send an update whenever a torque, angle, and/or orientation value
changes by a threshold amount (e.g., 0.1 ft-lbs, 0.1 degrees,
etc.). With either approach to updating, depending upon the
fastening procedure being performed, the software application
outputs a current peak fastening value (556) to the display 165. As
illustrated, the current peak fastening value (556) is "101.2
ft-lb." The screen continually updates to show the peak torque of
each wrench cycle as the wrench 100 is used. The peak value will
also be saved to a log file on the device 160. If the fastening
procedure includes rotating the work-piece by a certain angle after
a specified torque is reached, the display may switch to displaying
angle information, or display both torque and angle
information.
[0075] FIG. 5G illustrates an example of the "log" feature 514d.
The mode indicator 504e identifies that the current operational
mode is "log." The log screen shows the current log file contents
560 stored on the device 160. All of the log files are
transportable to other devices. The device user is able to select
log files 560 (e.g., by touching record names via the
touch-sensitive display 165 to make a selection), delete any
unwanted records (e.g., using delete button 562), and share
selected log contents (e.g., using share button 564) using any
sharing application available on the device 160, such as e-mail,
Dropbox, etc.
[0076] FIG. 5H shows an example of sharing selected log files 574
via e-mail. The software application or the e-mail application may
automatically populate the "from" field 568, and the software
application may automatically populate the subject field 572. The
user populates the "to" field 570 in the ordinary manner used by
the e-mail application, and selects the "send" button 576 to send
or the "cancel" button 578 to cancel.
[0077] FIG. 5I shows an example of calibration options that the
device 160 may be used to configure for the wrench 100. The
editable fields include a calibration interval field 580 where a
desired number of months can be set, a calibration cycles field 581
where a number of cycles can be set, a warning field 582 where it
can be selected whether or not warnings are to be provided, a
calibration warning cycle field 583 where a number of cycles can be
set for purposes of the warning, and a calibration warning days
field 584 where a number of days can be set for purposes of the
warning. A notification field 585 can also be present where it can
be selected whether or not notification are sent to an email
address provided in an email field 586. This allows the wrench and
software application running on the device 160 to determine the
elapsed time from the last calibration date to notify the operator
of the number of days before calibration is required to configure
the wrench 100 to determine the number of torque cycles since the
last calibration date and to notify the operator of the number of
cycles left before calibration is required. The software
application on the device 160 may be used to configure the wrench
100 to indicate that the wrench 100 requires calibration following
an expired calibration interval or number of torque cycles since
last calibration. The software application on the device 160 may
also be used to configure the wrench 100 to prevent the use of the
wrench 100 once calibration is required.
[0078] FIG. 5J illustrates another example of the "edit preset"
feature, which may be used to edit an existing preset or customize
a new preset. Editable fields allow a technician to change any of
the setting associated with a preset, including a preset type 587
(such as torque, angle, torque and angle - torque then angle,
etc.), the preset's name 528, the units 534 used for the preset's
torque, a direction of measurement 588, a target torque value 589,
a minimum torque 530 for proper fastening torque, a maximum torque
532 for indicating over torque, a batch size 590, an offset length
591, and an angle 536 (which may include a minimum target value for
proper fastener rotation and a maximum target value for indicating
over rotation). Once changes are made, the changes can be saved
using a "save" button 538, or discarded using a "cancel" button
540. With regard to the offset length 591, an adapter may be
coupled to the wrench 100, which changes a length of the torque
wrench and changes the measured torque reading. The wrench 100
receives the offset or adapter length 591, and the wrench 100
automatically compensates for the change in length to allow the
wrench 100 to display a compensated measured torque value.
[0079] FIGS. 5K and 5L illustrate an example of the Jobs feature.
The device 160 and/or application running on the device 160 can be
used to set and enable "Job" mode on the wrench 100. The Job mode
is advantageous when a supervisor wants an operator/technician to
implement a torqueing sequence in a particular order. A Job mode
may require an operator or technician to perform one or more
configured preset operations sequentially. In Job mode, the wrench
100 is locked and only the preset modes/operations are executable
in the sequence they are numbered. The first configured preset is
displayed when Job mode is enabled. When the first configured
preset is completed, the wrench 100 automatically switches to the
next configured preset.
[0080] Editable fields allow a technician to change any of the
setting associated with a Job, including selecting a Job 592,
editing a job name 593, and view one or more assigned presets 594
to the Job. Once a Job is selected, the Job can be edited or
deleted using a "edit" button 597, or deleted using a "delete"
button 598. A new Job can also be created using a "new" button 596.
A new Job can be created or an existing Job edited in the edit Job
feature illustrated in FIG. 5L. Referring to FIG. 5L, editable
fields allow a technician to change any of the setting associated
with a Job or create a new Job, including the Job name 593, wrench
type 599, library 571. Presets 573 may also be added to or removed
from the assigned presets 594 using add or remove buttons. Once the
changes are made, the changes can be saved using a "save" button
538, or discarded using a "cancel" button 540.
[0081] The user interfaces associated with the "wrenches" option
516 in the options menu 512 of FIG. 5B are not illustrated, and
depend in part on the communications protocol used to connect the
wrench 100 and the device 160. For example, if a variant of
Bluetooth is used for the communications link 170, the wrenches
option 516 will include a list of wrenches previously paired with
the device 160, indicate which wrench on the list the software
application is currently configured to use, allow the user to
select a wrench from the list to which the software application
should connect, and provide an interface to pair the device 160 to
a new wrench. Such interfaces may be part of the software
application, part of the operating system of the device 160, part
of a separate wireless configuration tool on the device 160, or
some combination thereof.
[0082] FIG. 6 is a process flow diagram illustrating example
operations of the software application executed by
controller(s)/processor(s) 402 of the mobile computing device 160
as an example of a database lookup 518. The illustrated process may
be initiated, for example, by receiving a selection of the database
lookup option 518 from the options menu 512 in FIG. 5B. Background
operations such as data logging are omitted from FIG. 6 for
brevity. FIGS. 7A to 7E illustrate examples of interactive user
interfaces provided by the software application in conjunction with
the process flow in FIG. 6 to configure the wrench with fastening
specifications.
[0083] For example, the application receives (602) a vehicle
identification. The vehicle identification information may be
received, for example, by scanning a barcode or matric code on the
vehicle using the camera 445, by scanning a radio-frequency
identification (RFID) tag on a part or on the vehicle, by entry
into the mobile computing device 160 using a virtual keyboard
provided via the touch-sensitive display 165, by entry into a
physical keyboard attached to the device 160 via an I/O interface
410, by navigating through a nested list of vehicles by make,
model, and year, and/or by speech-to-text processing using
microphone 430. Speech-to-text processing may be implemented by the
device 160, or using a speech-to-text processing provided by the
one-or-more servers 190.
[0084] FIG. 7A illustrates the software application performing a
vehicle identification number (VIN) scan as an example of the
process for receiving (602) the vehicle information. The displayed
operational mode 704a is set to "VIN Scan," and the device captures
images using camera 445. The software application or a helper
application perform image processing to identify the VIN in the
captured image(s). The software interface may include a bounding
box 706a to assist a user with positioning the device 160 relative
to the VIN. The bounding box may be static, or may dynamically
resize as the image processing software locks onto the features of
the VIN (as illustrated by resized bounding box 706b in FIG.
7B).
[0085] Based on the vehicle identification information received by
the mobile device 160, the mobile device 160 determines what
vehicle is being worked upon. Depending upon how the vehicle
identification information is captured, the mobile device 160 may
work in conjunction with the server(s) 190 to identify the vehicle.
As illustrated in FIG. 7B, the software application may output a
progress message 708 to indicate that the scanned VIN has been
captured and is being looked up to identify the vehicle.
[0086] The mobile device 160 sends (604) a query to a server 190
for database information about the vehicle. Based on the query, the
server 190 generates a list of fastening tasks from the database
195 for the identified vehicle, and sends the list to the software
application on the device 160 as a response to the query. The
contents of the list may be anything from a message that no
information is available for the identified vehicle, to one-or-more
fastening categories (i.e., tasks) for which the database has
information about the identified vehicle.
[0087] In response to receiving (606) the list of fastening tasks
for the vehicle, the software application may output (608) a prompt
via the display 165, enabling the user/technician to select a
fastening task from the displayed list. An example is illustrated
in FIG. 7C, with the displayed operational mode 704b changing to
"vehicle information." The output 608 includes an identifier 712 of
the vehicle (e.g., year, make, and model), and a list of fastening
tasks/categories 714. The user selects a fastening task 714 from
the list and presses "submit" 716 to select the task. The process
may also afford the technician the ability to change the search
(not illustrated) if technician is dissatisfied with the received
(606) fastening task list, generating another query (604).
[0088] After receiving (610) a selection of a fastening task in
response to the prompt, the software application sends (612) a
request for torque specifications for the selected task back to the
server(s) 190. As illustrated in FIG. 7D, the software application
may output a progress message 720 to indicate that the torque
specifications for the selected task are being looked up.
[0089] The server 190 that generates the list of fastening tasks
714 may be the same as or different than the server 190 that looks
up the torque specification for the selected fastening task. After
looking up the torque specifications in the database 195, the
server 190 sends the torque specifications back to the software
application on the device 160 as a response to the request
(612).
[0090] After the software application receives (614) the torque
specifications, a determination (616) is made as to whether any
presets corresponding to the specification are stored on the device
160. The software application may make this determination (616)
based on a comparison of a text string for a fastening task or
other embedded code received (614) in the response with text string
or code data stored on the device 160, and associated with at least
one preset name or value.
[0091] If a preset name is stored on the device 160 for a received
specification, the software application will supplement (618) the
fastening specification list with the stored preset names. The
software application may associate a preset with a specific
manufacturer and task, rather than a specific vehicle model and
year, automatically applying a technician's preferred nomenclature
without requiring each occurrence to be individually programmed.
For example, a technician performing a "Front Wheel Alignment"
(fastening task) on a 2003 Toyota Avalon might set a nickname for
lower shock absorber nuts (work pieces) to be "shock nuts."
Thereafter, whenever the application receives a "Front Wheel
Alignment" specification that includes values for lower shock
absorber nuts on any Toyota, the software application may
automatically supplement the information received from the database
195 with the preset nickname "shock nuts." After the specification
are downloaded to the wrench 100, the wrench 100 may display the
preset name on the display 230, rather than the name of the
fastening specification received from the database 195.
[0092] The software application also determines whether any preset
values have been set in the past to override a received torque
specification. In the past, a technician may have decided that a
torque value received from the database 195 was not what they
wanted, and manually entered a different torque value. If so, the
software application may substitute (620) the preset values for the
specification values from the database 195. Both the wrench 100 and
the software application on the device 160 may annotate a displayed
torque value to indicate that the value is based on a preset rather
than database information, such as displaying preset values in a
different color than database values. An interface may also provide
the technician an option to choose between a previous preset value
and the value received from the database.
[0093] After adjusting the torque specifications with presets, the
software application output (622) a list of work pieces for the
selected fastening task on the display 165. Torque and angle values
may be batch or individually downloaded by the software application
to the wrench 100. As illustrated FIG. 6, work piece torque values
are downloaded (632) individually to facilitate some of the
interactive features of the software application. However, FIG. 7E
illustrates an interface that allows a technician to control which
values are included in a batch download.
[0094] In FIG. 7E, the displayed operational mode 704c is
"fastening specifications." The displayed list includes the titles
724a to 724c of each of the work pieces received from the database
195, torque values 726a to 726c that are the values received (614)
from the database 195 and/or preset values if the software
application has substituted (620) preset values, and any preset
names 728a to 728c that supplement (618) the titles 724a to 724c
received from database 195. Presets values and/or names can be set
or adjusted by selecting the corresponding field. The technician
may select which specifications will be downloaded to the wrench
100 by selecting a respective specification using selection boxes
730a to 730c, and then selecting "sync" 732. The interface may also
provide (not illustrated) for entry and uploading of temporary
torque values that will not be saved and applied to future tasks,
which may be convenient when working with a mix of original and
aftermarket equipment.
[0095] Returning to FIG. 6, the software application may provide
interactive interfaces to facilitate completion of a selected task.
The software application determines (624), based on information
received from the database 195, whether torque should be applied to
the workpieces in a particular order. For example, the torque
specifications that are received (614) may indicate that the list
of work pieces is an ordered list. Along with the ordered list, the
software application may receive a graphical representation of the
part being worked upon, with torque values in the list associated
with work pieces represented in the graphic. Mapping data may be
included with the graphical representation identifying where the
workpieces are located within the graphic. For example, the list
may include absolute or relative Cartesian coordinates, vector
coordinates, or distances from the image edges, identifying the
location of a corresponding work piece in the graphic. Based on
such mapping data, the software application can determine the
locations of the work pieces in the graphic.
[0096] If the list of work pieces is ordered (624 "Yes"), the
graphic as-received may already be annotated with the recommended
order in which torque should be applied to the plurality of work
pieces. As an alternative, the software application on the device
160 may annotate the graphic by adding or overlaying order numbers
adjacent to each work piece, as output to the display 165.
[0097] FIG. 8A illustrates an example of a simplified graphic 810
for a bolt torque sequence for a head bolt pattern. The torque and
angle values for each bolt in the sequence are independent of the
others in the sequence, such that each bolt may have different
torque and angle values. The received graphic may be pictorial,
abstract, schematic, a photograph, etc. The operational mode 804
displays "fastening sequence," and a counter 816 displays how many
bolts (i.e., the work pieces) remain to be torqued.
[0098] The software application may add or overlay a visual
highlight to identify each work piece 812a to 812h on the display
165, and add or overlay a sequence number 814a to 814h adjacent to
each work piece. The sequence numbers may be included in list of
work pieces, or the software application may generate the numbers
based on each work piece's order in the ordered list. The screen
may also include a graphic component to assist the technician in
determining the orientation of the displayed graphic relative to
the vehicle. In the example in FIG. 8A, this displayed indication
of orientation is an arrow 818 pointing to the front of the
vehicle.
[0099] The software application determines (626) a work piece
recommendation to guide the technician. If the technician follows
the sequence as-illustrated in FIG. 8A, the recommendation will
correspond to the order of the sequence numbers. On the first pass,
the recommendation will correspond to the first work piece in the
sequence (which corresponds to workpiece 812b in FIG. 8A). However,
if the technician does not follow the recommended order, an
algorithm or alternative order may be used to determine subsequent
recommendations, as will be described further below. The software
application may also provide a warning to the user/technician if
the technician does not follow the recommended order, and such a
warning may be recorded.
[0100] The software application may output (628) the recommendation
by distinctively highlighting the work piece in the graphic. An
example of this is illustrated in FIG. 8B, where a circle 820 is
graphically added around the recommended work piece 812b. The
circle 820 highlights the work piece, and may be uniquely colored,
flashing, animated to change shape (e.g., pulsing), etc. While a
circle is illustrated as the added highlight, any sort of
highlighting can be used, as the purpose is to visually distinguish
the recommended work piece from the other work pieces in the
graphic.
[0101] Thereafter, the software application receives (630) a
selection of a work piece that is input by the user. The device 160
may receive (630) the selection based on the technician touching
one of the displayed work pieces on the touch-sensitive display
165, based on the technician using the user interface 220 on the
wrench 100 to select a work piece, based on speech-to-text
processing, or if list of work pieces includes unique orientation
information for the work pieces, based on orientation data from the
wrench's orientation sensor 328. FIG. 8C illustrates an example of
a technician selecting a work piece in the graphic that is
different than the recommended work piece 820 in the sequence. The
software application may highlight 822 the selected work piece to
provide feedback to the technician, indicating that the
technician's selection has been received.
[0102] If the work piece specifications are downloaded in a batch
to the wrench, and the user's selection is input via the user
interface 220 on the wrench 100 or determined based on wrench head
orientation, then the software application may highlight (822) the
selected work piece on the display 165, and advance directly to
outputting (634) values received from the wrench to the display
165, as previously illustrated in FIG. 5F.
[0103] If the work piece specification were batch-downloaded and
the selection is received via the touch interface 165, then the
software application signals the processor/controller 302 on the
wrench which work piece is to be worked upon. Otherwise, if the
work piece specifications are being downloaded to the wrench on an
as-needed basis, the software application downloads (632) the
values for the selected work piece to the wrench 100. As torque is
applied, the peak value per sensor data sample is output (634) from
the display 165, as previously illustrated in FIG. 5F.
[0104] The software application continues (636 "No") to output
(634) the values until the specified torque and/or angle values are
achieved. When the target value(s) are achieved (636 "Yes"), the
wrench 100 and/or software application 160 will output feedback
(e.g., audio feedback, vibration, etc.) to indicate that the target
is achieved. The software application will also update 638 the work
piece counter 816, and update the list to indicate that the
particular work piece has been torqued.
[0105] The process determines (640) whether there are any more work
pieces remaining to be torqued. If there are not (640 "No"), the
process returns to outputting (608) a prompt to select a fastening
task from the list, as previously discussed in connection with FIG.
7C. The list may be updated to indicate which tasks have already
been performed. Otherwise (640 "Yes"), if there are work pieces
remaining, the process loops back to step 624 to determine whether
the work pieces are ordered, and if they are (624 "Yes"), to
determine (626) a next work piece recommendation.
[0106] As noted above, if the technician follows the recommended
order, the next work piece recommendation will simply be the next
work piece in the ordered list/sequence. However, if the technician
elects not to follow the recommended order, selecting an
out-of-order work piece that does not comport with the ordered
sequence, there are several approaches that the software
application may employ to determine which work piece should be
torqued next.
[0107] A first approach is use alternative order data included in a
table in the received (614) torque specification, indicating
alternative recommendation orders to use based on which work pieces
have already been torqued. This approach requires minimal
computation by the device 160, but increases the amount of data
that must be transferred with the torque specifications, and
potentially bloats the data stored in database 195 if the table
data is not computed by the server 190 on an as-needed basis.
[0108] A second approach is for the software application to query a
server 190, including a list of what work pieces have already been
torqued in the query, with the server 190 responding with an
alternative recommendation order. This reduces the overall amount
of data that must be transferred with the torque specification, but
if the technician continually ignores the recommendations, the need
to repeatedly communicate with the server 190 during the process
risks delays in updating recommendations after each selection.
[0109] A third approach is for the software application to apply an
algorithm to determine a next work piece recommendation. The
algorithm may be supplied by the server 190, may be stored on the
device 160 with the server 190 specifying which algorithm to use,
or software application 160 may independently apply an algorithm
stored on the device. The algorithm applied by the device 160 for
this approach may also be used by the server 190 to generate the
alternative lists provided with the first and second
approaches.
[0110] Examples of the algorithm that may be used to select a next
work piece to recommend include selecting the highest-priority work
piece remaining to be worked on from the original list, selecting
among the remaining work pieces based on a magnitude of the torques
specified for the remaining work pieces (e.g., in a
smallest-magnitude torque to largest-magnitude torque order, or in
a largest-magnitude torque to a smallest-magnitude torque order),
or geometric-based selection, such as outside-in, middle-out,
and/or alternating edges, determined based on the mapping data
included with the graphical representation. Geometric selection may
be relative to the work pieces that have already been torqued,
and/or relative to the last work piece that was torqued (e.g.,
selecting a work piece diagonally across from the last work piece
torqued).
[0111] More than one of these algorithms may be used to make a
recommendation. For example, when two-or-more algorithms select a
same work piece to recommend as next, that work piece may be
selected (e.g., the work piece receiving the most votes). Different
algorithms may be assigned different priorities or "weights" to
break ties as to which work piece should be next.
[0112] As another approach, if a final angle rotation is to be
applied to a work piece after a work piece is seated, the software
application may withhold the angle until after all the work pieces
are seated, and then repeat the original ordered list in the
original sequence, indicating the angles for the work pieces where
the angle data was withheld using the initial order.
[0113] FIG. 8D illustrates an updated fastening sequence graphic
representation, where the work piece counter 816 has been updated,
and the work piece that was previously selected is marked 824 as
completed (using different highlighting than was used to mark a
recommendation 820 and a selection 822). The software application
outputs 820 a next work piece recommendation, as determined (626)
using one of the above-described approaches.
[0114] Referring to FIG. 9, in another example, the device 160 can
be used to wirelessly transmit a message to set a number of
fastener cycles (i.e., batch count) to perform. This configuration
is advantageous to determine, for example, whether the user has
properly sequentially torqued all the fasteners/workpieces in the
batch. For example, if the batch includes 3 bolts, a typical
mistake is for the user to believe that all 3 bolts have been
properly torqued, but instead one or more of the bolts have been
mistakenly torqued more than once, and one or more of the bolts
therefore remain loose or have not been properly torqued. Once
configured, the wrench 100 displays the cycle number and the total
number to be performed. For example, the display 230 of the wrench
100 may display a preset name 902 and number 904, target torque
value 906, measurement units 908, batch count 910, and current
cycle count 912 associated with the batch count operation.
[0115] The display 230 may also show a locked or unlocked icon to
indicate whether the wrench 100 is in either one of a locked or
unlocked selective states. As illustrated in FIG. 9, a locked icon
914 is displayed, indicating that the batch operation must be
completed prior to moving to another operation. The device 160 may
also configure the wrench 100 to redo a torqueing operation, if the
torqueing operation was performed or measured incorrectly. In this
instance, the cycle count to redo is displayed on the wrench
100.
[0116] In another embodiment, the device 160 can be used to set up
and configure locking operations of the wrench 100. Referring to
FIG. 10, the wrench 100 can be configured to enter a locked state
when a wireless link between the wrench 100 and device 160 is
disabled or fails. For example, the wrench 100 receives a message
from the device 160 and/or application running on the device 160 to
configure a locking operation (1002). The wrench 100 configures
itself, via the processor/controller 302, with the locking
operation (1004). The wrench 100 and/or processor/controller 302
checks a status of a wireless communication link between the wrench
100 and the device 160 (1006). If the status of a wireless
communication link (1008) is connected, the wrench 100 remains in
the unlocked state (1010), and can be used to perform a torqueing
operation. However, if the status of a wireless communication link
(1008) is unconnected, the wrench 100 enters a locked state (1012),
and measurement operations are disabled. A LOCKED message is
displayed (1014), for example on the display 230, and an indication
may be activated. For example, the indication may be a vibration
that is activated (such as haptic vibrator 340), and illumination
of red LEDs (such as LED 330a and/or 330b) until torque is
released. When the link is re-connected, measurement may be
reenabled re-enabled.
[0117] Referring to FIG. 11, the wrench 100 can be configured to
enter a locked state by the device 160. For example, a technician
can use the device 160 and/or application running on the device 160
to place the wrench 100 in a locked state at any time. In this
example, the wrench 100 receives a message from the device 160
and/or application running on the device 160 to configure a locking
operation (1102). The wrench 100 configures itself, via the
processor/controller 302, with the locking operation (1104). The
wrench 100 enters a locked state (1106), and measurement operations
are disabled. A LOCKED message, for example, is displayed (1108),
on the display 230, and an indication may be activated. For
example, the indication may be a vibration that is activated (such
as haptic vibrator 340), and illumination of red LEDs (such as LED
330a and/or 330b) until torque is released. This may be useful when
incorrect presets are being used or for any other reason. A power
cycle or resending of preset parameters can be used to re-enable
the wrench 100 for fastener operations.
[0118] Referring to FIG. 12, the wrench 100 can be configured, by
the device 160, to enter a locked state to prevent further fastener
operations by enabling a lock at an end of batch operation. This
can be used as a further indication to the user or technician that
the batch operation has been completed. For example, a technician
can use the device 160 and/or application running on the device 160
to send a lock operation or configuration to the wrench 100 In this
example, the wrench 100 receives a message from the device 160
and/or application running on the device 160 to configure a locking
operation (1202). The wrench 100 configures itself, via the
processor/controller 302, with the locking operation (1204). The
wrench 100 is used to perform the batch operation and determines
whether a cycle count reaches the batch count (1206/1208). If the
cycle count does not match the batch count, the wrench remains in
the unlocked state (1210), and can be used to perform a torqueing
operation. However, if the cycle count does match the batch count,
the wrench 100 enters a locked state (1212), and further
measurement operations are disabled. A LOCKED message is displayed
(1214), for example on the display 230, and an indication may be
activated. For example, the indication may be a vibration that is
activated (such as haptic vibrator 340), and illumination of red
LEDs (such as LED 330a and/or 330b). Resending preset parameters or
a redo message can be used to re-enable the wrench 100 for fastener
operations.
[0119] Referring to FIG. 13, the wrench 100 can be configured, by
the device 160, to enter a locked state to prevent further fastener
operations by enabling a lock on over torque or rotation. For
example, a technician can use the device 160 and/or application
running on the device 160 to send a lock operation or configuration
to the wrench 100 In this example, the wrench 100 receives a
message from the device 160 and/or application running on the
device 160 to configure a locking operation (1302). The wrench 100
configures itself, via the processor/controller 302, with the
locking operation (1304). The wrench 100 is used to perform a
torqueing operation and measures applied torque and/or angle values
(1306). The wrench 100 also determines whether the measured applied
torque and/or angle values exceed maximum preset torque and/or
angle values (1308). If the measured applied torque and/or angle
values do not exceed the maximum preset torque and/or angle values,
the wrench remains in the unlocked state (1310), and can be used to
perform the torqueing operation. However, if the measured applied
torque and/or angle values exceed the maximum preset torque and/or
angle values, the wrench 100 enters a locked state (1312), and
measurement operations are disabled. A LOCKED message is displayed
(1314), for example on the display 230, and an indication may be
activated. For example, the indication may be a vibration that is
activated (such as haptic vibrator 340), and illumination of red
LEDs (such as LED 330a and/or 330b). Resending preset parameters or
a redo message can be used to re-enable the wrench 100 for fastener
operations.
[0120] The device 160 and/or application running on the device 160
can also be used to lock the presets. For example, the wrench 100
can be locked to use only preset torque/angle measurements, and
manual torque and angle modes are disabled. In this example, a lock
icon (such as the lock icon 914) is displayed on the preset target
screen of the display 230 when locked. The user/technician can only
select from multiple presets on the wrench or application running
on the device 160. A password may be required to make any
configuration changes on the wrench 100.
[0121] The device 160 and/or application running on the device 160
can also be used to lock menu access to the wrench 100. For
example, menu access on the wrench 100 can be locked, and manual
torque and angle modes disabled. In this example, a lock icon (such
as the lock icon 914) is displayed on the preset target screen of
the display 230 when locked. A password may be required to enable
access to menus on the wrench 100.
[0122] It should be appreciated that any number of the lock
operations illustrated and described above may be used in
combination with one another. The lock operations may also be used
in conjunction with any of the other configurations, operations,
presets, fastening tasks, etc. described herein.
[0123] The concepts disclosed herein may be applied within several
different devices and computer systems. Although device 160 is
described as a mobile device, any computer may be used. Likewise,
the server(s) 190 may be any sort of computer.
[0124] The specific examples discussed above are meant to be
illustrative. They were chosen to explain the principles and
application of the disclosure and are not intended to be
exhaustive. Persons having ordinary skill in the field of computers
should recognize that components and process steps described herein
may be interchangeable with other components or steps, or
combinations of components or steps, and still achieve the benefits
and advantages of the present invention.
[0125] The processes executed by the wrench 100, the device 160,
and servers 190 may be implemented as a computer method or as an
article of manufacture such as a memory device or non-transitory
computer readable storage medium. The computer readable storage
medium may be readable by a computer and may comprise instructions
for causing a computer or other device to perform the described
processes. The computer readable storage medium may be implemented
by a non-volatile computer memory, storage, or media. In addition,
some of the processing operations attributed to the wrench 100 may
be implemented as firmware or as a state machine in hardware, such
as implementing some or all of the operations executed by
processor/controller 302 as an application specific integrated
circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), or some
combination thereof
[0126] As used in this disclosure, the term "a" or "one" may
include one or more items unless specifically stated otherwise.
Further, the phrase "based on" is intended to mean "based at least
in part on" unless specifically stated otherwise.
[0127] As used herein, the term "coupled" and its functional
equivalents are not intended to necessarily be limited to direct,
mechanical coupling of two or more components. Instead, the term
"coupled" and its functional equivalents are intended to mean any
direct or indirect mechanical, electrical, or chemical connection
between two or more objects, features, work pieces, and/or
environmental matter. "Coupled" is also intended to mean, in some
examples, one object being integral with another object.
[0128] The matter set forth in the foregoing description and
accompanying drawings is offered by way of illustration only and
not as a limitation. While particular embodiments have been shown
and described, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that
changes and modifications may be made without departing from the
broader aspects of the inventors' contribution. The actual scope of
the protection sought is intended to be defined in the following
claims when viewed in their proper perspective based on the prior
art.
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