EP3369528B1 - Torque reaction tools and methods for use - Google Patents
Torque reaction tools and methods for use Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP3369528B1 EP3369528B1 EP18153306.8A EP18153306A EP3369528B1 EP 3369528 B1 EP3369528 B1 EP 3369528B1 EP 18153306 A EP18153306 A EP 18153306A EP 3369528 B1 EP3369528 B1 EP 3369528B1
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- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- arm
- fastener
- cavity
- drive element
- end portion
- Prior art date
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- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 title claims description 26
- 230000013011 mating Effects 0.000 claims description 6
- 229920000049 Carbon (fiber) Polymers 0.000 description 4
- 239000004917 carbon fiber Substances 0.000 description 4
- 230000006378 damage Effects 0.000 description 4
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 4
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 description 4
- VNWKTOKETHGBQD-UHFFFAOYSA-N methane Chemical compound C VNWKTOKETHGBQD-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 4
- 238000012546 transfer Methods 0.000 description 4
- 208000027418 Wounds and injury Diseases 0.000 description 3
- 208000014674 injury Diseases 0.000 description 3
- 238000005259 measurement Methods 0.000 description 3
- 238000010586 diagram Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000007796 conventional method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000013461 design Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000005484 gravity Effects 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B25—HAND TOOLS; PORTABLE POWER-DRIVEN TOOLS; MANIPULATORS
- B25G—HANDLES FOR HAND IMPLEMENTS
- B25G1/00—Handle constructions
- B25G1/04—Handle constructions telescopic; extensible; sectional
- B25G1/043—Handle constructions telescopic; extensible; sectional for screwdrivers, wrenches or spanners
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B25—HAND TOOLS; PORTABLE POWER-DRIVEN TOOLS; MANIPULATORS
- B25B—TOOLS OR BENCH DEVICES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, FOR FASTENING, CONNECTING, DISENGAGING OR HOLDING
- B25B23/00—Details of, or accessories for, spanners, wrenches, screwdrivers
- B25B23/0085—Counterholding devices
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B25—HAND TOOLS; PORTABLE POWER-DRIVEN TOOLS; MANIPULATORS
- B25F—COMBINATION OR MULTI-PURPOSE TOOLS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; DETAILS OR COMPONENTS OF PORTABLE POWER-DRIVEN TOOLS NOT PARTICULARLY RELATED TO THE OPERATIONS PERFORMED AND NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B25F5/00—Details or components of portable power-driven tools not particularly related to the operations performed and not otherwise provided for
- B25F5/02—Construction of casings, bodies or handles
- B25F5/025—Construction of casings, bodies or handles with torque reaction bars for rotary tools
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a torque reaction tool according to claim 1 and a method for use according to claim 11, and more specifically to using a torque reaction tool to apply a holdback torque to a first fastener while a second fastener is tightened into a receptacle of the first fastener.
- US 2001/042294 discloses a method of removing and installing two blades and their mounting spindles from the deck of a lawn mower including holding the spindle heads simultaneously against rotation with a wrench have two operative ends and an adjustable connection connecting the operative ends.
- Mating fasteners are fasteners that are inserted and/or threaded into each other to apply a compressive force to various objects.
- One example of a pair of mating fasteners is a nut and a bolt.
- a technician tightens such a pair of mating fasteners by applying torque to the first fastener while applying a "holdback" torque to the second fastener.
- the technician may use a breaker bar to apply a holdback torque to the second fastener while the technician uses another tool such as a socket wrench to tighten the first fastener into the second fastener.
- Securing fasteners in this way may have drawbacks.
- the technician might not be physically able to apply torque to both fasteners sufficient for tightening the fasteners, due to insufficient arm length or limited strength, for example.
- obstructions may exist near one or both fasteners, which could force the technician into an awkward position in which the technician is on unstable footing or otherwise vulnerable to injury.
- a breaker bar or another tool may slip off a fastener while the tool is being used to apply torque. This may damage nearby equipment or injure the technician or others nearby.
- many tools might not be configured to remain secured against fasteners from an underneath position without the technician holding the tool to counteract gravity.
- the invention provides a torque reaction tool according to claim 1, which includes a first arm having an end with a longitudinally extending cavity, and an opposite end with a first socket drive element disposed perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the cavity.
- the torque reaction tool further includes a second arm having an end portion slidably disposed within the cavity, and an opposite end with a second socket drive element thereon, oriented in the same direction as the first socket drive element.
- the torque reaction tool further includes a first fastener, disposed in a first threaded hole in the first arm that extends into the cavity, the first fastener being adjustable to engage the end portion of the second arm to restrict sliding movement of the second arm relative to the first arm.
- the end portion of the second arm has a width that is not more than 90 percent of a width of the cavity, such that the end portion of the second arm is configured to rotationally bind within the cavity in response to torque applied about the first socket drive element or the second socket drive element, when coupled respectively to a first socket and a second socket positioned respectively over a second fastener and a third fastener.
- a torque reaction tool in an embodiment, includes a first orthogonally extending arm having an end with a longitudinally extending cavity, and an opposite end with a first socket drive element disposed perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the cavity.
- the torque reaction tool further includes a second orthogonally extending arm having an end portion slidably disposed within the cavity, and an opposite end with a second socket drive element thereon, oriented in the same direction as the first socket drive element.
- the torque reaction tool further includes a first fastener, disposed in a first threaded hole in the first arm that extends into the cavity, the first fastener being adjustable to engage the end portion of the second arm to restrict sliding movement of the second arm relative to the first arm.
- the end portion of the second arm has a width that is not more than 90 percent of a width of the cavity, such that the end portion of the second arm is configured to rotationally bind within the cavity in response to torque applied about the first socket drive element or the second socket drive element when coupled to a respective first socket and second socket positioned respectively over a second fastener and a third fastener.
- the invention also provides a method according to claim 11 for using a torque reaction tool, the torque reaction tool having a first arm and a second arm slidably disposed within a cavity of the first arm.
- the method includes sliding the second arm within the cavity to adjust a distance between a first socket drive element on the first arm and a second socket drive element on the second arm.
- the method further includes mating a first socket with a first fastener and a second socket with a second fastener, where the first socket is mated with the first socket drive element and the second socket is mated with the second socket drive element.
- the method further includes tightening a third fastener of the torque reaction tool such that the third fastener penetrates into the cavity and restricts movement of the second arm within the cavity.
- the method further includes adjusting a fourth fastener mated with the first fastener or a fifth fastener mated with the second fastener to cause the second arm to tilt with respect to a longitudinal axis of the cavity, thereby binding the second arm within the cavity and securing the torque reaction tool to the first fastener and the second fastener.
- the method further includes releasing the torque reaction tool from the first fastener and the second fastener by loosening the third fastener to allow the second arm to slide within the cavity.
- An example torque reaction tool includes a first arm, a second arm, and a fastener.
- the first arm has an end with a longitudinally extending cavity, and an opposite end with a first socket drive element disposed perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the cavity.
- the second arm has an end portion slidably disposed within the cavity, and an opposite end with a second socket drive element thereon.
- the second socket drive element is oriented in the same direction as the first socket drive element.
- the fastener is disposed in a first threaded hole in the first arm that extends into the cavity. The fastener is adjustable to engage the end portion of the second arm to restrict sliding movement of the second arm relative to the first arm.
- the end portion of the second arm has a width that is not more than 90 percent of a width of the cavity, such that the end portion of the second arm is configured to rotationally bind within the cavity in response to torque applied about the first socket drive element or the second socket drive element, when the socket drive elements are coupled respectively to a pair of sockets positioned respectively over a first pair of fasteners.
- the tool also includes a handle having a threaded end disposed in a second threaded hole in the first arm that extends into the cavity. The threaded end of the handle has a length sufficient to extend into the cavity and engage the end portion of the second arm to restrict movement of the second arm.
- the socket drive elements may be offset from the longitudinal axis of the cavity such that the tool is useful for tightening fasteners in hard to reach places.
- a technician slides the second arm within the cavity to adjust a distance between the socket drive elements to match the spacing of the first pair of fasteners to be adjusted.
- the technician then mates the pair of sockets with the first pair of fasteners and mates the sockets with the socket drive elements of the tool.
- the technician then tightens the fastener of the torque reaction tool such that the fastener penetrates into the cavity and restricts movement of the second arm within the cavity.
- the technician then adjusts one or more of a second pair of fasteners that are mated with the first pair of fasteners to cause the second arm to tilt, rotate, or otherwise move with respect to the longitudinal axis of the cavity.
- the torque reaction tool may render some of the torque that would otherwise be applied by the technician unnecessary, perhaps enabling the technician to avoid awkward positions and to prevent injury to the technician or others.
- the tool may also be securable to fasteners from an underneath position and/or confined spaces, simplifying various adjustment tasks.
- the generic socket drive elements of the tool also enable the use of different socket sizes for fasteners that differ in size.
- Figure 1 depicts an example torque reaction tool 100.
- a technician may adjust the torque reaction tool 100 such that a distance 154 between socket drive elements 110 and 120 matches the distance between the fasteners 134 and 136.
- the fasteners 134 and 136 may be bolts that are mated respectively with fasteners 135 and 137.
- the fasteners 135 and 137 take the form of nuts.
- the torque reaction tool 100 may be mated to nuts via sockets 130 and 132 to provide a holdback torque for tightening one or more bolts.
- the fasteners 134-137 may be used to compress two or more objects (not shown) together, but other examples are possible.
- the fasteners 134-137 might be used to secure a pair of flanged fittings (not shown) to each other.
- the torque reaction tool 100 may be used to apply a holdback torque to the fastener 134 as the fastener 135 is tightened onto the fastener 134, or vice versa.
- the torque reaction tool 100 includes an arm 102, an arm 114, and a fastener 122.
- the arm 102 includes an end 104, a cavity 106, an end 108, the socket drive element 110, a threaded hole 124, a threaded hole 142, a surface 150, and a surface 152.
- the arm 114 includes an end portion 116, an end 118, a socket drive element 120, and a groove 156 having an end 158.
- the arm 102 is constructed of metal, carbon fiber, or some other material(s) capable of withstanding various forces or torques described herein.
- the end 104 of the arm 102 is open to the cavity 106.
- the cavity 106 extends from the end 104 about two thirds of the way to the end 108, but other examples are possible.
- a cross-section of the cavity 106 may have an oval shape, a cylindrical shape, a non-cylindrical shape, or a rectangular shape as well as other shapes.
- the cavity 106 might have a shape similar to, but slightly larger than, the end portion 116 of the arm 114 to accommodate sliding movement of the end portion 116 within the cavity 106.
- the cavity 106 might differ in shape from the end portion 116.
- the end portion 116 might have a square cross-sectional shape and the cavity 106 might have a hexagonal cross-sectional shape.
- the end portion 116 might have a hexagonal cross-sectional shape and the cavity 106 might have a square cross-sectional shape.
- the end portion 116 of the arm 114 has a width 126 that is not more than 90 percent of the width 128 of the cavity 106.
- the end portion 116 of the arm 114 may have a height 146 that is not more than 90 percent of the height 148 of the cavity 106.
- the width 126 and height 146 may refer to a constant width and a constant height of the end portion 116 within the cavity 106.
- the end portion 116 might not have a constant height or a constant width.
- the term "cross-sectional width” may refer to a maximum width of the end portion 116 within the cavity 106 along the direction of the width 126
- the term "cross-sectional height” may refer to a maximum height of the end portion 116 within the cavity 106 along the direction of the height 146.
- the cavity 106 may have a cross-sectional width of 2.159 cm (0.85 inches) and a cross-sectional height of 2.159 cm (0.85 inches), for example, and the end portion 116 of the arm 114 may have a cross-sectional width of 1.905 cm (0.75 inches) and a cross-sectional height of 1.905 cm (0.75 inches), for example.
- the end portion 116 may have different dimensions for a maximum width and height of the end portion that is not more than 90 percent of the height and width of the cavity 106, and might not have a constant height or a constant width.
- the shape and dimensions of the cavity 106 and the shape and dimensions of the end portion 116 prevent the end portion 116 from rotating a large amount about the longitudinal axis 112.
- the shape and dimensions of the cavity 106 and the shape and dimensions of the end portion 116 generally prevent significant tilting of the end portion 116 with respect to the longitudinal axis 112.
- the end portion 116 may, in response to a torque applied to either of the fasteners 135 or 137, tilt or rotate a small amount (e.g., 1 to 5 degrees) within the cavity 106 to "lock" the torque reaction tool 100 onto the fasteners 134 and 136 and to lock the arm 114 in position with respect to the arm 102.
- a technician may apply a tightening torque to either of the fasteners 135 or 137, and the torque reaction tool 100 will generally provide a holdback torque at one or more of the fasteners 134 or 136.
- the socket drive element 110 is at or near the end 108 of the arm 102 and is disposed perpendicular to or substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 112.
- the socket drive element 110 may be disposed at an angle ranging from 85 to 95 degrees with respect to the longitudinal axis 112.
- the socket drive element 110 may be configured to be mated with the socket 130.
- the socket drive element 110 is a square protrusion, but the socket drive element 110 may have any shape that matches a receiving hole of a socket.
- the socket 130 is configured to apply a rotational force to a fastener, such as the fastener 134.
- the arm 114 is also constructed of metal, carbon fiber, or some other material(s) capable of withstanding various forces or torques described herein.
- the end portion 116 of the arm 114 is slidably disposed within the cavity 106.
- the socket drive element 120 is positioned at or near the end 118 of the arm 114.
- the socket drive element 120 is disposed perpendicular to or substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 112, that is, in the same general direction as the socket drive element 110.
- the socket drive element 120 may be disposed at an angle ranging from 85 to 95 degrees with respect to the longitudinal axis 112.
- the socket drive element 120 may be configured to be mated with the socket 132.
- the socket drive element 120 is a square protrusion, but the socket drive element 120 may have any shape that matches a receiving hole of a socket.
- the socket 132 is configured to apply a rotational force to a fastener, such as the fastener 136.
- the arm 114 includes a groove 156 that is adjacent to the surface 152 of the arm 102.
- the groove 156 is configured to receive the fastener 122 when the fastener 122 is inserted into the threaded hole 124 of the arm 102.
- the fastener 122 may take the form of a set screw, but other examples are possible. When secured tightly against the groove 156, the fastener 122 may facilitate restricting the movement of the end portion 116 of the arm 114 within the cavity 106. When loosened but still within the groove 156, the fastener 122 may allow the arm 114 to slide out of the cavity 106 until the fastener abuts the end 158 of the groove 156. Further loosening of the fastener 122 may remove the fastener 122 from the groove 156, allowing the arm 114 to be completely removed from the cavity 106.
- the arm 114 may have an additional groove similar to the groove 156 on a surface of the arm 114 that is opposite the surface on which the groove 156 is disposed.
- the torque reaction tool 100 may also include a handle 138.
- the handle 138 may include a threaded end 140 disposable in the threaded hole 142 that extends into the cavity 106.
- the threaded end 140 may have a length 144 sufficient to extend into the cavity 106 and engage the end portion 116 of the second arm 114 to restrict movement of the second arm 114.
- the length 144 may be within a range of 0.635 to 1.27 cm (0.25 to 0.5 inches), for example.
- the handle 138 may also provide a portion of the torque reaction tool 100 for a technician to grasp.
- Figure 2 depicts additional views of the torque reaction tool 100.
- the topmost view of Figure 2 shows the threaded hole 125 that is disposed opposite the threaded hole 124.
- a fastener similar to the fastener 122 can be inserted in to the threaded hole 125 to function similarly to the fastener 122.
- the second view from the top is an overhead view of the torque reaction tool 100.
- the third view from the top has a perspective similar to Figure 1 .
- the bottommost view of Figure 2 shows an underneath view of the torque reaction tool 100.
- Figure 3 shows the arm 102 and the arm 114 in a disassembled state, that is, a state where the arm 114 has been removed from the cavity 106.
- Figure 4 depicts an example torque reaction tool 200 which is similar to the torque reaction tool 100 in several aspects.
- the torque reaction tool 200 differs from the torque reaction tool 100 is that the torque reaction tool 200 has a c-shaped design which may allow a technician to apply the torque reaction tool 200 to fasteners that are behind obstructions or are otherwise hard to reach.
- a technician may adjust the torque reaction tool 200 such that a distance 254 between socket drive elements 210 and 220 matches the distance between the fasteners 234 and 236.
- the fasteners 234 and 236 may be bolts that are mated respectively with fasteners 235 and 237.
- the fasteners 235 and 237 take the form of nuts.
- the torque reaction tool 200 may be mated to nuts via sockets 230 and 232 to provide a holdback torque for tightening one or more bolts.
- the fasteners 234-237 may be used to compress two or more objects (not shown) together, but other examples are possible.
- the fasteners 234-237 might be used to secure a pair of flanged fittings (not shown) to each other.
- the torque reaction tool 200 may be used to apply a holdback torque to the fastener 234 as the fastener 235 is tightened onto the fastener 234, or vice versa.
- the torque reaction tool 200 includes an arm 202, an arm 214, and a fastener 222.
- the arm 202 includes an end 204, a cavity 206, an end 208, the socket drive element 210, a threaded hole 224, a threaded hole 242, a surface 250, and a surface 252.
- the arm 214 includes an end portion 216, an end 218, a socket drive element 220, and a groove 256 having an end 258.
- the arm 202 is constructed of metal, carbon fiber, or some other material(s) capable of withstanding various forces or torques described herein.
- the arm 202 In contrast to the arm 102 of the torque reaction tool 100, the arm 202 has an l-shape that forms a right angle.
- the end 204 of the arm 202 is open to the cavity 206.
- the cavity 206 extends from the end 204 about two thirds of the way to the l-shaped corner 215 of the arm 202, but other examples are possible.
- a cross-section of the cavity 206 may have an oval shape, a cylindrical shape, a non-cylindrical shape, or a rectangular shape as well as other shapes.
- the cavity 206 might have a shape similar to, but slightly larger than, the end portion 216 of the arm 214 to accommodate sliding movement of the end portion 216 within the cavity 206.
- the cavity 206 might differ in shape from the end portion 216.
- the end portion 216 might have a square cross-sectional shape and the cavity 206 might have a hexagonal cross-sectional shape.
- the end portion 216 might have a hexagonal cross-sectional shape and the cavity 206 might have a square cross-sectional shape.
- the end portion 216 of the arm 214 has a width 226 that is not more than 90 percent of the width 228 of the cavity 206.
- the end portion 216 of the arm 214 may have a height 246 that is not more than 90 percent of the height 248 of the cavity 206.
- the width 226 and height 246 may refer to a constant width and a constant height of the end portion 216 within the cavity 206. In other examples, the end portion 216 might not have a constant height or a constant width.
- cross-sectional width may refer to a maximum width of the end portion 216 within the cavity 206 along the direction of the width 226, and the term “cross-sectional height” may refer to a maximum height of the end portion 216 within the cavity 206 along the direction of the height 246.
- the cavity 206 may have a cross-sectional width of 1.905 cm (0.75 inches) and a cross-sectional height of 1.397 cm (0.55 inches), for example, and the end portion 216 of the arm 214 may have a cross-sectional width of 1.651 cm (0.65 inches) and a cross-sectional height of 1.143 cm (0.45 inches), for example.
- the end portion 216 may have different dimensions for a maximum width and height of the end portion that is not more than 90 percent of the height and width of the cavity 206, and might not have a constant height or a constant width.
- the shape and dimensions of the cavity 206 and the shape and dimensions of the end portion 216 prevent the end portion 216 from rotating a large amount about the longitudinal axis 212.
- the shape and dimensions of the cavity 206 and the shape and dimensions of the end portion 216 generally prevent significant tilting of the end portion 216 with respect to the longitudinal axis 212.
- the end portion 216 may, in response to a torque applied to either of the fasteners 235 or 237, tilt or rotate a small amount (e.g., 1 to 5 degrees) within the cavity 206 to "lock" the torque reaction tool 200 onto the fasteners 234 and 236 and to lock the arm 214 in position with respect to the arm 202.
- a technician may apply a tightening torque to either of the fasteners 235 or 237, and the torque reaction tool 200 will generally provide a holdback torque at one or more of the fasteners 234 or 236.
- the socket drive element 210 is at or near the end 208 of the arm 202 and, although offset from the longitudinal axis 212, may be disposed perpendicular to or substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 212.
- the socket drive element 210 may be disposed at an angle ranging from 85 to 95 degrees with respect to the longitudinal axis 212 if the socket drive element 210 were translated to be coplanar with the longitudinal axis 212.
- the socket drive element 210 may be configured to be mated with the socket 230. As depicted in Figure 4 , the socket drive element 210 is a square protrusion, but the socket drive element 210 may have any shape that matches a receiving hole of a socket.
- the socket 230 is configured to apply a rotational force to a fastener, such as the fastener 234.
- the arm 214 is also constructed of metal, carbon fiber, or some other material(s) capable of withstanding various forces or torques described herein.
- the arm 202 has an l-shape that forms a right angle.
- the end portion 216 of the arm 214 is slidably disposed within the cavity 206.
- the socket drive element 220 is positioned at or near the end 218 of the arm 214.
- the socket drive element 220 is disposed perpendicular to or substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 212, that is, in the same general direction as the socket drive element 210.
- the socket drive element 220 may be disposed at an angle ranging from 85 to 95 degrees with respect to the longitudinal axis 212 if the socket drive element 220 were translated to be coplanar with the longitudinal axis 212.
- the socket drive element 220 may be configured to be mated with the socket 232. As depicted in Figure 4 , the socket drive element 220 is a square protrusion, but the socket drive element 220 may have any shape that matches a receiving hole of a socket.
- the socket 232 is configured to apply a rotational force to a fastener, such as the fastener 236.
- the arm 214 includes a groove 256 that is adjacent to the surface 252 of the arm 202.
- the groove 256 is configured to receive the fastener 222 when the fastener 222 is inserted into the threaded hole 224 of the arm 202.
- the fastener 222 may take the form of a set screw, but other examples are possible. When secured tightly against the groove 256, the fastener 222 may facilitate restricting the movement of the end portion 216 of the arm 214 within the cavity 206. When loosened but still within the groove 256, the fastener 222 may allow the arm 214 to slide out of the cavity 206 until the fastener abuts the end 258 of the groove 256. Further loosening of the fastener 222 may remove the fastener 222 from the groove 256, allowing the arm 214 to be completely removed from the cavity 206.
- the torque reaction tool 200 may also include a handle 238.
- the handle 238 may include a threaded end 240 disposable in the threaded hole 242 that extends into the cavity 206.
- the threaded end 240 may have a length 244 sufficient to extend into the cavity 206 and engage the end portion 216 of the second arm 214 to restrict movement of the second arm 214.
- the length 244 may be within a range of 0.635 to 1.27 cm (0.25 to 0.5 inches), for example.
- the handle 238 may also provide a portion of the torque reaction tool 200 for a technician to grasp.
- Figure 5 provides an additional view of the torque reaction tool 200.
- Figure 5 shows additional threaded holes 247 and 249 through which the threaded end 240 of the handle 238 may be inserted.
- the threaded end 240 may be tightened into the hole 242 to restrict movement of the second arm 214 within the cavity 206 and so that the handle 238 serves as a handle for a technician.
- the threaded end 240 may alternatively be inserted into the threaded hole 247, but the handle 238 will generally function only as a handle in that position.
- Figure 6 provides additional views of the torque reaction tool 200.
- the top view is a downward looking view of the torque reaction tool 200, whereas the bottom view is an upward looking view of the torque reaction tool 200.
- Figures 5 and 6 show the torque reaction tool 200 (specifically the arms 202 and 214) having slightly different shapes with respect to the torque reaction tool 200 depicted in Figure 4 . These differences generally will not affect the functionality of the torque reaction tool 200.
- Figure 7 is a block diagram of a method 700 for using a torque reaction tool having a first arm and a second arm slidably disposed within a cavity of the first arm.
- the method 700 could be used in conjunction with the torque reaction tools 100 or 200.
- the method 700 includes sliding the second arm within the cavity to adjust a distance between a first socket drive element on the first arm and a second socket drive element on the second arm.
- a technician may slide the arm 114 within the cavity 106 to adjust the distance 154 between the socket drive element 110 and the socket drive element 120.
- the distance 154 may be adjusted to match a distance between the fasteners 134 and 136.
- the technician may slide the arm 214 within the cavity 206 to adjust the distance 254 between the socket drive element 210 and the socket drive element 220.
- the distance 254 may be adjusted to match a distance between the fasteners 234 and 236.
- the method 700 includes mating a first socket with a first fastener and a second socket with a second fastener.
- the first socket is mated with the first socket drive element and the second socket is mated with the second socket drive element.
- the technician may mate the socket 130 with the fastener 134 and mate the socket 132 with the fastener 136.
- the technician may also mate the socket 130 with the socket drive element 110 and mate the socket 132 with the socket drive element 120.
- the technician may mate the socket 230 with the fastener 234 and mate the socket 232 with the fastener 236.
- the technician may also mate the socket 230 with the socket drive element 210 and mate the socket 232 with the socket drive element 220.
- the method 700 includes tightening a third fastener of the torque reaction tool such that the third fastener penetrates into the cavity and restricts movement of the second arm within the cavity.
- the technician may tighten the fastener 122 into the threaded hole 124 or the threaded hole 125 such that the fastener 122 penetrates into the cavity 106 and restricts movement of the arm 114 within the cavity 106.
- the technician may tighten the fastener 222 into the threaded hole 224 such that the fastener 222 penetrates into the cavity 206 and restricts movement of the arm 214 within the cavity 206.
- the technician may also insert the threaded end 140 of the handle 138 into the threaded hole 142 to further restrict the end portion 116 from moving within the cavity 106.
- the technician may insert the threaded end 240 of the handle 238 into the threaded hole 242 or 249 to further restrict the end portion 216 from moving within the cavity 206.
- the method 700 includes adjusting a fourth fastener mated with the first fastener or a fifth fastener mated with the second fastener to cause the second arm to tilt with respect to a longitudinal axis of the cavity, thereby binding the second arm within the cavity and securing the torque reaction tool to the first fastener and the second fastener.
- the technician may turn the fastener 135 that is mated with the fastener 134 to cause the arm 114 to tilt with respect to the longitudinal axis 112, which may cause the arm 114 to bind within the cavity 106 and secure the torque reaction tool 100 to the fastener 134 and the fastener 136. More specifically, the torque applied to the fastener 135 may cause the fastener 134 to transfer a torque to the socket drive element 110 via the socket 130. The transferred torque may cause the arm 102 to rotate and bind against the arm 114 in the cavity 106. Similarly, torque applied to the fastener 137 may cause the fastener 136 to transfer a torque to the socket drive element 120 via the socket 132. The transferred torque may cause the arm 114 to rotate and bind against the arm 102 in the cavity 106.
- the technician may turn the fastener 235 that is mated with the fastener 234 to cause the arm 214 to tilt with respect to the longitudinal axis 212, which may cause the arm 214 to bind within the cavity 206 and secure the torque reaction tool 200 to the fastener 234 and the fastener 236. More specifically, the torque applied to the fastener 235 may cause the fastener 234 to transfer a torque to the socket drive element 210 via the socket 230. The transferred torque may cause the arm 202 to rotate and bind against the arm 214 in the cavity 206. Similarly, torque applied to the fastener 237 may cause the fastener 236 to transfer a torque to the socket drive element 220 via the socket 232. The transferred torque may cause the arm 214 to rotate and bind against the arm 202 in the cavity 206.
- the technician may tighten or loosen the fasteners 135/235 and 137/237 while the torque reaction tool 100 or 200 applies a holdback torque that facilitates loosening or tightening of the fasteners 135/235 and/or 137/237.
- the method 700 includes releasing the torque reaction tool from the first fastener and the second fastener by loosening the third fastener to allow the second arm to slide within the cavity.
- the technician may loosen the fastener 122 in the threaded hole 124 and/or loosen the threaded end 140 of the handle 138 disposed in the threaded hole 142 to allow the end portion 116 to move within the cavity 106 and to release the torque reaction tool 100 from the second and third fasteners 134 and 136.
- the technician may loosen the fastener 222 in the threaded holes 124 or 125 and/or loosen the handle 238 in the threaded holes 242 or 249 to allow the end portion 216 to move within the cavity 206 and to release the torque reaction tool 200 from the fasteners 234 and 236.
Description
- The present invention relates to a torque reaction tool according to claim 1 and a method for use according to claim 11, and more specifically to using a torque reaction tool to apply a holdback torque to a first fastener while a second fastener is tightened into a receptacle of the first fastener.
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US 2001/042294 discloses a method of removing and installing two blades and their mounting spindles from the deck of a lawn mower including holding the spindle heads simultaneously against rotation with a wrench have two operative ends and an adjustable connection connecting the operative ends. - Mating fasteners are fasteners that are inserted and/or threaded into each other to apply a compressive force to various objects. One example of a pair of mating fasteners is a nut and a bolt. A technician tightens such a pair of mating fasteners by applying torque to the first fastener while applying a "holdback" torque to the second fastener. For example, the technician may use a breaker bar to apply a holdback torque to the second fastener while the technician uses another tool such as a socket wrench to tighten the first fastener into the second fastener.
- Securing fasteners in this way may have drawbacks. In some situations, the technician might not be physically able to apply torque to both fasteners sufficient for tightening the fasteners, due to insufficient arm length or limited strength, for example. Also, obstructions may exist near one or both fasteners, which could force the technician into an awkward position in which the technician is on unstable footing or otherwise vulnerable to injury. Additionally, due to misalignment or other technician error, a breaker bar or another tool may slip off a fastener while the tool is being used to apply torque. This may damage nearby equipment or injure the technician or others nearby. Lastly, many tools might not be configured to remain secured against fasteners from an underneath position without the technician holding the tool to counteract gravity.
- Accordingly, there is a need for a torque reaction tool that does not require the technician to assume awkward positions, reduces the probability of technician injury, and is securable to fasteners from an underneath position.
- Background prior art includes:
US 6941840 B1 which discloses a multiple tool nut and method for enabling the removal of more than one nut from a device at the same time;US 2001/0042294 A1 which discloses a method and apparatus for removing and installing spindle and cutting blades;US 4274310 which discloses a torque multiplication device; andUS 2003/0066392 A1 , which discloses a retractable/folding collapsible wrench. - The invention provides a torque reaction tool according to claim 1, which includes a first arm having an end with a longitudinally extending cavity, and an opposite end with a first socket drive element disposed perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the cavity. The torque reaction tool further includes a second arm having an end portion slidably disposed within the cavity, and an opposite end with a second socket drive element thereon, oriented in the same direction as the first socket drive element. The torque reaction tool further includes a first fastener, disposed in a first threaded hole in the first arm that extends into the cavity, the first fastener being adjustable to engage the end portion of the second arm to restrict sliding movement of the second arm relative to the first arm. The end portion of the second arm has a width that is not more than 90 percent of a width of the cavity, such that the end portion of the second arm is configured to rotationally bind within the cavity in response to torque applied about the first socket drive element or the second socket drive element, when coupled respectively to a first socket and a second socket positioned respectively over a second fastener and a third fastener.
- In an embodiment, a torque reaction tool includes a first orthogonally extending arm having an end with a longitudinally extending cavity, and an opposite end with a first socket drive element disposed perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the cavity. The torque reaction tool further includes a second orthogonally extending arm having an end portion slidably disposed within the cavity, and an opposite end with a second socket drive element thereon, oriented in the same direction as the first socket drive element. The torque reaction tool further includes a first fastener, disposed in a first threaded hole in the first arm that extends into the cavity, the first fastener being adjustable to engage the end portion of the second arm to restrict sliding movement of the second arm relative to the first arm. The end portion of the second arm has a width that is not more than 90 percent of a width of the cavity, such that the end portion of the second arm is configured to rotationally bind within the cavity in response to torque applied about the first socket drive element or the second socket drive element when coupled to a respective first socket and second socket positioned respectively over a second fastener and a third fastener.
- The invention also provides a method according to claim 11 for using a torque reaction tool, the torque reaction tool having a first arm and a second arm slidably disposed within a cavity of the first arm. The method includes sliding the second arm within the cavity to adjust a distance between a first socket drive element on the first arm and a second socket drive element on the second arm. The method further includes mating a first socket with a first fastener and a second socket with a second fastener, where the first socket is mated with the first socket drive element and the second socket is mated with the second socket drive element. The method further includes tightening a third fastener of the torque reaction tool such that the third fastener penetrates into the cavity and restricts movement of the second arm within the cavity. The method further includes adjusting a fourth fastener mated with the first fastener or a fifth fastener mated with the second fastener to cause the second arm to tilt with respect to a longitudinal axis of the cavity, thereby binding the second arm within the cavity and securing the torque reaction tool to the first fastener and the second fastener. The method further includes releasing the torque reaction tool from the first fastener and the second fastener by loosening the third fastener to allow the second arm to slide within the cavity.
- The novel features of the illustrative embodiments are set forth in the appended claims. The illustrative embodiments, however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further objectives and descriptions thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description of an illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure when read in conjunction with the accompanying Figures.
-
Figure 1 illustrates a torque reaction tool, according to an example embodiment. -
Figure 2 illustrates a torque reaction tool, according to an example embodiment. -
Figure 3 illustrates a torque reaction tool, according to an example embodiment. -
Figure 4 illustrates a torque reaction tool, according to an example embodiment. -
Figure 5 illustrates a torque reaction tool, according to an example embodiment. -
Figure 6 illustrates a torque reaction tool, according to an example embodiment. -
Figure 7 is a block diagram of a method, according to an example embodiment. - As discussed above, there are conventional methods and tools for applying a holdback torque to a second fastener as a first fastener is tightened into a receptacle of the second fastener. Tools and methods according to the invention are described herein.
- An example torque reaction tool includes a first arm, a second arm, and a fastener. The first arm has an end with a longitudinally extending cavity, and an opposite end with a first socket drive element disposed perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the cavity. The second arm has an end portion slidably disposed within the cavity, and an opposite end with a second socket drive element thereon. The second socket drive element is oriented in the same direction as the first socket drive element. The fastener is disposed in a first threaded hole in the first arm that extends into the cavity. The fastener is adjustable to engage the end portion of the second arm to restrict sliding movement of the second arm relative to the first arm. The end portion of the second arm has a width that is not more than 90 percent of a width of the cavity, such that the end portion of the second arm is configured to rotationally bind within the cavity in response to torque applied about the first socket drive element or the second socket drive element, when the socket drive elements are coupled respectively to a pair of sockets positioned respectively over a first pair of fasteners. In a more detailed example, the tool also includes a handle having a threaded end disposed in a second threaded hole in the first arm that extends into the cavity. The threaded end of the handle has a length sufficient to extend into the cavity and engage the end portion of the second arm to restrict movement of the second arm. In another example, the socket drive elements may be offset from the longitudinal axis of the cavity such that the tool is useful for tightening fasteners in hard to reach places.
- In an example use of the tool, a technician slides the second arm within the cavity to adjust a distance between the socket drive elements to match the spacing of the first pair of fasteners to be adjusted. The technician then mates the pair of sockets with the first pair of fasteners and mates the sockets with the socket drive elements of the tool. The technician then tightens the fastener of the torque reaction tool such that the fastener penetrates into the cavity and restricts movement of the second arm within the cavity. The technician then adjusts one or more of a second pair of fasteners that are mated with the first pair of fasteners to cause the second arm to tilt, rotate, or otherwise move with respect to the longitudinal axis of the cavity. This binds the second arm within the cavity and secures the torque reaction tool to the first pair of fasteners to be adjusted. After tightening the first pair of fasteners into or onto the second pair of fasteners, the technician releases the torque reaction tool from the first pair of fasteners by loosening the fastener of the tool to allow the second arm to slide within the cavity.
- The torque reaction tool may render some of the torque that would otherwise be applied by the technician unnecessary, perhaps enabling the technician to avoid awkward positions and to prevent injury to the technician or others. The tool may also be securable to fasteners from an underneath position and/or confined spaces, simplifying various adjustment tasks. The generic socket drive elements of the tool also enable the use of different socket sizes for fasteners that differ in size.
- Disclosed embodiments will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all of the disclosed embodiments are shown. Indeed, several different embodiments may be described and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are described so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete and will fully convey the scope of the disclosure to those skilled in the art.
- By the term "about" or "substantially" with reference to amounts or measurement values described herein, it is meant that the recited characteristic, parameter, or value need not be achieved exactly, but that deviations or variations, including for example, tolerances, measurement error, measurement accuracy limitations and other factors known to those of skill in the art, may occur in amounts that do not preclude the effect the characteristic was intended to provide.
Figure 1 depicts an exampletorque reaction tool 100. A technician may adjust thetorque reaction tool 100 such that adistance 154 between socket driveelements fasteners fasteners fasteners Figure 1 , thefasteners torque reaction tool 100 may be mated to nuts viasockets torque reaction tool 100 may be used to apply a holdback torque to thefastener 134 as thefastener 135 is tightened onto thefastener 134, or vice versa. - The
torque reaction tool 100 includes anarm 102, anarm 114, and afastener 122. Thearm 102 includes anend 104, acavity 106, anend 108, thesocket drive element 110, a threadedhole 124, a threadedhole 142, asurface 150, and asurface 152. Thearm 114 includes anend portion 116, anend 118, asocket drive element 120, and agroove 156 having anend 158. - The
arm 102 is constructed of metal, carbon fiber, or some other material(s) capable of withstanding various forces or torques described herein. Theend 104 of thearm 102 is open to thecavity 106. As depicted inFigure 1 , thecavity 106 extends from theend 104 about two thirds of the way to theend 108, but other examples are possible. A cross-section of thecavity 106 may have an oval shape, a cylindrical shape, a non-cylindrical shape, or a rectangular shape as well as other shapes. In some examples, thecavity 106 might have a shape similar to, but slightly larger than, theend portion 116 of thearm 114 to accommodate sliding movement of theend portion 116 within thecavity 106. In other examples, thecavity 106 might differ in shape from theend portion 116. For instance, theend portion 116 might have a square cross-sectional shape and thecavity 106 might have a hexagonal cross-sectional shape. In another example, theend portion 116 might have a hexagonal cross-sectional shape and thecavity 106 might have a square cross-sectional shape. According to the invention theend portion 116 of thearm 114 has awidth 126 that is not more than 90 percent of thewidth 128 of thecavity 106. Similarly, theend portion 116 of thearm 114 may have aheight 146 that is not more than 90 percent of theheight 148 of thecavity 106. As depicted inFigure 1 , thewidth 126 andheight 146 may refer to a constant width and a constant height of theend portion 116 within thecavity 106. In other examples, theend portion 116 might not have a constant height or a constant width. Accordingly, as used herein, the term "cross-sectional width" may refer to a maximum width of theend portion 116 within thecavity 106 along the direction of thewidth 126, and the term "cross-sectional height" may refer to a maximum height of theend portion 116 within thecavity 106 along the direction of theheight 146. In one illustrative embodiment, thecavity 106 may have a cross-sectional width of 2.159 cm (0.85 inches) and a cross-sectional height of 2.159 cm (0.85 inches), for example, and theend portion 116 of thearm 114 may have a cross-sectional width of 1.905 cm (0.75 inches) and a cross-sectional height of 1.905 cm (0.75 inches), for example. In other examples, theend portion 116 may have different dimensions for a maximum width and height of the end portion that is not more than 90 percent of the height and width of thecavity 106, and might not have a constant height or a constant width. - Generally, the shape and dimensions of the
cavity 106 and the shape and dimensions of theend portion 116 prevent theend portion 116 from rotating a large amount about thelongitudinal axis 112. Similarly, the shape and dimensions of thecavity 106 and the shape and dimensions of theend portion 116 generally prevent significant tilting of theend portion 116 with respect to thelongitudinal axis 112. However, when thesocket drive elements sockets fasteners end portion 116 may, in response to a torque applied to either of thefasteners cavity 106 to "lock" thetorque reaction tool 100 onto thefasteners arm 114 in position with respect to thearm 102. In this "locked" condition, a technician may apply a tightening torque to either of thefasteners torque reaction tool 100 will generally provide a holdback torque at one or more of thefasteners - The
socket drive element 110 is at or near theend 108 of thearm 102 and is disposed perpendicular to or substantially perpendicular to thelongitudinal axis 112. For example, thesocket drive element 110 may be disposed at an angle ranging from 85 to 95 degrees with respect to thelongitudinal axis 112. Thesocket drive element 110 may be configured to be mated with thesocket 130. As depicted inFigure 1 , thesocket drive element 110 is a square protrusion, but thesocket drive element 110 may have any shape that matches a receiving hole of a socket. Thesocket 130 is configured to apply a rotational force to a fastener, such as thefastener 134.
Thearm 114 is also constructed of metal, carbon fiber, or some other material(s) capable of withstanding various forces or torques described herein. InFigure 1 , theend portion 116 of thearm 114 is slidably disposed within thecavity 106. Thesocket drive element 120 is positioned at or near theend 118 of thearm 114. - The
socket drive element 120 is disposed perpendicular to or substantially perpendicular to thelongitudinal axis 112, that is, in the same general direction as thesocket drive element 110. For example, thesocket drive element 120 may be disposed at an angle ranging from 85 to 95 degrees with respect to thelongitudinal axis 112. Thesocket drive element 120 may be configured to be mated with thesocket 132. As depicted inFigure 1 , thesocket drive element 120 is a square protrusion, but thesocket drive element 120 may have any shape that matches a receiving hole of a socket. Thesocket 132 is configured to apply a rotational force to a fastener, such as thefastener 136. - The
arm 114 includes agroove 156 that is adjacent to thesurface 152 of thearm 102. Thegroove 156 is configured to receive thefastener 122 when thefastener 122 is inserted into the threadedhole 124 of thearm 102. - The
fastener 122 may take the form of a set screw, but other examples are possible. When secured tightly against thegroove 156, thefastener 122 may facilitate restricting the movement of theend portion 116 of thearm 114 within thecavity 106. When loosened but still within thegroove 156, thefastener 122 may allow thearm 114 to slide out of thecavity 106 until the fastener abuts theend 158 of thegroove 156. Further loosening of thefastener 122 may remove thefastener 122 from thegroove 156, allowing thearm 114 to be completely removed from thecavity 106. Thearm 114 may have an additional groove similar to thegroove 156 on a surface of thearm 114 that is opposite the surface on which thegroove 156 is disposed. Such an additional groove may be configured to receive an additional fastener through the threaded hole 125 (shown inFigure 2 ). Thetorque reaction tool 100 may also include ahandle 138. Thehandle 138 may include a threadedend 140 disposable in the threadedhole 142 that extends into thecavity 106. The threadedend 140 may have alength 144 sufficient to extend into thecavity 106 and engage theend portion 116 of thesecond arm 114 to restrict movement of thesecond arm 114. Thelength 144 may be within a range of 0.635 to 1.27 cm (0.25 to 0.5 inches), for example. Thehandle 138 may also provide a portion of thetorque reaction tool 100 for a technician to grasp. -
Figure 2 depicts additional views of thetorque reaction tool 100. The topmost view ofFigure 2 shows the threadedhole 125 that is disposed opposite the threadedhole 124. A fastener similar to thefastener 122 can be inserted in to the threadedhole 125 to function similarly to thefastener 122. The second view from the top is an overhead view of thetorque reaction tool 100. The third view from the top has a perspective similar toFigure 1 . The bottommost view ofFigure 2 shows an underneath view of thetorque reaction tool 100. -
Figure 3 shows thearm 102 and thearm 114 in a disassembled state, that is, a state where thearm 114 has been removed from thecavity 106. -
Figure 4 depicts an exampletorque reaction tool 200 which is similar to thetorque reaction tool 100 in several aspects. However, one way that thetorque reaction tool 200 differs from thetorque reaction tool 100 is that thetorque reaction tool 200 has a c-shaped design which may allow a technician to apply thetorque reaction tool 200 to fasteners that are behind obstructions or are otherwise hard to reach. - A technician may adjust the
torque reaction tool 200 such that adistance 254 between socket driveelements fasteners fasteners fasteners Figure 4 , thefasteners torque reaction tool 200 may be mated to nuts viasockets torque reaction tool 200 may be used to apply a holdback torque to thefastener 234 as thefastener 235 is tightened onto thefastener 234, or vice versa. - The
torque reaction tool 200 includes anarm 202, anarm 214, and afastener 222. Thearm 202 includes anend 204, acavity 206, anend 208, thesocket drive element 210, a threadedhole 224, a threadedhole 242, asurface 250, and asurface 252. Thearm 214 includes anend portion 216, anend 218, asocket drive element 220, and agroove 256 having anend 258. - The
arm 202 is constructed of metal, carbon fiber, or some other material(s) capable of withstanding various forces or torques described herein. In contrast to thearm 102 of thetorque reaction tool 100, thearm 202 has an l-shape that forms a right angle. Theend 204 of thearm 202 is open to thecavity 206. As depicted inFigure 4 , thecavity 206 extends from theend 204 about two thirds of the way to the l-shapedcorner 215 of thearm 202, but other examples are possible. A cross-section of thecavity 206 may have an oval shape, a cylindrical shape, a non-cylindrical shape, or a rectangular shape as well as other shapes. In some examples, thecavity 206 might have a shape similar to, but slightly larger than, theend portion 216 of thearm 214 to accommodate sliding movement of theend portion 216 within thecavity 206. In other examples, thecavity 206 might differ in shape from theend portion 216. For instance, theend portion 216 might have a square cross-sectional shape and thecavity 206 might have a hexagonal cross-sectional shape. In another example, theend portion 216 might have a hexagonal cross-sectional shape and thecavity 206 might have a square cross-sectional shape. - According to the invention the
end portion 216 of thearm 214 has awidth 226 that is not more than 90 percent of thewidth 228 of thecavity 206. Similarly, theend portion 216 of thearm 214 may have aheight 246 that is not more than 90 percent of theheight 248 of thecavity 206. As depicted inFigure 4 , thewidth 226 andheight 246 may refer to a constant width and a constant height of theend portion 216 within thecavity 206. In other examples, theend portion 216 might not have a constant height or a constant width. Accordingly, as used herein, the term "cross-sectional width" may refer to a maximum width of theend portion 216 within thecavity 206 along the direction of thewidth 226, and the term "cross-sectional height" may refer to a maximum height of theend portion 216 within thecavity 206 along the direction of theheight 246. In one illustrative embodiment, thecavity 206 may have a cross-sectional width of 1.905 cm (0.75 inches) and a cross-sectional height of 1.397 cm (0.55 inches), for example, and theend portion 216 of thearm 214 may have a cross-sectional width of 1.651 cm (0.65 inches) and a cross-sectional height of 1.143 cm (0.45 inches), for example. In other examples, theend portion 216 may have different dimensions for a maximum width and height of the end portion that is not more than 90 percent of the height and width of thecavity 206, and might not have a constant height or a constant width. - Generally, the shape and dimensions of the
cavity 206 and the shape and dimensions of theend portion 216 prevent theend portion 216 from rotating a large amount about thelongitudinal axis 212. Similarly, the shape and dimensions of thecavity 206 and the shape and dimensions of theend portion 216 generally prevent significant tilting of theend portion 216 with respect to thelongitudinal axis 212. However, when thesocket drive elements sockets fasteners end portion 216 may, in response to a torque applied to either of thefasteners cavity 206 to "lock" thetorque reaction tool 200 onto thefasteners arm 214 in position with respect to thearm 202. In this "locked" condition, a technician may apply a tightening torque to either of thefasteners torque reaction tool 200 will generally provide a holdback torque at one or more of thefasteners - The
socket drive element 210 is at or near theend 208 of thearm 202 and, although offset from thelongitudinal axis 212, may be disposed perpendicular to or substantially perpendicular to thelongitudinal axis 212. For example, thesocket drive element 210 may be disposed at an angle ranging from 85 to 95 degrees with respect to thelongitudinal axis 212 if thesocket drive element 210 were translated to be coplanar with thelongitudinal axis 212. Thesocket drive element 210 may be configured to be mated with thesocket 230. As depicted inFigure 4 , thesocket drive element 210 is a square protrusion, but thesocket drive element 210 may have any shape that matches a receiving hole of a socket. Thesocket 230 is configured to apply a rotational force to a fastener, such as thefastener 234. - The
arm 214 is also constructed of metal, carbon fiber, or some other material(s) capable of withstanding various forces or torques described herein. In contrast to thearm 114 of thetorque reaction tool 100, thearm 202 has an l-shape that forms a right angle. InFigure 4 , theend portion 216 of thearm 214 is slidably disposed within thecavity 206. Thesocket drive element 220 is positioned at or near theend 218 of thearm 214. - Although offset from the
longitudinal axis 212, thesocket drive element 220 is disposed perpendicular to or substantially perpendicular to thelongitudinal axis 212, that is, in the same general direction as thesocket drive element 210. For example, thesocket drive element 220 may be disposed at an angle ranging from 85 to 95 degrees with respect to thelongitudinal axis 212 if thesocket drive element 220 were translated to be coplanar with thelongitudinal axis 212. Thesocket drive element 220 may be configured to be mated with thesocket 232. As depicted inFigure 4 , thesocket drive element 220 is a square protrusion, but thesocket drive element 220 may have any shape that matches a receiving hole of a socket. Thesocket 232 is configured to apply a rotational force to a fastener, such as thefastener 236. - The
arm 214 includes agroove 256 that is adjacent to thesurface 252 of thearm 202. Thegroove 256 is configured to receive thefastener 222 when thefastener 222 is inserted into the threadedhole 224 of thearm 202. - The
fastener 222 may take the form of a set screw, but other examples are possible. When secured tightly against thegroove 256, thefastener 222 may facilitate restricting the movement of theend portion 216 of thearm 214 within thecavity 206. When loosened but still within thegroove 256, thefastener 222 may allow thearm 214 to slide out of thecavity 206 until the fastener abuts theend 258 of thegroove 256. Further loosening of thefastener 222 may remove thefastener 222 from thegroove 256, allowing thearm 214 to be completely removed from thecavity 206. Thetorque reaction tool 200 may also include ahandle 238. Thehandle 238 may include a threadedend 240 disposable in the threadedhole 242 that extends into thecavity 206. The threadedend 240 may have alength 244 sufficient to extend into thecavity 206 and engage theend portion 216 of thesecond arm 214 to restrict movement of thesecond arm 214. Thelength 244 may be within a range of 0.635 to 1.27 cm (0.25 to 0.5 inches), for example. Thehandle 238 may also provide a portion of thetorque reaction tool 200 for a technician to grasp. -
Figure 5 provides an additional view of thetorque reaction tool 200.Figure 5 shows additional threadedholes end 240 of thehandle 238 may be inserted. The threadedend 240 may be tightened into thehole 242 to restrict movement of thesecond arm 214 within thecavity 206 and so that thehandle 238 serves as a handle for a technician. The threadedend 240 may alternatively be inserted into the threadedhole 247, but thehandle 238 will generally function only as a handle in that position. -
Figure 6 provides additional views of thetorque reaction tool 200. The top view is a downward looking view of thetorque reaction tool 200, whereas the bottom view is an upward looking view of thetorque reaction tool 200. It should be noted thatFigures 5 and6 show the torque reaction tool 200 (specifically thearms 202 and 214) having slightly different shapes with respect to thetorque reaction tool 200 depicted inFigure 4 . These differences generally will not affect the functionality of thetorque reaction tool 200. -
Figure 7 is a block diagram of amethod 700 for using a torque reaction tool having a first arm and a second arm slidably disposed within a cavity of the first arm. For example, themethod 700 could be used in conjunction with thetorque reaction tools - At
block 702, themethod 700 includes sliding the second arm within the cavity to adjust a distance between a first socket drive element on the first arm and a second socket drive element on the second arm. When using thetorque reaction tool 100, a technician may slide thearm 114 within thecavity 106 to adjust thedistance 154 between thesocket drive element 110 and thesocket drive element 120. Thedistance 154 may be adjusted to match a distance between thefasteners torque reaction tool 200, the technician may slide thearm 214 within thecavity 206 to adjust thedistance 254 between thesocket drive element 210 and thesocket drive element 220. Thedistance 254 may be adjusted to match a distance between thefasteners - At
block 704, themethod 700 includes mating a first socket with a first fastener and a second socket with a second fastener. In this context, the first socket is mated with the first socket drive element and the second socket is mated with the second socket drive element. When using thetorque reaction tool 100, the technician may mate thesocket 130 with thefastener 134 and mate thesocket 132 with thefastener 136. The technician may also mate thesocket 130 with thesocket drive element 110 and mate thesocket 132 with thesocket drive element 120. When using thetorque reaction tool 200, the technician may mate thesocket 230 with thefastener 234 and mate thesocket 232 with thefastener 236. The technician may also mate thesocket 230 with the
socket drive element 210 and mate thesocket 232 with thesocket drive element 220. Atblock 706, themethod 700 includes tightening a third fastener of the torque reaction tool such that the third fastener penetrates into the cavity and restricts movement of the second arm within the cavity. When using thetorque reaction tool 100, the technician may tighten thefastener 122 into the threadedhole 124 or the threadedhole 125 such that thefastener 122 penetrates into thecavity 106 and restricts movement of thearm 114 within thecavity 106. When using thetorque reaction tool 200, the technician may tighten thefastener 222 into the threadedhole 224 such that thefastener 222 penetrates into thecavity 206 and restricts movement of thearm 214 within thecavity 206. - When using the
torque reaction tool 100, the technician may also insert the threadedend 140 of thehandle 138 into the threadedhole 142 to further restrict theend portion 116 from moving within thecavity 106. When using thetorque reaction tool 200, the technician may insert the threadedend 240 of thehandle 238 into the threadedhole end portion 216 from moving within thecavity 206. - At
block 708, themethod 700 includes adjusting a fourth fastener mated with the first fastener or a fifth fastener mated with the second fastener to cause the second arm to tilt with respect to a longitudinal axis of the cavity, thereby binding the second arm within the cavity and securing the torque reaction tool to the first fastener and the second fastener. - When using the
torque reaction tool 100, the technician may turn thefastener 135 that is mated with thefastener 134 to cause thearm 114 to tilt with respect to thelongitudinal axis 112, which may cause thearm 114 to bind within thecavity 106 and secure thetorque reaction tool 100 to thefastener 134 and thefastener 136. More specifically, the torque applied to thefastener 135 may cause thefastener 134 to transfer a torque to thesocket drive element 110 via thesocket 130. The transferred torque may cause thearm 102 to rotate and bind against thearm 114 in thecavity 106. Similarly, torque applied to thefastener 137 may cause thefastener 136 to transfer a torque to thesocket drive element 120 via thesocket 132. The transferred torque may cause thearm 114 to rotate and bind against thearm 102 in thecavity 106. - When using the
torque reaction tool 200, the technician may turn thefastener 235 that is mated with thefastener 234 to cause thearm 214 to tilt with respect to thelongitudinal axis 212, which may cause thearm 214 to bind within thecavity 206 and secure thetorque reaction tool 200 to thefastener 234 and thefastener 236. More specifically, the torque applied to thefastener 235 may cause thefastener 234 to transfer a torque to thesocket drive element 210 via thesocket 230. The transferred torque may cause thearm 202 to rotate and bind against thearm 214 in thecavity 206. Similarly, torque applied to thefastener 237 may cause thefastener 236 to transfer a torque to thesocket drive element 220 via thesocket 232. The transferred torque may cause thearm 214 to rotate and bind against thearm 202 in thecavity 206. - Once the
torque reaction tool fasteners 134/234 and 136/236, the technician may tighten or loosen thefasteners 135/235 and 137/237 while thetorque reaction tool fasteners 135/235 and/or 137/237. - At block 710, the
method 700 includes releasing the torque reaction tool from the first fastener and the second fastener by loosening the third fastener to allow the second arm to slide within the cavity. When using thetorque reaction tool 100, the technician may loosen thefastener 122 in the threadedhole 124 and/or loosen the threadedend 140 of thehandle 138 disposed in the threadedhole 142 to allow theend portion 116 to move within thecavity 106 and to release thetorque reaction tool 100 from the second andthird fasteners torque reaction tool 200, the technician may loosen thefastener 222 in the threadedholes handle 238 in the threadedholes end portion 216 to move within thecavity 206 and to release thetorque reaction tool 200 from thefasteners - The description of the different advantageous arrangements has been presented for purposes of illustration and description, and is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the embodiments in the form disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. Further, different advantageous embodiments may describe different advantages as compared to other advantageous embodiments. The embodiment or embodiments selected are chosen and described in order to explain the invention, the practical application, and to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the disclosure for various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.
Claims (15)
- A torque reaction tool (100) comprising:a first arm (102) having an end (104) with a longitudinally extending cavity (106), and an opposite end (108) with a first socket drive element (110) disposed perpendicular to a longitudinal axis (112) of the cavity (106);a second arm (114) having an end portion (116) slidably disposed within the cavity (106), and an opposite end (118) with a second socket drive element (120) thereon, oriented in the same direction as the first socket drive element (110); anda first fastener (122), disposed in a first threaded hole (124) in the first arm (102) that extends into the cavity (106), the first fastener (122) being adjustable to engage the end portion (116) of the second arm (114) to restrict sliding movement of the second arm (114) relative to the first arm (102);characterized in thatthe end portion (116) of the second arm (114) has a width (126) that is not more than 90 percent of a width (128) of the cavity (106), such that the end portion (116) of the second arm (114) is configured to rotationally bind within the cavity (106) in response to torque applied about the first socket drive element (110) or the second socket drive element (120), when coupled respectively to a first socket (130) and a second socket (132) positioned respectively over a second fastener (134) and a third fastener (136).
- The torque reaction tool (100) of claim 1, further comprising a handle (138), having a threaded end (140) disposed in a second threaded hole (142) in the first arm (102) that extends into the cavity (106), the threaded end (140) having a length (144) sufficient to extend into the cavity (106) and engage the end portion (116) of the second arm (114) to restrict movement of the second arm (114).
- The torque reaction tool (100) of claim 2, wherein the end portion (116) of the second arm (114) is configured to rotationally bind within the cavity (106) to impermanently secure the first arm (102) and second arm (114) relative to each other and relative to the second fastener (134) and the third fastener (136).
- The torque reaction tool (100) of any of claims 2 to 3, with one or more of the following:• wherein the end portion (116) of the second arm (114) has a cross-sectional width (126) and a cross-sectional height (146) that are respectively not more than 90 percent of the cross-sectional width (128) and a cross-sectional height (148) of the cavity (106),• wherein the end portion (116) of the second arm (114) is slidable within the cavity (106) such that a distance (154) between the first socket drive element (110) and the second socket drive element (120) is adjustable,• wherein the end portion (116) of the second arm (114) has a non-cylindrical cross-sectional shape that inhibits rotation of the second arm (114) relative to the first arm (102) about the longitudinal axis (112) of the cavity (106).
- The torque reaction tool (100) of any of claims 2 to 4 wherein a cross-section of the cavity (106) has an oval shape.
- The torque reaction tool (100) of any of claims 2 to 5, wherein a cross-section of the cavity (106) has a rectangular shape.
- The torque reaction tool (100) of any of claims 2 to 6, with one or more of the following:• wherein one or more of the first socket drive element (110) or the second socket drive element (120) comprise a protrusion configured to receive a socket (130/132) that is configured to apply a rotational force to a fastener (134/136),• wherein the first socket drive element (110) is on a first surface (150) of the first arm (102), and wherein the first threaded hole (124) is on a second surface (152) of the first arm (102) that is perpendicular to the first surface (150).
- The torque reaction tool (100) of any of claims 2 to 7,
wherein the second arm (114) is movable within the cavity (106) to change a distance (154) between the first socket drive element (110) and the second socket drive element (120),
wherein the second arm (114) comprises a groove (156) configured to receive the fastener (122),
wherein the groove (156) comprises an end (158), and
wherein the first fastener (122) is configured to restrict movement of the second arm (114) out of the cavity (106) by contacting the end (158) of the groove (156). - A torque reaction tool (100) of any of claims 2 to 10, further characterized in that:the first arm comprises a first orthogonally extending arm (202) having an end (204) with a longitudinally extending cavity (206), and an opposite end (208) with a first socket drive element (210) disposed perpendicular to a longitudinal axis (212) of the cavity (206); andthe second arm comprises a second orthogonally extending arm (214) having an end portion (216) slidably disposed within the cavity (206), and an opposite end (218) with a second socket drive element (220) thereon, oriented in the same direction as the first socket drive element (210).
- The torque reaction tool (100) of any of claims 2 to 9, wherein loosening the threaded end (140) of the handle (138) disposed in the threaded hole (142) allows the end portion (116) to move within the cavity (106) and to release the torque reaction tool (100) from the second fastener (134) and third fastener (136), and/or
wherein loosening the fastener (122) disposed in the first threaded hole (124) allows the end portion (116) to move within the cavity (106) and to release the torque reaction tool (100) from the second fastener (134) and third fastener (136). - A method (700) for using a torque reaction tool (100/200), the torque reaction tool (100/200) having a first arm (102/202) and a second arm (114/214) having an end portion (116/216) slidably disposed within a cavity (106/206) of the first arm (102/202), the method (700) comprising:sliding the end portion (116/216) of the second arm (114/214) within the cavity (106/206) to adjust a distance (154/254) between a first socket drive element (110/210) on the first arm (102/202) and a second socket drive element (120/220) on the second arm (114/214);mating a first socket (130/230) with a first fastener (134/234) and a second socket (132/232) with a second fastener (136/236), wherein the first socket (130/230) is mated with the first socket drive element (110/210) and the second socket (132/232) is mated with the second socket drive element (120/220); andadjusting a third fastener (122/222) in a first threaded hole (124) of the torque reaction tool (100/200), where the fastener (122/222) extends into the cavity (106/206) to restrict movement of the second arm (114/214) within the cavity (106/206); characterized byadjusting a fourth fastener (135/235) mated with the first fastener (134/234) or a fifth fastener (137/237) mated with the second fastener (136/236) to cause the second arm (114/214) to tilt with respect to a longitudinal axis (112/212) of the cavity (106/206), thereby binding the second arm (114/214) within the cavity (106/206) and securing the torque reaction tool (100/200) to the first fastener (134/234) and the second fastener (136/236); andreleasing the torque reaction tool (100/200) from the first fastener (134/234) and the second fastener (136/236) by loosening the third fastener (122/222) to allow the second arm (114/214) to slide within the cavity (106/206).
- The method of claim 11, further comprising the step of tightening a threaded end (140/240) on a handle (138/238) that is disposed within a second threaded hole (142/242) in the first arm (102/202), where the threaded end (140/240) has a length (144/244) sufficient to extend into the cavity (106/206) and engage the end portion (116/216) of the second arm (114/214) to restrict movement of the second arm (114/214).
- The method of any of claims 11 to 12, wherein the step of adjusting a fourth fastener (135/235) mated with the first fastener (134/234) or a fifth fastener (137/237) mated with the second fastener (135, 137/235, 237) comprises applying a torque to either of the fourth fastener (135/235) or fifth fastener (137/237) to cause the end portion (116/216) to rotate within the cavity (106/206) and bind the second arm (114/214) within the cavity (106/206) to secure the torque reaction tool (100/200) to the first fastener (134/234) and the second fastener (136/236).
- The method of any of claims 11 to 13, wherein causing the end portion (116/216) to rotate within the cavity (106/206) comprises rotation of an end portion (116/216) having a cross-sectional width (126/226) and a cross-sectional height (146/246) that are respectively not more than 90 percent of the cross-sectional width (128/228) and a cross-sectional height (148/248) of the cavity (106/206).
- The method of any of claims 11 to 14, further comprising the step of releasing the torque reaction tool (100/200) from the first fastener (134/234) and the second fastener (136/236) by loosening the third fastener (122/222) to allow the second arm (114/214) to slide within the cavity (106/206), and/or further comprising the step of releasing the torque reaction tool (100/200) from the first fastener (134/234) and the second fastener (136/236) by loosening the threaded end (140/240) engaging the end portion (116/216) of the second arm (114/214) to allow the second arm (114/214) to slide within the cavity (106/206).
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US15/448,167 US10513016B2 (en) | 2017-03-02 | 2017-03-02 | Torque reaction tools and methods for use |
NL2018706A NL2018706B1 (en) | 2017-04-13 | 2017-04-13 | Torque reaction tools and methods for use |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP3369528A1 EP3369528A1 (en) | 2018-09-05 |
EP3369528B1 true EP3369528B1 (en) | 2019-07-17 |
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ID=60997406
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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EP18153306.8A Active EP3369528B1 (en) | 2017-03-02 | 2018-01-24 | Torque reaction tools and methods for use |
Country Status (2)
Country | Link |
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EP (1) | EP3369528B1 (en) |
ES (1) | ES2751079T3 (en) |
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
EP4299248A1 (en) * | 2022-06-27 | 2024-01-03 | Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy A/S | Nut retainer tool |
Families Citing this family (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
CN109159078A (en) * | 2018-10-09 | 2019-01-08 | 大连理工大学 | A kind of vertical device for screwing up of multiaxis applied to aero-engine casing and application method |
Family Cites Families (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4274310A (en) * | 1979-07-20 | 1981-06-23 | Roberta H. Wessendorf | Torque multiplication device |
US6347445B2 (en) * | 2000-02-07 | 2002-02-19 | David P. Long, Jr. | Method and apparatus for removing and installing spindle and cutting blades |
TW488354U (en) * | 2001-10-09 | 2002-05-21 | Jr-Ching Shie | Foldable and telescopic wrench |
US6941840B1 (en) * | 2003-08-12 | 2005-09-13 | Randall D. Harris | Multiple nut tool and method |
-
2018
- 2018-01-24 EP EP18153306.8A patent/EP3369528B1/en active Active
- 2018-01-24 ES ES18153306T patent/ES2751079T3/en active Active
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None * |
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Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
EP4299248A1 (en) * | 2022-06-27 | 2024-01-03 | Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy A/S | Nut retainer tool |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
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EP3369528A1 (en) | 2018-09-05 |
ES2751079T3 (en) | 2020-03-30 |
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