TW202313267A - Methods of configuring electronic torque wrenches - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention discloses a method of configuring an electronic torque wrench, the method comprises: 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.

Description

How to Configure Electronic Torque Wrench

A torque wrench having a wireless link to a software application on a mobile device is disclosed. The software application is used to find specifications and configure the wrench, and provides instant interactive functions.

Electronic torque wrenches are gaining popularity in automotive, fleet, aerospace, and other assembly and repair applications. Such wrenches are used to apply torque to a rotatable "workpiece," such as a screw, nut, bolt, or other rotatable fastener, and to measure the torque applied by the wrench to the workpiece. These wrenches indicate to the technician (i.e., the wrench user) when the workpiece has been torqued to the proper torque value, such as 100 ft-lb. Some electronic torque wrenches also measure the angle as the workpiece rotates. Angle measurements can be used to determine which workpieces have been tightened, and/or tighten workpieces by a certain angle beyond the snug point or threshold torque.

Some tasks require specific fastening programs, such as applying a specific amount of torque to a series of workpieces in an ordered sequence. Fastening programs may also require specific angular adjustments to be applied to the workpieces in the sequence to ensure proper tightening. Programs for individual workpieces in a sequence may also require applying torque and/or angles to individual workpieces in stages. For example, aviation fuel line nuts require a specific tightening angle, seating torque, and final torque and angle to determine that the fitting is properly seated.

Technicians can try to find in the literature, in Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) literature, online or via unified information services such as the "Machine Learning (Mitchell)1" service for repair information in the automotive industry). Correct torque specification and sequence. However, the time lost in working out the specifications extends the time required to perform the twisting operation. Because of the time it takes to find the correct tightening values and programs, technicians instead often rely on inaccurate personal experience or resort to trial and error. Further, if a technician programs a wrench with a preset called "preset 1," its purpose can be quickly forgotten unless the preset is used regularly (and if the wrench is shared with another technician, the are completely secret).

A system is disclosed that broadly includes electronic torque wrenches and software applications. The software application can be executed by a computing device, such as a cell phone or tablet computer, and connected to the electronic torque wrench through a wireless communication link. Using the software application, a technician can configure a torque wrench and use the software application to obtain torque specifications from a remote service. If the torque specification includes an ordered sequence, the software application can guide the technician through the sequence, which configures the torque wrench accordingly. If the technician deviates from the sequence, the software application adapts to the change, which provides the technician with suggestions on how to proceed with the change given the sequence. A process performed by a 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.

If implemented as a method, the method broadly includes querying a database to determine at least one fastening task associated with a twisting operation. After the results are received, the results are displayed for review by the technician so that the technician can select the fastening task for which the electronic wrench will be configured. After receiving a selection of a fastening task from among the displayed fastening tasks, a torque specification for the selected fastening task is determined. When the torque specification includes an ordered sequence of workpieces, an indication of which workpiece to torque is provided to the technician as a suggestion. However, the technician may choose a different artifact than the one indicated. When a workpiece is selected that does not conform to the ordered sequence, the electronic torque wrench is configured for a torque specification corresponding to the selected workpiece and determines which workpiece should be torqued next given that the selected workpiece is out of the ordered sequence. Based on this determination, an indication is provided to the technician as to which workpiece is suggested to be the next workpiece to twist. This process of suggesting which workpiece should be torqued, receiving selections and configuring the wrench continues until all workpieces in the sequence have been torqued.

If implemented as a computing device, the device broadly includes a processor, a display and memory storing instructions to be executed by the processor. The instructions configure the processor to query the database to determine at least one fastening task associated with the vehicle. Output the tightening task to the display. A selection of fastening tasks is received from among the fastening tasks output to the display. The processor determines torque specifications for the selected fastening task. When the torque specification includes an ordered sequence of workpieces, the processor indicates via the display the workpieces to be torqued according to the ordered sequence. After selecting a workpiece that does not conform to the ordered sequence (i.e., an out-of-order selection), the processor configures the electronic torque wrench for the torque specification corresponding to the selected workpiece and determines the next workpiece to be torqued after the selected workpiece. artifact. The processor indicates via the display the next workpiece to be twisted. This process of suggesting which workpiece should be torqued, receiving selections and configuring the wrench continues until all workpieces in the sequence have been torqued.

While the invention is susceptible to embodiments in many different forms, it is to be understood that embodiments of the invention, including a preferred embodiment, are shown in the drawings and will be described in detail herein, and it should be understood that this disclosure should be considered an essential aspect of the invention. The present invention is an example of principles and is not intended to limit the broad aspects of the invention to any one or more embodiments illustrated or disclosed. As used herein, the term "present invention" is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed invention, but is merely a term used to discuss exemplary embodiments of the invention for purposes of explanation.

Many technologists use mobile computing devices, such as tablets or "smart" phones, with them. Among other things, technicians can use these devices to look up tightening values and programs. The user interfaces of applications on these devices often use a standardized graphical user interface (Graphical User Interface, GUI), so that operating new applications is usually intuitive and requires little training. The near ubiquity of these devices and the user's existing familiarity with the interface can be exploited to simplify and expand access to the full set of features provided by electronic torque wrenches, and to add new features and services.

This approach avoids the substantial cost and complexity associated with tethered base station solutions designed primarily for the industrial market. Tool sharing is also simplified because, based on which technician is associated with and/or logged into the mobile computing device, presets and wrench settings can be seamlessly reconfigured to the preferences of the technician currently using the wrench while preserving other settings. Technician's presets and preferences. 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 storage than an equivalent stand-alone wrench.

Referring to FIG. 1 , an example system includes an electronic torque wrench 100 and an ambulatory computing device 160 . Wrench 100 communicates with device 160 via wireless communication 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, device 160 includes a touch-sensitive display 165 via which a technician interacts with a user interface provided by a software application on device 160 . Among other things, the software application can be used to configure the wrench, to find tightening values and programs, and to review wrench logs. The software application also provides technicians with on-site instant feedback and interactive functions to assist technicians in fastening procedures.

The device 160 provides access to a torque value and program database 195 via a wireless communication link 175 to a data communication network 180 such as the Internet. The wireless communication link 175 can be, for example, using a cellular protocol (such as Long Term Evolution (Long Term Evolution, LTE), Global System for Mobile Communication (Global System for Mobile Communication, GSM), Code Division Multiple Access (Code Division Multiple Access, CDMA), etc. ) Wi-Fi link between device 160 and a local wireless router, or a cellular data link between device 160 and a nearby cell tower.

One or more servers 190 are connected to network 180 via communication link(s) 185 . Based on queries received from software applications on device 160 , server 190 retrieves fastening values and program data from database 195 and sends the query results to device 160 via network 180 . Among other system arrangements, server(s) 190 and database(s) 195 may be associated with a software service provider, a manufacturing company, or a company that provides repair services. In one example, database 195 may be a "Machine Learning 1" database/service for automotive industry repair information.

2A and 2B illustrate different views of an example of an electronic torque wrench 100 . The wrench 100 is adapted to apply torque to a workpiece via an adapter or socket coupled to a driver 240 (eg, a bidirectional ratchet square or hex driver). Conventionally, the driver 240 is a "male" connector designed to mate to or penetrate a female counterpart (as illustrated), but the driver could be a "female" connector designed to receive a male counterpart. The driver can also be structured to directly engage the workpiece without being coupled to an adapter or socket.

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 the twisting operation, and send that data to the device 160 in real time. In the context of the system in Figure 1, "instantaneous" means "without significant delay" (eg, measurement and processing delays of no more than one second per data sample). Torque application and angle data may be recorded by the wrench 100 and/or a software application on the device 160 and stored with a time index.

Torque wrench 100 broadly includes a shaft 201 connected to a head 210 that houses a driver 240 . When ratcheted and twisted, the head 210 rotates about a central axis 241 of the driver 240 , wherein the central axis 241 traverses the head 210 . The shaft 201 includes a handle 205 , a control unit 245 and a neck 250 . Neck 250 is coupled to head 210 at the end of shaft 201 opposite handle 205 . As illustrated, the plane of rotation of the male driver 240 about the axis 241 relative to the head 240 extends perpendicularly from the head 210 . Force is applied to handle 205 to rotationally pivot wrench 100 about axis 241 to transmit torque to a workpiece (not illustrated) coupled to driver 240 .

The handle 205 may include a textured grip 215 to improve the technician's grip on the wrench 100 during twisting operations. The control unit 245 may include a user interface 220 , such as a tactile user interface including at least one button 225 and a display 230 . The display screen 230 may optionally be touch sensitive, with software or firmware executed by the processor or controller of the control unit 245 providing virtual on-screen controls.

Instructions and other information may be entered directly into wrench 100 via user interface 220 . During the twisting operation, the display 230 can display information, such as torque and/or angle information. The head 210 may include a reversing lever 235 for reversing the drive direction of the ratchet mechanism. As will be discussed further below, head 210 also houses one or more sensors for sensing torque applied to the workpiece via drive 240 , and the angle of rotation of head 210 and shaft 201 about axis 241 . Head 210 may also include an orientation sensor to determine the angle of axis 241 relative to "down" (ie, relative to gravity).

FIG. 3 is a block diagram conceptually illustrating an example of electronic components of the electronic torque wrench 100 of FIG. 1 . Wrench 100 may include one or more controllers/processors 302 , memory 306 , non-volatile storage elements 308 and wireless communication transceiver 310 . Each controller/processor 302 may include a central processing unit (Central Processing Unit, CPU) for processing data and computer readable instructions. Processor/controller 302 retrieves instructions from data storage element 308 via bus 304 , which uses memory 306 for runtime temporary storage of instructions and data. The memory 306 may include volatile and/or non-volatile random access memory (Random Access Memory, RAM). Although elements are illustrated in FIG. 3 as being connected via bus bars 304 , elements may be connected to other elements in addition to (or instead of) being connected to other elements via bus bars 304 .

Data storage element 308 stores instructions, including instructions for managing communications with software applications on mobile computing device 160 . Data storage element 308 may include one or more types of non-volatile solid-state storage elements, such as flash memory, read-only memory (Read-Only Memory, ROM), magnetoresistive RAM (Magnetoresistive RAM, MRAM), phase change memory etc. The wrench 100 may also include an input/output interface that connects to removable or external non-volatile memory and/or storage elements (eg, removable storage device cards, memory key drives, networked storage elements, etc.). Such an input/output interface may be a wired or embedded interface (not shown) and/or may include a wireless communication transceiver 310 .

Computerized instructions for operating wrench 100 and its various components may be executed by controller/processor 302, which uses memory 306 as a temporary "working" storage element during execution. Computer instructions may be stored in a non-transitory manner in non-volatile memory 306 , storage element 308 or in 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.

The wrench 100 may include a multiple input and output interface. These interfaces include a radio transceiver 310, one or more buttons 225a/225b, one or more light-emitting diodes (Light-Emitting Diode, LED) 330a/330b, a speaker or audio transducer 335, a tactile vibrator 340, One or more torque sensors 320 , one or more angle sensors 324 and orientation sensors 328 . The torque sensor 320 may include, for example, one or more of a torque converter, a strain gauge, a magnetoelastic torque sensor, and a surface acoustic wave (Surface Acoustic Wave, SAW) sensor. Angle sensor 324 may include, for example, one or more of a rotation angle sensor and an electronic gyroscope (eg, a two-axis or three-axis gyroscope). Orientation sensor 328 may include a three-axis electronic accelerometer or a gravity sensor to determine the relative "down" orientation of head 210 .

Depending on the type of torque sensor 320 used, an Analog-to-Digital (A/D) converter 321 may receive an analog signal from the torque sensor 320, which outputs a digital signal to the processor/controller 302 Signal. Likewise, A/D converter 325 may receive an analog signal from angle sensor 324 and A/D converter 329 may receive an analog signal from orientation sensor 328 , which outputs a digital signal to processor/controller 302 . A/D converters 321/325/329 may be discrete, integrated with/in processor/controller 302, or integrated/integrated with their respective sensors 320/324/328 in these sensors.

The number and need of A/D converters 321/325/329 depends on the technology used for the respective sensors 320/324/328. Multiple A/D converters may be provided to accommodate the desired number of signals, for example when angle sensor 324 provides analog output for multiple gyroscope axes or orientation sensor 328 provides analog output for multiple accelerometer axes. when outputting. Signal conditioning electronics (not illustrated) may also be included as a stand-alone circuit, integrated with/in processor/controller 302, or integrated/integrated with corresponding sensors 320/324/328 In these sensors, the non-linear output generated by the elements of the sensors 320/324/328 is converted to a linear signal.

Instructions executed by processor/controller 302 receive data from sensors 320/324/328, such as torque and angle values. From this data, the processor/controller 302 can determine various information, such as the duration for which torque has been or should be applied to the workpiece. For some job tasks where the workpieces have different orientations, the processor/controller 302 may determine which workpiece is twisted based on the orientation of the head 210 .

Sensor data and information may be recorded in real time or at a predetermined sampling rate and stored in memory 306 and/or storage element 308 . Sensor data and information may also be sent via communication link 170 to device 160 for further analysis and review. A software application on device 160 may, for example, graphically render sensor data and/or information. As other examples, a software application may determine an optimal twist distribution to apply to future twist operations for the workpiece or job task, or determine that the correct twist distribution was applied during a twist operation.

"Data" are values that are processed so that they become meaningful or useful "information". However, as used herein, the terms data and information should be construed as being interchangeable, where data includes information and information includes data. For example, data is stored, sent, received or output, which may include data, information or a combination thereof.

Radio transceiver 310 includes a transmitter, receiver and associated encoders, modulators, demodulators and decoders. Transceiver 310 manages the radio communication link, which establishes communication link 170 with mobile device 160 via one or more antennas 312 embedded in the wrench, thereby enabling communication between processor/controller 302 and software applications executed by mobile device 160 Two-way communication between. Communication link 170 may be a direct link between wrench 100 and computing device 160 (as illustrated), or may be through one or more intermediary elements (eg, via a Wi-Fi router or mesh connection) (not illustrated) indirect link.

The wrench 100 also includes a power supply 390 that provides power to the processor/controller 302, the bus bar 304, and other electronic components. For example, power source 390 may be one or more batteries disposed in handle 205 . However, the power source 390 is not limited to batteries, and other technologies such as fuel cells may be used. The wrench 100 may also include: components that recharge the power source 390, such as organic or polymer photovoltaic cells disposed along the neck 250; and/or interfaces that receive an external charge, such as a Universal Serial Bus (Universal Serial Bus, USB) port or inductive pickup, and associated charging control electronics.

Display 230 may be used by software/firmware executed by processor/controller 302 to display information for viewing and interpretation by a technician. This information can be formatted as text, graphics or a combination thereof. Display 230 may also be used to provide feedback when information is entered into wrench 100 (eg, via buttons 225 and/or a touch-sensitive interface integrated with display 230 itself). The display 230 may be a liquid crystal display (Liquid Crystal Display, LCD), an organic light emitting diode (Organic Light Emitting Diode, OLED) display, an electronic paper display, or a device with appropriate power consumption requirements and volume for easy integration into the control unit 245 Any kind of black and white or color monitor.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram conceptually illustrating example components of the mobile computing device of FIG. 1 . In a typical implementation, computing device 160 is a smartphone or tablet with a touch-sensitive display 165 .

Device 160 may include one or more controllers/processors 402, each of which may include a Central Processing Unit (CPU) for processing data and computer-readable instructions; and memory 406 for storing data and instructions. Memory 406 may include volatile random access memory (RAM), nonvolatile read only memory (ROM), and/or other types of memory. Device 160 may also include a data storage element 408 for storing data and controller/processor executable instructions (e.g., instructions for a software application to execute the processes and generate the user interface illustrated in FIGS. 5-8 ) . Data storage element 408 may include one or more types of non-volatile solid-state storage elements, such as flash memory, read only memory (ROM), magnetoresistive RAM (MRAM), phase change memory, and the like. Device 160 may also be connected to removable or external non-volatile memory and/or storage elements (eg, removable storage cards, memory key drives, networked storage elements, etc.) through input/output ports 410 .

Computer instructions for operating device 160 and its various elements may be executed by controller(s)/processor(s) 402 , which use memory 406 as a temporary "working" storage element at runtime. Computer instructions may be stored in a non-transitory manner in non-volatile memory 406, storage element 408, or an external device. Alternatively, some executable instructions may be embedded in hardware or firmware in addition to or instead of software.

The input/output (Input/Output, I/O) interface 410 provides connection and protocol support for the device 160 . Various input and output connections can be made through the input/output interface 410 . For example, a Radio Frequency (RF) antenna 470 may be used to provide a connection to the wrench 100 via the communication link 170 . The same RF antenna 470 or another antenna 475 may be used to provide a connection to network 180 via communication link 175 .

The I/O device interface 410 can support various protocols to support the link 170/175. The protocols/radio access technologies used for the various links 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 (Wireless Local Area Network, WLAN) link, such as Wi-Fi, or a link with mobile broadband, LTE, GSM, CDMA, WiMAX, High Speed Packet Access (High Speed Packet Access, HSPA), The style of cellular data protocols associated with the Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS).

The input/output interface 410 can support audio/video (Audio/Video, A/V) user interface, such as a touch-sensitive display 165 , a microphone 430 , a speaker 435 , a tactile vibrator 440 and a camera 445 . The I/O interface 410 can also support other types of connections and communication protocols. For example, device 160 may also include a wired interface, such as a USB port (not shown).

Device 160 may include an address/data bus 404 for transferring data between elements of device 160 . In addition to (or instead of) connecting to other elements across busbar 404 , various elements within device 160 may also be directly connected to other elements. Device 160 also includes a power source 490 (eg, a battery or fuel cell) and associated charging circuitry (not illustrated).

A software application stored in memory element 408 and executed by controller(s)/processor(s) 402 of mobile computing device 160 provides a user interface that allows a technician to configure the electronic torque Wrench 100 and interacts with it and provides additional functionality. While some functions may be directly available via the user interface 220 of the torque wrench, the increased capability of the device 160 provides additional processing power and utilizes the connection(s) 175 to the network(s) 180 , such as a connection to an external database 195.

Via wireless link 170, a technician may use a software application on device 160 to configure wrench 100, eg, configure how wrench 100 uses haptic vibrator 340 to provide feedback to the technician, eg, to indicate when a target torque or target angle is achieved.

A technician can also use a software application on device 160 to set or configure presets and set preset digits and names for certain operations. Preset values may include user-defined torque and/or angle settings and units of measure, such as torque and angle target values with minimum and maximum tolerances and/or batch counters. Pre-set values and names may be set for customizing operations as well as augmenting or replacing values and names provided by library(s) 195 . Among other things, default values may be set for non-database aftermarket parts and replace values received from the database(s) 195 with custom values. As used herein, "name" refers to a text string. The preset values, as well as the preset numbers and names of the settings, can be sent to the wrench 100 and displayed on the wrench to the user to identify the tightening operation to be performed.

A software application on device 160 may be used to configure wrench 100 to set a preset type of fastener to be torqued, such as torque, angle, torque then angle, or torque and angle measurement modes. A software application on device 160 may be used to configure wrench 100 with allowable measurement directions for measuring torque and rotational/angular application. A software application on device 160 may be used to configure wrench 100 to prevent torque being measured in an incorrect or wrong direction, to prevent a tightening task or operation from being measured before a target value has been configured, and/or when wrench 100 should be calibrated or Prevents technician/operator from changing and wrench use when another error is detected.

A software application on device 160 may be used to configure wrench 100 to use an offset or adapter when measuring torque. For example by configuring the wrench 100 to have an offset or adapter length. For example, an adapter may be coupled to the wrench 100 that changes the 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, allowing the wrench 100 to display the compensated measured torque value.

A software application on device 160 may be used to configure wrench 100 to have an automatic sequence through preset operations to prevent any operation other than operation with a preset target fastener, prevent further use after completion of a preset torque sequence, prevent Further use after excessive torque or rotation, and/or redoing preset torque or angle operations.

A software application on device 160 may be used to configure wrench 100 to determine the elapsed time from the last calibration date to notify the operator of the number of days until calibration is required. A software application on device 160 may be used to configure wrench 100 to determine the number of torque cycles since the last calibration date, and notify the operator of the number of cycles remaining before calibration is required. A software application on device 160 may be used to configure wrench 100 to indicate that wrench 100 requires calibration after a calibration interval has expired or after a number of torque cycles since the last calibration. A software application on device 160 may also be used to configure wrench 100 to prevent use of wrench 100 once calibration is required.

The wrench 100 can send batch, torque, angle and/or orientation information to the device 160 in real time based on data from the sensors 320/324/328. Software applications on device 160 may record data and information in one or more log files for storage in storage element 408, forwarded via communication link 175, and/or uploaded to an external storage element. A software application can use the log information to generate and send reports for audit purposes and to determine whether force application rates, torque values, and angle values are consistent with customer and/or regulatory compliance requirements.

For example, a fastener operation or preset may include applying a minimum target torque and/or rotation angle value. In this example, wrench 100 receives 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 an upper limit has been exceeded. The results of the operation may also be transmitted wirelessly by the wrench 100 to the device 160 for processing and documentation.

The software application may also generate and output graphical plots on the fly via the display 165, such as graphs illustrating torque versus time, torque versus angle, and the like. The application can compare fastener orientation information from database 195 with data received from orientation sensor 328 to automatically track which workpieces have been completed.

The software application can obtain the torque and angle settings from the database 195 and replace or augment these settings with preset values stored on the device 160 . The wrench 100 may also be configured to output to the display 230 a preset name for the workpiece rather than the name assigned to the operation by the library 195 . For the task of the software application to batch download torque and/or angle values for multiple tasks to the wrench 100, the technician can select via the user interface 220 on the wrench 100 itself or via an interface provided by the software application on the device 160 Which artifact to operate on. In an alternative to batch downloading, the software application can download torque and/or angle values to the wrench one workpiece at a time.

The technician can interactively select which part to work on that is included in the fastening program, or in a slave mode, the software application can control the order in which the parts are automatically selected, which instructs the technician on the timing of performing a fastening program that includes multiple parts. order. After selection, the wrench 100 is configured with torque and/or angle values for the workpiece. Automatic selection in slave mode can be used for error checking where customer or regulatory requirements require a sequence of steps.

For many jobs, technicians need the flexibility to execute fastening programs based on their own preferences and experience, which are preferably not locked into a fixed program. Failure to provide technicians with such flexibility increases the likelihood that they will overlook or otherwise ignore manufacturer specifications. In addition, looking up manufacturer specifications often adds a quarter of an hour to the time required to complete the task, which further discourages the use of such specifications. To meet these needs, software applications on the device 160 enable technicians to obtain the correct specifications quickly and easily, while providing them with increased flexibility as to how the fastening procedure is performed.

5A-5H illustrate an example of a graphical user interface (GUI) provided by a software application executed by mobile computing device 160 that configures and interacts with electronic torque wrench 100 and provides additional functionality. In GUI graphics, editable text fields are framed to indicate that these fields can be edited via the GUI. It should be understood that any GUI, user interface and/or menu operation may be used without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention.

FIG. 5A illustrates an example of a startup "splash" screen for a software application after establishing a communication link 170 with a torque wrench. The screen includes a navigation icon 502 . The illustrated launch opens the options menu (menu 512 in Figure 5B). There is a mode indicator 504a, which identifies the application's current mode of operation as "measurement", which would normally be used as the default mode. The screen also identifies ( 506 ) the wrench 100 to which the software application has been configured to connect and the current state of the connection 170 ( 508 ). A "ready" message ( 510 ) indicates that the software application is connected and ready to interact with wrench 100 .

FIG. 5B illustrates an example of features of a software application accessible via options menu 512 . As illustrated, features include "Measurements" 514a, "Presets" 514b, "Logs" 514c, "Wrench Settings" 514d, "Wrench" 516, and "Library Lookup" 518.

Figure 5C illustrates an example of a "preset" feature 514b. Mode indicator 504b identifies the current mode of operation as "preset". Selecting the preset 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 the user is presented with an interface including a "New" field 520 , a "Target Torque" field 522 , and a "Target Angle" field 524 . Select any of these fields to launch an interface to define a new default. If existing presets are uploaded and displayed, in addition to creating new presets, users can select and edit the settings of individual presets. For example, the preset may be a custom preset, such as a fastening program for aftermarket parts.

Figure 5D illustrates an example of an "Edit Preset" feature that can be used to edit existing presets or customize new presets. Mode indicator 504c identifies the current mode of operation as "Edit Preset". Editable fields allow the technician to change any settings associated with the preset, including the name of the preset 528, the minimum torque 530 for proper tightening torque, the maximum torque 532 for indicating excessive torque, the maximum torque for the preset Units 534 of torque and angle 536 (which may include a minimum target value for proper fastener rotation and a maximum target value for indicating excessive rotation). Once changes are made, the changes can be saved using the “Save” button 538 or discarded using the “Cancel” button 540 .

In an example, device 160 may send or transmit a wireless message to wrench 100 to set a preset minimum target torque value for the fastener. The message may also contain a torque maximum. An optional message can be sent to set a target torque value. The wrench receives an optional target torque value and displays this value on the wrench 100 when set, otherwise a 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 .

Figure 5E illustrates an example of a "wrench setting" feature 514d. Mode indicator 504d identifies the current mode of operation as "wrench setting". The software application uploads the current wrench settings from the wrench 100 and displays the current values. As illustrated, editable settings include the name of the wrench 544, the 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 tactile vibrator 340 Generate vibration feedback. As illustrated, the vibration settings interface is a slider bar 548 with a textual indication 550 indicating whether vibration is enabled or disabled. When a change is made to any of the wrench settings, the software application downloads the changes to the wrench 100 . A "sync" indicator 552 is activated when a software application is uploaded or downloaded from the wrench 100 to the wrench. The illustrated wrench settings are examples, and depending on the capabilities of the wrench 100 (among others), other or different settings may be included, such as settings regarding the brightness of the backlight included on the display 230, whether via the speaker/transducer 335 Provides acoustic feedback, tones for acoustic feedback, etc.

Figure 5F illustrates an example of pullback in the "measurement" mode. The software application receives torque, angle and/or orientation data from the wrench 100 via the communication link 170 . Various types of material may be received in software, firmware, or hardware at a sampling rate specified for the corresponding material type. The sampled data is processed by processor/controller 302 and provided to a software application on device 160 in real-time, with continuous updates (eg, several times per second) sent via communication link 170 . Alternatively, instead of sending continuous updates to device 160, wrench 100 may send an update every time the torque, angle, and/or orientation values change by a threshold amount (eg, 0.1 ft-lbs, 0.1 degrees, etc.). For either update method, depending on the tightening program being executed, the software application outputs ( 556 ) the current peak tightening value to the display 165 . As illustrated, the current peak tightening value (556) is "101.2 ft-lb". The screen is continuously updated to show the peak torque for each wrench turn when the wrench 100 is being used. Peak values will also be saved to a log file on device 160. If the tightening program includes rotating the workpiece by an angle after reaching a specified torque, the display can switch to display angle information, or both torque and angle information.

Figure 5G illustrates an example of a "log" feature 514d. Mode indicator 504e identifies the current mode of operation as "logging". The log screen shows the current log file content 560 stored on the device 160 . All log files can be transferred to other devices. The device user can select a log file 560 (e.g., by touching the record name via the touch-sensitive display 165), delete any unwanted records (e.g., using the delete button 562), and use any shared applications available on the device 160 ( For example, email, Dropbox, etc.) share the selected log content (eg, using share button 564).

FIG. 5H shows an example of sharing selected log files 574 via email. The software application or email application can auto-populate the "from" field 568 and the software application can auto-populate the subject field 572 . The user fills in the "to" field 570 in the usual manner used by email applications and selects the "Send" button 576 to send or the "Cancel" button 578 to cancel.

FIG. 51 shows an example of calibration options that device 160 may be used to configure for wrench 100 . The editable field includes a calibration interval field 580 that can set the expected number of months, a calibration cycle field 581 that can set the number of cycles, a warning field 582 that can choose whether to provide a warning, and a timeout field that can be set for the purpose of warning. Calibration warning laps field 583 for number of laps, and calibration warning days field 584 where days can be set for warning purposes. A Notification field 585 may also be present, where it may be selected whether notifications are sent to the e-mail address provided in the Email field 586 . This allows the wrench and a software application running on the device 160 to determine the time elapsed since the last calibration date to notify the operator of the number of days until calibration is required, thereby configuring the wrench 100 to determine the torque loop since the last calibration date and notifies the operator of the number of loops remaining before calibration is required. A software application on device 160 may be used to configure wrench 100 to indicate that wrench 100 requires calibration after a calibration interval has expired or after a number of torque cycles since the last calibration. A software application on device 160 may also be used to configure wrench 100 to prevent use of wrench 100 once calibration is required.

Figure 5J illustrates another example of an "Edit Preset" feature that can be used to edit existing presets or customize new presets. Editable fields allow the technician to change any settings associated with the preset, including preset type 587 (eg torque, angle, torque and angle-torque then angle, etc.), preset name 528, units for preset torque 534 , measurement direction 588, target torque value 589, minimum torque 530 for proper tightening torque, maximum torque 532 for indicating excessive torque, batch size 590, offset length 591 and angle 536 (may include minimum target value for rotation and maximum target value to indicate over-rotation). Once changes are made, the changes can be saved using the “Save” button 538 or discarded using the “Cancel” button 540 . Regarding the offset length 591, an adapter may be coupled to the wrench 100 that changes the 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 the compensated measured torque value.

5K and 5L illustrate examples of job features. Device 160 and/or an application running on device 160 may be used to set and enable a “job” mode on wrench 100 . Job mode is beneficial when a supervisor wants the operator/technician to perform the twisting sequence in a specific order. A job mode may require an operator or technician to sequentially perform one or more configured preset operations. In work mode, the wrench 100 is locked and only preset modes/operations can be performed in the sequence in which they are numbered. When the job mode is enabled, a first configuration preset is displayed. When the first configuration preset is completed, the wrench 100 automatically switches to the next configuration preset.

Editable fields allow a technician to change any settings associated with a job, including selecting a job 592, editing a job name 593, and viewing one or more presets 594 assigned to a job. Once a job is selected, the job can be edited or deleted using the "Edit" button 597, or deleted using the "Delete" button 598. A "new" button 596 can also be used to create a new job. A new job can be created, or an existing job can be edited in the edit job feature illustrated in Figure 5L. Referring to FIG. 5L , editable fields allow a technician to change any settings associated with a job or create a new job, including job name 593 , wrench type 599 , library 571 . Presets 573 may also be added to or removed from assigned presets 594 using the Add or Remove buttons. Once changes are made, the changes can be saved using the “Save” button 538 or discarded using the “Cancel” button 540 .

The user interface associated with "Wrench" option 516 in options menu 512 of FIG. 5B is not illustrated and depends in part on the communication protocol used to connect wrench 100 and device 160 . For example, if a variant of Bluetooth is used for communication link 170, wrench option 516 would include a list of wrenches previously paired with device 160, indicating which wrench on the list the software application is currently configured to use, allowing the user to select from the list The software application should connect to the wrench and provide an interface to pair the device 160 with the new wrench. Such an interface may be part of a software application, part of the operating system of device 160, part of a separate wireless configuration tool on device 160, or some combination thereof.

6 is a flowchart illustrating example operation of a software application executed by controller(s)/processor(s) 402 of mobile computing device 160 as an example of repository lookup 518 . For example, the illustrated process may be initiated by receiving a selection of library lookup option 518 from options menu 512 in FIG. 5B. Background operations such as profile logging are omitted from FIG. 6 for the sake of brevity. 7A to 7E illustrate an example of an interactive user interface provided by a software application in conjunction with the process in FIG. 6 , the user interface is configured with a wrench with tightening specifications.

For example, the application receives (602) a vehicle identification. For example, input to mobile computing may be by using camera 445 to scan a barcode or matrix code on a vehicle, by scanning a radio-frequency identification (RFID) tag on a part or vehicle, by using a virtual keyboard provided via touch-sensitive display 165 device 160, by input via I/O interface 410 to a physical keyboard attached to device 160, by navigating through nested lists of vehicles by make, model, and year, and/or by speech-to-text processing using microphone 430 Receive vehicle identification information. Speech-to-text processing may be implemented by device 160 or using speech-to-text processing provided by one or more servers 190 .

FIG. 7A illustrates a software application that performs a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) scan as an example of a process of receiving ( 602 ) vehicle information. The displayed operating mode 704a is set to "VIN Scan" and the device uses the camera 445 to capture an image. The software application or assistant application performs image processing to identify VINs in the captured image(s). The software interface may include a bounding box 706a to assist the user in locating the device 160 relative to the VIN. The bounding box may be static, or may be dynamically resized as the image processing software locks onto the features of the VIN (as illustrated by resized bounding box 706b in FIG. 7B ).

Based on the vehicle identification information received by the mobile device 160, the mobile device 160 determines what vehicle to work on. Depending on how the vehicle identification information is captured, mobile device 160 may work with server(s) 190 to identify the vehicle. As illustrated in FIG. 7B , the software application may output a progress message 708 to indicate that a scanned VIN has been captured and looked up to identify the vehicle.

The mobile device 160 sends ( 604 ) a query to the server 190 for database information about the vehicle. Based on the query, server 190 generates a list of fastening tasks from database 195 for the identified vehicle and sends the list to the software application on device 160 in response to the query. The content of the manifest may be anything from a message that no information is available for the identified vehicle to one or more categories (ie tasks) of securing that the database has information about the identified vehicle.

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 , which enables the user/technician to select a fastening task from the displayed list. An example is illustrated in Figure 7C, where the displayed operating mode 704b is changed to "Vehicle Info". Output 608 includes a list of vehicle identification words 712 (eg, year, make, and model) and fastening tasks/categories 714 . The user selects a fastening task 714 from the list and presses "Submit" 716 to select the task. If the technician is not satisfied with the received ( 606 ) list of fastening tasks, the process may also provide the technician with the ability to change the search (not illustrated), which generates another query ( 604 ).

After receiving ( 610 ) a selection of a fastening task in response to the prompt, the software application sends ( 612 ) back to the server(s) 190 a request for the torque specification for the selected task. As illustrated in FIG. 7D , the software application may output a progress message 720 indicating to find a torque specification for the selected task.

The server 190 that generates the list of fastening tasks 714 may be the same as or different from the server 190 that looks up the torque specification for the selected fastening task. After looking up the torque specification in database 195, server 190 sends the torque specification back to the software application on device 160 in response to the request (612).

After the software application receives ( 614 ) the torque specification, it is determined ( 616 ) whether any presets corresponding to the specification are stored on device 160 . The software application may proceed based on a comparison of the text string or other embedded code received (614) in the response for the fastening task with the text string or code profile stored on the device 160 and associated with at least one preset name or value The determination (616).

If a preset name is stored on the device 160 for the received specification, the software application will supplement ( 618 ) the list of fastening specifications with the stored preset name. The software application can associate presets with specific manufacturers and tasks rather than specific models and years, which automatically applies the technician's preferred nomenclature without requiring individual programming of each event. For example, a technician performing a "front wheel alignment" (tightening task) on a 2003 Toyota Avalon could set the nickname for the lower shock absorber nut (the workpiece) to be "shock nut." Thereafter, whenever the application receives a "Front Wheel Alignment" specification that includes values for any of Toyota's lower shock absorber nuts, the software application may automatically supplement the information received from the database 195 with the default nickname "Shock Nut" . After the specifications are downloaded to the wrench 100 , the wrench 100 may display the preset name on the display 230 instead of the name of the tightening specification received from the database 195 .

The software application also determines whether any preset values have been set in the past to override the received torque specification. In the past, technicians may have decided that the torque value received from database 195 was not what they wanted, and manually entered a different torque value. If so, the software application may replace ( 620 ) the specification values from database 195 with preset values. The software application on both the wrench 100 and the device 160 may annotate the displayed torque value to indicate that the value is based on a default rather than database information, eg, display the default value in a different color than the database value. The interface may also provide the technician with the option to choose between a previous preset value and a value received from a database.

After adjusting the torque specification using the preset, the software application outputs ( 622 ) on the display 165 a list of workpieces for the selected fastening task. Torque and angle values can be downloaded to the wrench 100 in batches or individually by the software application. As illustrated in FIG. 6 , workpiece torque values are downloaded separately ( 632 ) to facilitate some interactive features of the software application. However, Figure 7E illustrates an interface that allows the technician to control which values are included in the batch download.

In FIG. 7E , the displayed mode of operation 704c is "tight specification". The displayed list includes titles 724a to 724c for the individual workpieces received from the database 195, torque values 726a to 726c as values received (614) from the database 195, and/or preset values that have been replaced (620) by the software application , and supplement ( 618 ) any preset names 728a to 728c for the titles 724a to 724c received from the database 195 . Default values and/or names can be set or adjusted by selecting the corresponding fields. The technician may select which specifications are downloaded to the wrench 100 by selecting the corresponding specifications using the selection boxes 730a through 730c and then selecting "Sync" 732 . The interface may also provide (not illustrated) entry and upload of temporary torque values that will not be saved and applied to future missions, which may be convenient when working with a mix of original and aftermarket equipment.

Returning to FIG. 6, the software application may provide an interactive interface to facilitate the completion of the selected task. The software application determines ( 624 ) whether torque should be applied to the workpiece in a particular sequence based on the information received from database 195 . For example, the received (614) torque specification may indicate that the workpiece list is an ordered list. In addition to the ordered list, the software application may also receive a graphical representation of the part to be worked on, where torque values in the list are associated with the workpiece represented in the graph. Mapping data may be included with a graphical representation that identifies where artifacts are located within the graph. For example, the list may include absolute or relative Cartesian coordinates, vector coordinates, or distances from image edges that identify the location of the corresponding artifact in the graphic. Based on such mapping information, the software application can determine the location of the artifact in the drawing.

If the list of workpieces is ordered (624 "YES"), the received graphic may have been annotated with a suggested order in which torque should be applied to the plurality of workpieces. Alternatively, a software application on device 160 may annotate the graphics as output to display 165 by adding or overlaying sequence numbers adjacent to respective workpieces.

FIG. 8A illustrates an example of a simplified graph 810 of a bolt torque sequence for a head bolt mode. The torque and angle values for each bolt in the sequence are independent of the other bolts in the sequence, so that individual bolts can have different torque and angle values. The graphics received may be diagrams, abstracts, diagrams, photographs, etc. The operating mode 804 shows "Tightening Sequence" and the counter 816 shows how many bolts (ie, workpieces) are left to be torqued.

The software application may add or overlay a visual highlight to identify each artifact 812a-812h on the display 165, and add or override the serial number 814a-814h adjacent each artifact. The serial number can be included in the artifact list, or the software application can generate the number based on the order of the individual artifacts in the ordered list. The screen may also include graphical elements to assist the technician in orienting the displayed graphics relative to the vehicle. In the example of FIG. 8A , the displayed orientation indication is an arrow 818 pointing forward of the vehicle.

The software application determines ( 626 ) artifact recommendations to guide the technician. If the skilled person followed the sequence as exemplified in Figure 8A, the suggestions would correspond to the order of the serial numbers. In the first round, this suggestion will correspond to the first artifact in the sequence (corresponding to artifact 812b in Figure 8A). However, if the skilled person does not follow the recommended order, an algorithm or an alternate order may be used to determine subsequent recommendations, as will be described further below. The software application can also provide a warning to the user/technician if the technician does not follow the suggested sequence, and can log such a warning.

The software application may output (628) a suggestion by differentially highlighting the artifact in the graph. One example of this is illustrated in FIG. 8B , where a circle 820 is graphically added around suggested artifact 812B. Circle 820 highlights the artifact, and may be uniquely colored, blinked, animated to change shape (eg, pulse), etc. Although circles are illustrated as added highlighting, any kind of highlighting may be used, as the goal is to visually distinguish the suggested artifact from other artifacts in the graph.

Thereafter, the software application receives ( 630 ) a selection of artifacts entered by the user. Device 160 may be based on a technician touching one of the displayed workpieces on touch-sensitive display 165, based on a technician using user interface 220 on wrench 100 to select a workpiece, based on speech-to-text processing, or including a unique key for a workpiece in the workpiece list. Orientation information is received ( 630 ) based on the orientation data from the orientation sensor 328 of the wrench. FIG. 8C illustrates an example of a technician selecting a different artifact in the graph than suggested artifact 820 in the sequence. The software application can highlight 822 the selected artifact to provide feedback to the technician that the technician's selection has been received.

If the workpiece specifications are batch-downloaded to the wrench, and the user's selection is entered via the user interface 220 on the wrench 100 or determined based on the wrench head orientation, the software application may highlight (822) the selected workpiece on the display 165, and Proceeds directly to outputting ( 634 ) the value received from the wrench to the display 165 , as previously illustrated in FIG. 5F .

If the workpiece specifications are downloaded in bulk, and selections are received via the touch interface 165, the software application signals to the processor/controller 302 on the wrench which workpiece to work on. Otherwise, the software application downloads ( 632 ) the values for the selected workpiece to the wrench 100 if the workpiece specifications are downloaded to the wrench on demand. When torque is applied, the peak value of each sensor profile sample is output ( 634 ) from the display 165 , as previously illustrated in FIG. 5F .

The software application continues (636 "No") to output (634) values until the specified torque and/or angle values are reached. When the target value(s) are achieved (636 "YES"), the wrench 100 and/or software application 160 will output feedback (eg, audio feedback, vibration, etc.) to indicate that the target was achieved. The software application will also update 638 the workpiece counter 816 and update the list to indicate that the particular workpiece has been reversed.

The process determines ( 640 ) whether there are any workpieces left to be reversed. If not (640 "NO"), the process returns to outputting (608) a prompt to select a fastening task from a list, as previously discussed in connection with FIG. 7C. The list can be updated to indicate which tasks have been performed. Otherwise (640 "Yes"), if there are artifacts remaining, the process loops back to step 624 to determine if the artifacts are sorted, and if they are (624 "Yes"), then determine (626) the next artifact suggestion .

As mentioned above, the next artifact suggestion will simply be the next artifact in the ordered list/sequence if the technician follows the suggested order. However, if the technician chooses not to follow the suggested sequence, selecting out-of-order workpieces that do not fit into the ordered sequence, there are several methods that the software application can employ to determine which workpiece should be reversed next.

A first method is to use the alternate sequence data included in the table in the received ( 614 ) torque specification that indicates the use of an alternate suggested sequence based on which workpieces have been torqued. This approach requires minimal calculations by the device 160, but increases the amount of data that must be communicated with the torque specification, and may make the table data stored in the database 195 less useful if the table data is not calculated on demand by the server 190. Data bloat.

A second method is for the software application to query the server 190, including in the query a list of what artifacts have been reversed, with the server 190 responding in an alternate suggested order. This reduces the amount of data that must be communicated with the torque specification, but the need to repeat the communication with the server 190 during the process risks delays in updating the recommendations after each selection if the technician continues to ignore the recommendations.

A third approach is for the software application to apply an algorithm to determine the next artifact suggestion. Algorithms may be provided by server 190, may be stored on device 160, with 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 method may also be used by the server 190 to generate an alternative list provided with the first method and the second method.

An example of an algorithm that may be used to select the next workpiece to suggest includes selecting the remaining highest priority workpiece to work on from the original list, based on the magnitude of the torque specified for the remaining workpieces (e.g., torqued to Sequence of maximum magnitude torque, or in order of largest magnitude torque to smallest magnitude torque) selection among the remaining workpieces, or geometry-based selection based on mapping data included in the graphical representation, such as outside-in, middle-out and/or alternate edges. The geometric selection may be relative to the workpiece that has been twisted and/or relative to the previous workpiece that was twisted (eg, select the workpiece that is diagonally opposite the previous workpiece that was twisted).

Suggestions may be made using more than one of these algorithms. For example, when two or more algorithms select the same artifact to suggest as the next artifact, that artifact may be selected (eg, the artifact that received the most votes). Different algorithms can be assigned different priorities or "weights" to break ties as to which artifact should come next.

As an alternative, if the final angle rotation is applied to the workpiece after the workpieces are seated, the software application can preserve the angle until after all the workpieces are seated, and then repeat the original ordered list in the original order, which indicates that the initial order is preserved using the The angle of the workpiece of the angle profile.

FIG. 8D illustrates an updated fastening sequence graphical representation in which the workpiece counter 816 has been updated and the previously selected workpiece is marked 824 as complete (using a different highlight than was used to mark suggestions 820 and selections 822 ). The software application outputs 820 a next artifact suggestion, as determined using one of the methods described above ( 626 ).

Referring to FIG. 9 , in another example, device 160 may be used to wirelessly send a message to set the number of fastener loops to be performed (ie, batch count). This configuration facilitates determining, for example, whether a user has properly sequentially torqued all fasteners/workpieces in the batch. For example, if the batch includes 3 bolts, a typical error for the user is to assume that all 3 bolts have been properly torqued, but one or more bolts are incorrectly torqued more than once, and one or more A bolt thus remains loose or has not been properly torqued. Once configured, the wrench 100 displays the number and total number of laps to be performed. For example, the display 230 of the wrench 100 may display a preset name 902 and digit 904 , a target torque value 906 , a unit of measure 908 , a batch count 910 , and a current lap count 912 associated with the batch count operation.

Display 230 may also show a locked or unlocked graphic to indicate whether wrench 100 is in either of the locked or unlocked selection states. As illustrated in Figure 9, a lock icon 914 is displayed, indicating that the batch operation must complete before moving on to another operation. The device 160 may also configure the wrench 100 to redo the twisting operation if the twisting operation is performed or measured by mistake. In this case, the lap count for the rerun is displayed on the wrench 100 .

In another embodiment, device 160 may be used to set up and configure the locking operation of wrench 100 . Referring to FIG. 10 , wrench 100 may be configured to enter a locked state when the wireless link between wrench 100 and device 160 is disabled or disabled. For example, wrench 100 receives a message from device 160 and/or an application running on device 160 to configure a locking operation (1002). The wrench 100 configures itself via the processor/controller 302 to have a locking operation (1004). Wrench 100 and/or processor/controller 302 checks the status of the wireless communication link between wrench 100 and device 160 (1006). If the status (1008) of the wireless communication link is connected, the wrench 100 remains in the unlocked state (1010) and can be used to perform a twisting operation. However, if the state (1008) of the wireless communication link is not connected, the wrench 100 enters a locked state (1012) and measurement operations are disabled. For example, a lock message is displayed ( 1014 ) on display 230 and an indication may be initiated. For example, the indication may be an activated vibration (eg, tactile vibrator 340 ), and illumination of a red LED (eg, LED 330a and/or 330b ) until torque is released. Measurements can be re-enabled when the link is reconnected.

Referring to FIG. 11 , wrench 100 may be configured to be brought into a locked state by device 160 . For example, a technician may use device 160 and/or an application running on device 160 to place wrench 100 in a locked state at any time. In this example, wrench 100 receives a message from device 160 and/or an application running on device 160 to configure a locking operation (1102). The wrench 100 configures itself via the processor/controller 302 to have a locking operation (1104). Wrench 100 enters a locked state (1106), and measurement operations are disabled. For example, a lock message is displayed ( 1108 ) on display 230 and an indication may be initiated. For example, the indication may be an activated vibration (eg, tactile vibrator 340 ), and illumination of a red LED (eg, LED 330a and/or 330b ) until torque is released. This may be useful when using an incorrect preset or for any other reason. Power looping or resending preset parameters can be used to reset the wrench 100 for fastener operation.

Referring to FIG. 12, the wrench 100 may be configured by the device 160 to enter a locked state to prevent further fastener operations by enabling the lock at the end of the batch operation. This can be used as a further indication to the user or technician that the batch operation has completed. For example, a technician may use device 160 and/or an application running on device 160 to send a locking operation or configuration to wrench 100 . In this example, wrench 100 receives a message from device 160 and/or an application running on device 160 to configure a locking operation (1202). The wrench 100 configures itself via the processor/controller 302 to have a locking operation (1204). The wrench 100 is used to perform batch operations and determine if the loop count has reached the batch count (1206/1208). If the lap count does not match the batch count, the wrench remains unlocked (1210) and can be used to perform a twisting operation. However, if the lap count matches the batch count, the wrench 100 enters a locked state (1212), and further measurement operations are disabled. A lock message is displayed (1214), eg, on display 230, and an indication may be initiated. For example, the indication may be an activated vibration (eg, haptic vibrator 340 ), and illumination of a red LED (eg, LED 330a and/or 330b ). Re-sending preset parameters or redoing messages can be used to re-enable wrench 100 for fastener operation.

Referring to FIG. 13 , the wrench 100 may be configured by the device 160 to enter a locked state to prevent further fastener manipulation by enabling the lock upon over-torque or rotation. For example, a technician may use device 160 and/or an application running on device 160 to send a locking operation or configuration to wrench 100 . In this example, wrench 100 receives a message from device 160 and/or an application running on device 160 to configure a locking operation (1302). The wrench 100 configures itself via the processor/controller 302 to have a locking operation (1304). The wrench 100 is used to perform the twisting operation and measure the applied torque and/or angle value (1306). The wrench 100 also determines whether the measured applied torque and/or angle value exceeds a maximum preset torque and/or angle value (1308). If the measured applied torque and/or angle value does not exceed the maximum preset torque and/or angle value, the wrench remains unlocked (1310) and can be used to perform a twisting operation. However, if the measured applied torque and/or angle value exceeds the maximum preset torque and/or angle value, the wrench 100 enters a locked state (1312), and the measuring operation is disabled. For example, a lock message is displayed ( 1314 ) on display 230 and an indication may be initiated. For example, the indication may be an activated vibration (eg, haptic vibrator 340 ), and illumination of a red LED (eg, LED 330a and/or 330b ). Re-sending preset parameters or redoing messages can be used to re-enable wrench 100 for fastener operation.

Device 160 and/or applications running on device 160 may also be used to lock presets. For example, the wrench 100 may be locked to use only preset torque/angle measurements, and the manual torque and angle mode disabled. In this example, when locked, a lock icon (eg, lock icon 914 ) is displayed on a preset target screen of the display 230 . The user/technician can only choose from a number of presets on the wrench or applications running on the device 160 . A password may be required to make any configuration changes to Wrench 100 .

Device 160 and/or applications running on device 160 may also be used to lock menu access to wrench 100 . For example, menu access on the wrench 100 can be locked and the manual torque and angle mode disabled. In this example, when locked, a lock icon (eg, lock icon 914 ) is displayed on a preset target screen of the display 230 . A password may be required to enable access to the menus on the wrench 100 .

It should be understood that any number of locking operations illustrated and described above may be used in combination with each other. The locking operation may also be used in conjunction with any of the other configurations, operations, presets, fastening tasks, etc. described herein.

The concepts disclosed herein can be applied within a number of different devices and computer systems. Although device 160 is described as a mobile device, any computer may be used. Likewise, server(s) 190 may be any kind of computer.

The specific examples discussed above are illustrative. They were chosen to explain the principles and applications of the present disclosure and are not intended to be exhaustive. Those of ordinary skill in the computer art will recognize that elements and process steps described herein may be interchanged with other elements or steps, or combinations of elements or steps, and still achieve the benefits and advantages of the present invention.

The processes performed by wrench 100, device 160, and server 190 may be implemented as a computerized method or article of manufacture, such as a storage device or a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium. The computer-readable storage medium can be read by a computer and can include instructions for causing the computer or other device to perform the described process. Computer readable storage media can be implemented by non-volatile computer memory, storage elements, or media. Additionally, some of the processing operations attributed to wrench 100 may be implemented as state machines in firmware or hardware, such as implementing some or all of the operations performed by processor/controller 302 as an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) , Field Programmable Gate Array (Field Programmable Gate Array, FPGA), or some combination thereof.

As used in this disclosure, the term "a" or "an" 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.

As used herein, the term "coupled" and its functional equivalents are not intended to be necessarily limited to the direct mechanical coupling of two or more elements. In contrast, the term "coupled" and its functional equivalents mean any direct or indirect mechanical, electrical or chemical connection between two or more objects, features, workpieces and/or environmental substances. In some examples, "coupled" also means that one object is integrated with another object.

The matters set forth in the foregoing specification and drawings are provided by way of illustration only and not by way of limitation. While particular embodiments have been shown and described, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that changes and modifications may be made without departing from the broader aspects of the inventor's contribution. The actual scope of protection sought is intended to be defined by the appended claims when viewed in due light based on prior art.

100: Electronic torque wrench/wrench 160:Mobile computing device/equipment 165: touch sensitive display 170, 175: link 180: Internet 185: link 190:Server 195: Database 210: head 201: shaft 205: handle 215: handle 220: user interface 225: button 225a, 225b: buttons 230: display 235: Reversing lever 240: drive 241: axis 245: control unit 250: Neck 302: Controller/Processor 304: Bus 306: Memory 308: storage element 310: Transceiver 312: Antenna 320: sensor 321: Analog-to-digital converter/A/D converter 324: sensor 325: A/D converter 328: sensor 329:A/D Converter 330a, 330b: LEDs 335: Loudspeaker/transducer 340: Haptic Vibrator 390: power supply 402: Controller/Processor 404: Bus 406: Memory 408: storage element 410: Input/Output Port 470: Antenna 490: Power 475: Antenna 430: Microphone 435:Speaker 440: Haptic Vibrator 445: camera 502: icon 504a: mode indicator 504b: mode indicator 504c: mode indicator 504d: mode indicator 504e: mode indicator 506: Identification 508: Status 510: message 512: option menu 514a: Measurement 514b: Default 514c: log 514d: Wrench setting 516: wrench 518: Database lookup 520: field 522: field 524: field 528: preset name 530: Torque 532: Torque 534: unit 536: Angle 538: button 540: button 544: name 546:Sleep timer 548:Slider 550: text instruction 556: fastening value 560: log file 562: button 564: button 568: field 570: field 571: library 572: field 573: preset 574: log file 576: button 578: button 580: field 581: field 582: field 583: field 584: field 585: field 586: field 587: type 588: Measurement direction 589:Target torque value 590: batch size 591: offset length 536: Angle 538:Press 540: press 592:Select job 593: Edit job name 594: preset 596: button 597: button 598: button 599: Wrench type 540: button 602~640: Process 704a: Operation mode 706a: Bounding box 706b: Bounding box 708: progress message 704b: Operation mode 712: recognition word 714: Fastening task 716: Submit 720: progress message 704c: Operation mode 730a: Selection box 724a: title 726a: Torque value 728a:Name 730b: Selection box 726b: Torque value 724b: Title 728b:Name 730c: Selection box 724c: title 726c: Torque value 728c: name 732: Synchronization 804: Operation mode 816: counter 810: graphics 818:Arrow 812a~812h: workpiece 814a~814h: serial number 820: round 822:Display 824: mark 904: digital 902: preset name 914: lock icon 912: Loop count 910: batch counting 906: target torque value 908: Unit of measure 1002~1014: Process 1102~1108: Process 1202~1214: Process 1302~1314: Process

To facilitate understanding of the claimed subject matter, embodiments of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, the subject matter sought, its construction and operation, and its many advantages should be readily understood from a review of the embodiments thereof when considered in conjunction with the following description. and understand. Figure 1 illustrates an example of a system including an electronic torque wrench and an ambulatory computing device. 2A and 2B illustrate different views of the electronic torque wrench of FIG. 1 . FIG. 3 is a block diagram conceptually illustrating example electronics of the torque wrench of FIG. 1 . 4 is a block diagram conceptually illustrating example electronic components of the mobile computing device of FIG. 1 . 5A-5L illustrate an example of a user interface provided by a software application executing on the mobile computing device of FIGS. 1 and 4 that configures and interacts with the electronic torque wrench of FIGS. 1-3 , and Provides additional functionality. 6 is a flowchart illustrating example operations of a software application executed by the mobile computing device of FIGS. 1 and 4 . 7A to 7E illustrate an example of a user interface provided by a software application in conjunction with the process in FIG. 6 , the user interface is configured with a wrench with tightening specifications. 8A-8D illustrate an example of an interactive user interface provided by a software application that guides a technician through an orderly fastening sequence in conjunction with the process in FIG. 6 . Figure 9 illustrates an exemplary batch operation according to an embodiment of the present invention. 10 is a flowchart illustrating example operations for a wrench lock operation based on a connection between a wrench and a computing device, according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an example operation of another wrench locking operation according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an example operation of a batch operation-based wrench locking operation according to an embodiment of the present invention. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an example operation of a wrench locking operation based on a twisting operation according to an embodiment of the present invention.

100: Electronic torque wrench/wrench

160:Mobile computing device/equipment

165: touch sensitive display

170, 175: link

180: Internet

185: link

190:Server

195: Database

Claims (6)

A method of configuring an electronic torque wrench comprising: providing an editable calibration field for an electronic torque wrench via an external device, the editable calibration field including: calibration interval, calibration cycle, calibration warning cycle, and calibration warning days; and A notification is sent by the external device based on the editable calibration field and the status of the electronic torque wrench. The method of claim 1, wherein sending the notification includes sending a notification of the number of days before calibration is required. The method of claim 1, wherein sending the notification includes sending a notification of the number of torque laps since a last calibration date. The method of claim 1, wherein sending the notification includes sending a notification of the number of laps remaining before calibration is required. 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. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: sending an instruction to the electronic torque wrench to enter a locked state when calibration is required.

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