Method for diagnosing a torque impulse generator

{
  "publication_number": "US9983044B2",
  "country": "US",
  "kind": "B2",
  "title": "Method for diagnosing a torque impulse generator",
  "abstract": "A method for diagnosing a torque impulse generator which includes a rotational input portion, a torque output portion, an oil reservoir and a torque generating arrangement converting rotation of the input portion to torque impulses at the torque output portion, the method includes: detecting an acoustic signal from the torque impulse generator while generating torque impulses, extracting the frequency of torque impulses from the acoustic signal, and diagnosing the torque impulse generator based on the frequency of torque impulses, to indicate the level of oil in the oil reservoir.",
  "claims": [
    "1. A method for diagnosing a torque impulse generator, wherein the torque impulse generator comprises a rotational input portion, a torque output portion, an oil reservoir, and a torque generating arrangement which converts rotation of the input portion to torque impulses at the torque output portion, the method comprising: determining or setting a normal frequency of torque impulses of the torque impulse generator; positioning a handheld electronic device comprising a microphone proximate to the torque impulse generator; operating the torque impulse generator to generate torque impulses under predetermined operational parameters; detecting, by the microphone of the handheld electronic device, an acoustic signal from the torque impulse generator while generating the torque impulses; extracting a frequency of torque impulses from the acoustic signal; comparing the extracted frequency to the normal frequency; and diagnosing the torque impulse generator based on a result of the comparing, to indicate a level of oil in the oil reservoir, wherein the extracting, the comparing, and the diagnosing are performed by the handheld electronic device.",
    "2. The method according to claim 1, further comprising first identifying a type of the torque impulse generator to determine the normal frequency of torque impulses of the torque impulse generator.",
    "3. The method according to claim 1, wherein the normal frequency of torque impulses of the torque impulse generator is within a range of 5-50 Hz.",
    "4. The method according to claim 1, further comprising indicating that the oil in the oil reservoir should be reduced, if the extracted frequency is below a predetermined threshold in relation to the normal frequency of torque impulses of the torque impulse generator.",
    "5. The method according to claim 1, wherein operating the torque impulse generator to generate torque impulses under the predetermined operational parameters comprises generating torque output against a certain resistance to rotation.",
    "6. The method according to claim 1, wherein operating the torque impulse generator to generate torque impulses under the predetermined operational parameters comprises generating torque output at a predetermined range of rotational speed of the rotational input portion.",
    "7. The method according to claim 1, wherein the torque impulse generator is comprised by a power tool for fastening joints.",
    "8. The method according to claim 3, wherein the normal frequency of torque impulses of the torque impulse generator is within a range of 8-38 Hz.",
    "9. The method according to claim 8, wherein the normal frequency of torque impulses of the torque impulse generator is within a range of 15-25 Hz.",
    "10. The method according to claim 1, further comprising indicating that the oil reservoir needs to be refilled, if the extracted frequency is above a predetermined threshold in relation to the normal frequency of torque impulses of the torque impulse generator.",
    "11. The method according to claim 10, wherein the predetermined threshold is 0.5-5 Hz from the normal frequency of torque impulses of the torque impulse generator.",
    "12. The method according to claim 11, wherein the predetermined threshold is 1-2 Hz from the normal frequency of torque impulses of the torque impulse generator.",
    "13. A non-transitory computer-readable medium having a program stored thereon that is executable by a computer of a handheld electronic device comprising a microphone to perform a process for diagnosing a torque impulse generator, the torque impulse generator comprising a rotational input portion, a torque output portion, an oil reservoir, and a torque generating arrangement which converts rotation of the input portion to torque impulses at the torque output portion, and the process comprising: determining or setting a normal frequency of torque impulses of the torque impulse generator; detecting, by the microphone of the handheld electronic device while the handheld electronic device is positioned proximate to the torque impulse generator, an acoustic signal from the torque impulse generator while the torque impulse generator is operated to generate torque impulses under predetermined operational parameters; extracting a frequency of torque impulses from the acoustic signal; comparing the extracted frequency to the normal frequency; and diagnosing the torque impulse generator based on a result of the comparing, to indicate a level of oil in the oil reservoir.",
    "14. The non-transitory computer-readable medium according to claim 13, wherein the handheld electronic device is a smartphone, and the program is an application to be installed in the smartphone.",
    "15. A method for diagnosing a torque impulse generator, wherein the torque impulse generator comprises a rotational input portion, a torque output portion, an oil reservoir, and a torque generating arrangement which converts rotation of the input portion to torque impulses at the torque output portion, the method comprising: determining or setting a normal frequency of torque impulses of the torque impulse generator; detecting, by a microphone of a handheld electronic device while the handheld electronic device is positioned proximate to the torque impulse generator, an acoustic signal from the torque impulse generator while the torque impulse generator is operated to generate torque impulses under predetermined operational parameters; extracting a frequency of torque impulses from the acoustic signal; comparing the extracted frequency to the normal frequency; and diagnosing the torque impulse generator based on a result of the comparing, to indicate a level of oil in the oil reservoir, wherein the extracting, the comparing, and the diagnosing are performed by the handheld electronic device."
  ],
  "description_excerpt": "The invention relates to a method for diagnosing a torque impulse generator.\n\nPulse tools, i.e. power tools comprising a torque impulse generator, are e.g. used to tighten joints during an assembly operation. Such torque impulse generators comprise a rotational input portion, a torque output portion, an oil reservoir and a torque generating arrangement converting rotation of the input portion to torque impulses at the torque output portion. In U.S. Pat. No. 5,092,410 A, EP 0885693 B1 and WO 2011141205 A1 various types of torque impulse generators are shown. The performance of a torque impulse generator is dependent on the level of oil in the oil reservoir. Due to leakage, the level of oil in the oil reservoir tends to decrease over time. When the oil level decreases, the ability of the torque impulse generator to generate torque will decrease. If the operator of the tool is unable to recognize this there is a risk of faulty tightening and destruction of mechanical parts of the torque impulse generator. Hence, there is a need for a simple way of diagnosing the torque impulse generator and indicating the level of oil in the oil reservoir.\n\nAn object of the invention is to provide a method to meet these needs. Hence, the invention relates to a method for diagnosing a torque impulse generator, which torque impulse generator comprises a rotational input portion, a torque output portion, an oil reservoir and a torque generating arrangement converting rotation of the input portion to torque impulses at the torque output portion.",
  "cpc": [
    "G01F 23/296",
    "B25B 21/02",
    "B25B 23/14",
    "B25B 23/1453",
    "B25F 5/00"
  ],
  "ipc": [
    "B25B 21/02",
    "B25B 23/14",
    "B25B 23/145",
    "B25F 5/00",
    "G01F 23/296"
  ],
  "assignees": [
    "ATLAS COPCO IND TECHNIQUE AB"
  ],
  "inventors": [
    "NELSON ANDERS URBAN",
    "WIKLUND NICLAS MIKAEL"
  ],
  "filing_date": "2014-06-09",
  "publication_date": "2018-05-29",
  "grant_date": "2018-05-29",
  "priority_date": "2013-06-12",
  "application_number": "US-201414897643-A",
  "family_id": "50972673",
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  ]
}