Patent Publication Number: US-2021187711-A1

Title: Holding Tool

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a divisional of and claims the benefit of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/823,028, filed Nov. 27, 2017, entitled Holding Tool, which is a continuation of and claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 62/429,174, filed Dec. 2, 2016, entitled Torque Holding Wrench, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to torque application tools. More particularly, the present invention relates to a tool for holding a portion of a work piece while torque is applied to a second portion of the work piece. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     In many industrial applications, the tightening of items with threaded fasteners to a specific degree or torque is of critical importance. For example, in the assembly of automobiles or aircraft, it is important that nuts, bolts, screws, lugs, and the like (which, for brevity, will all be referred to as “fasteners”) are sufficiently tightened to ensure that the resulting assembly functions properly, not only at initial use, but over the long term. Over-tightening, however, may strip the threads or cause vibrational problems in the assembly. 
     Further, it is useful to maintain portions of the item being connected, such as, for example, a hydraulic hose at a specified position when a torque wrench is used to install such connectors, couplings or fittings. This ensures proper positioning of the hydraulic hose/pipe for operation and reduces twisting forces from being applied to the hose, coupling, or fitting. Such twisting forces can cause damage to the hose/pipe and reduce the life of the coupling or fitting. 
     For example, a twist of about seven (7) degrees can reduce hose service life by up to about 90%. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention broadly comprises a tool, such as a holding tool, that may be used in parallel with a torque application tool, such as a torque wrench. The holding tool is used to hold a first portion of an item being fastened, such as a hydraulic hose, in a static position, while the torque application tool applies torque and rotates a second portion of the item. The holding tool helps prevent application of torque to the first portion of the item, thus preventing twisting of a hose, pipe, and/or coupling. 
     In an embodiment, the holding tool also wirelessly communicates with a controller when the tool is in use. For example, the tool may indicate that it is in use. The tool communicates with the controller in response to a user applying a thrust or force to the tool in a direction of the coupling the tool is engaged with. That thrust releases pressure on a switch that activates a communication signal, such as a coded radio signal, for communication to the controller. This allows the controller to monitor whether the holding tool was used in conjunction with a torque application tool. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       For the purpose of facilitating an understanding of the subject matter sought to be protected, there are illustrated in the accompanying drawings embodiments thereof, from an inspection of which, when considered in connection with the following description, the subject matter sought to be protected, its construction and operation, and many of its advantages should be readily understood and appreciated. 
         FIG. 1  is an exploded perspective view of a holding tool according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  is a first side view of the holding tool according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 3  is a second side view of the holding tool of  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 4  is a first side view of an open end type tool head according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 5  is a second side view of the tool head of  FIG. 4 . 
         FIG. 6  is a first side view of a ratcheting open end type tool head according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 7  is a second side view of the tool head of  FIG. 6 . 
         FIG. 8  is a first side view of a box head type tool head according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 9  is a second side view of the tool head of  FIG. 8 . 
         FIG. 10  is a first side view of a flare nut type tool head according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 11  is a second side view of the tool head of  FIG. 10 . 
         FIG. 12  is a side view of a square drive ratchet type tool head according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 13  is a side view of a square drive type tool head according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 14  is a side view of a hex drive type tool head according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 15  is an exemplary network diagram according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 16  a block diagram conceptually illustrating examples of electronic components of a holding tool according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 17  is process flow diagram of a method according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS 
     While the present invention is susceptible of embodiments in many different forms, there is shown in the drawings, and will herein be described in detail, embodiments of the invention, including a preferred embodiment, with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the principles of the present invention and is not intended to limit the broad aspect of the invention to any one or more embodiments illustrated herein. As used herein, the term “present invention” is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed invention, but is instead used to discuss exemplary embodiments of the invention for explanatory purposes only. 
     The present invention broadly comprises a tool, such as a holding tool, that may be used with a torque application tool, such as a torque wrench, when connecting an item having first and second portions. The first portion of the item may be a hose or other device where rotation is not desired. The second portion of the item may be a coupling where torque application and rotation is not desired. For example, the item may be a hydraulic brake hose that includes a hose as the first portion and a rotatable coupling as the second portion. Thus, in an embodiment, the present invention allows torque to be applied to the second portion of the item, and thus causes the second portion to rotate, while the first portion of the item remains static. 
     The holding tool helps prevent twisting of a hose, pipe, and/or the first portion of the item while torque is applied to the second portion. In an embodiment, the holding tool also wirelessly communicates with a controller when the tool is in use. For example, the tool may indicate that it is in use. The tool communicates with the controller in response to a user applying a thrust or force to the tool in a direction of the coupling the tool is engaged with. That thrust releases pressure on a switch that activates a communication signal, such as a coded radio signal, for communication to the controller. This allows the controller to monitor whether the holding tool was used in conjunction with a torque application tool. 
     For example, the controller may be used to monitor that the holding tool is engaged with a coupling during the torqueing operation, that the holding tool is fully engaged until after a target torque value has been attained (as indicated by a torque wrench in communication with the controller), and that the target torque value or target torque and angle values have been attained (as indicated by a torque wrench in communication with the controller). If the above criteria are not met, the controller may indicate that the operation has not been performed properly, and should be completed again. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1-3 , a tool  100 , such as a holding tool, includes a housing  102 , a transducer beam  104 , a torque block  106 , a handle  108 , and an interface module  110 . The housing  102  includes a first housing portion  112  proximal to a first end and a second housing portion  114  proximal to a second end. The first housing portion  112  is hollow and is adapted to receive a transducer beam  104 . Similarly, the second housing portion  114  is hollow and is adapted to receive the torque block  106 . As illustrated, the first housing portion  112  has an oblong cross-sectional shape, and the second housing portion  114  has a circular cross-sectional shape. However, the first and second housing portions  112 ,  114  may have other geometrical cross-sectional shapes. 
     The transducer beam  104  and torque block  106  are coupled together, for example via one or more fasteners or pins  116 , and are disposed in the housing  102 , with a head  118  of the transducer beam  104  positioned outside of the housing  102  proximal to the first end of the housing  102 . The transducer beam  104  is coupled to the housing  102  by pins  120 . The pins  120  respectively extend through apertures  122  in the housing  102 , and apertures  124  in the transducer beam  104 . The pins  120  may also be secured in place using one or more respective retaining rings  126 . 
     A spring  128  is disposed in the housing  102  and around the torque block  106 , and the handle  108  is disposed on and coupled to the second end of the housing  102 . One or more spacers, such as washers  130 , may be disposed between the spring  128  and an internal end of the handle  108 . The torque block  106  may also include a stop  132 , formed as a ledge, that prevents the spring  128  from traveling in a direction towards the transducer beam  104 . The spring  128  may abut the stop  132 , and the washers  130 . The spring  128  provides a bias force to the torque block  106 , and thereby the transducer beam  104 , in a direction of the head  118 . This cause the head  118  to extend from the first end of the housing  102 . 
     The interface module  110  may include a switch  134 , and the interface module, may be coupled to the housing  102 , and extend through an aperture  136  in the torque block  106  and transducer beam  104 . As illustrated, the apertures  124  in the transducer beam  104  have an oblong shape. This allows the torque block  106  and transducer beam  104  to move within the housing  102 . As described above, the spring  128  provides a bias force to the torque block  106 , and thereby the transducer beam  104 , in a direction of the head  118 . This also biases the switch  134  into an OFF position. When force is applied to the head  118  in a direction towards the handle  108  (or a force is applied to the handle  108  in a direction (illustrated as arrow  144 ) towards the head  118 ), the oblong shape of the apertures  124  allow the transducer beam  104  and torque block  106  to move against the bias force of the spring  128  in a direction towards the handle  108 . This movement releases the bias force applied to the switch  134 , and allows the switch  134  to move to an ON position. In the ON position, the interface module  110  transmits a signal indicating that the tool  100  is in use, and an indicator  138  of the interface module  110  is activated. The indicator  138  may be a light that is illuminated to indicate to a user that the tool  100  is in use and the signal is being transmitted. Using thrust force to activate the tool  100  is similar to using a screwdriver. This helps focus the user/operator to hold the hose/pipe, or coupling in a static position while a torqueing operation is performed with a separate torque application tool. For example, the tool  100  may be used to hold a first portion of an item in a static position, while the torque application tool is used to apply torque to a second portion of the item. The tool  100  may also be used to hold a first coupling in a static position, while the torque application tool is used to apply torque to a second coupling. 
     The head  118  of the tool  100  is adapted to receive and couple to varying different interchangeable tool heads. For example, the head  118  may be shaped and adapted to engage a corresponding female connection of an interchangeable tool head. The head  118  may also include a pin  140  and spring  142  disposed in and coupled to the head  118 . For example, the pin  140  and spring  142  may be disposed in a blind hole in the head  118 , and the pin  140  is biased outwardly by the spring  142 . The interchangeable nature of the head  118  and tool heads allows the tool  100  to be adapted to engage varying types of fittings and fasteners. Examples of tool heads that may be coupled to the head  118  are illustrated in  FIGS. 4-14 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 4 and 5 , a tool head  200  is illustrated. The tool head  200  is an open end type wrench head, and includes channels  202  and  204  adapted to respectively engage the head  118  and pin  140 . To couple the tool head  200  to the head, the pin  140  may be pushed inwardly against the bias of the spring  142 , and the head  118  slid into the channel  202  until the pin  140  is pushed into the channel  204  by the spring  142 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 6 and 7 , a tool head  300  is illustrated. The tool head  300  is a ratcheting open end type wrench head, and includes channels  302  and  304  adapted to respectively engage the head  118  and pin  140 .  FIGS. 8 and 9  illustrate a box head type of wrench head  400  that includes channels  402  and  404  adapted to respectively engage the head  118  and pin  140 .  FIGS. 10 and 11  illustrate a flare head type of wrench head  500  that includes channels  502  and  504  adapted to respectively engage the head  118  and pin  140 .  FIG. 12  illustrates a square drive ratchet type of wrench head  600  that includes channels  602  and  604  adapted to respectively engage the head  118  and pin  140 .  FIG. 13  illustrates a square drive type of wrench head  700  that includes channels  702  and  704  adapted to respectively engage the head  118  and pin  140 . Similarly,  FIG. 14  illustrates a hex drive type of wrench head  800  that includes channels  802  and  804  adapted to respectively engage the head  118  and pin  140 . It should be appreciated that any type of tool head can be adapted to include channels that respectively engage the head  118  and pin  140 . Thus, the tool  100  can be coupled with any type of tool head to suit a particular need or application. 
     Referring to  FIG. 15 , the interface module  110  on the tool  100  may be in communication with a controller  900 , when the interface module  110  in in the ON position. A torque wrench  1000  may also be in communication with the controller  900 . The use of the tool  100 , torque wrench  1000 , and controller  900  together provide an error reducing function. For example, when tightening a hose/pipe or coupling, such as a hydraulic hose, hydraulic coupling connection, or other connection that requires a counter torque reaction, the tool  100  may be used to provide the counter torque. During use, a user engages the tool  100  with a first portion of an item that is to be held stationary, and engages the torque wrench  1000  with a second portion of the item that is to be torqued or rotated. Both of the tool  100  and the torque wrench  1000  may be in communication with the controller  900 . For example, when a thrust force is applied to the tool  100 , such as the handle in a directions towards the head of the tool  100 , the interface module  110  is turned ON. The torque wrench  1000  may be in communication with the controller  900  and transmit torque and/or angle information to the controller  900 . 
     The controller  900  receives the signals from the tool  100  and torque wrench  1000  and monitors the tightening operation. For example, the controller  900  records and monitors that both the tool  100  and the torque wrench  1000  are in operation at the same time, and that the tool  100  is engaged prior to, during, and after the torque wrench  1000  is used. The tool  100  may be paired to the torque wrench  1000  prior to use to assist the controller  900  in identifying that both of the tool  100  and the torque wrench  1000  were used. By ensuring that both of the tool  100  and the torque wrench  1000  were used together, the controller  900  provides an error reducing function to assist in preventing hoses/pipes from being twisted and/or connections misaligned, which could cause rework or increased failure or warranty costs. 
     To facilitate communication with the controller  900 , the interface module  110  of the tool  100  may include various electronic components. For example, referring to  FIG. 16 , the interface module may include a processor  146 , memory/storage  148 , transceiver  150 , antenna  152 , power source  154 , switch  134 , and indicator  138 . The processor  146  may include a central processing unit (CPU) for processing data and computer-readable instructions. The processor  146  may retrieve instructions from memory/storage  148  via a bus  156 , using the memory/storage  148  for runtime temporary storage of instructions and data. The memory/storage  148  may include volatile and/or nonvolatile random access memory (RAM). While components are illustrated in  FIG. 16  as being connected via the bus  156 , components may also be connected to other components in addition to (or instead of) being connected to other components via the bus  156 . 
     The memory/storage  148  stores the instructions, including instructions to manage communications with the controller  900 . The memory/storage  148  may include one-or-more types volatile and/or non-volatile solid-state storage, such as flash memory, read-only memory (ROM), magnetoresistive RAM (MRAM), phase-change memory, random access memory (RAM)etc. 
     Instructions for operating the tool  100  and its various components may be executed by the processor  146 . The computer instructions may be stored in a non-transitory manner in non-volatile memory/storage  148 , or an external device. Alternatively, some-or-all of the executable instructions may be embedded in hardware or firmware in addition to or instead of software. 
     The tool  100  may include multiple input and output interfaces. These interfaces include the transceiver  150 , switch  134 , and indicator  138 . The tool  100  may also include a speaker or audio transducer  158 , and/or additional devices, such as a haptic feedback device, display, etc. These devices may provide an indication when the interface module  110  is turned ON. 
     Instructions executed by the processor  146  receive data from the input interfaces, such as the switch  134 . From that data, the processor  146  may determine various information, such as that the tool  100  is being used, and the switch in in the ON position, and optionally, the duration that the tool  100  is in use. The data and information can be logged in real time or at a predetermined sampling rate and stored in a memory/storage  148 . The data and information may also be transmitted to the controller  900  for further analysis and review. 
     The transceiver  150  may include a transmitter, a receiver, and associated encoders, modulators, demodulators, and decoders. The transceiver  150  manages the communication link, establishing the communications link with the controller  900  via one-or-more antennas  152  embedded in the tool  100 , and enables unidirectional or bidirectional communication between the processor  146  and the controller  900 . The communications link may be a direct link between the tool  100 /interface module  110  and the controller  900 , or may be an indirect link through one-or-more intermediate components, such as via a Wi-Fi router or mesh connection. 
     The tool  100 /interface module  110  also includes a power source  154  to power the processor  146 , the bus  156 , and other electronic components. For example, the power source  154  may be one-or-more batteries. However, the power source  154  is not limited to batteries, and other technologies may be used, such as one or more fuel cells, or solar cells, for example. 
     The controller  900  may be a computer, or other device in a network. In an example, the controller  900  includes a processor, communications circuitry (such as a transceiver and antenna), memory, storage, input and output devices (such as buttons, knobs, etc.), and a display screen, as known in the art. The controller  900  may be capable of interfacing with a variety of tools to set parameters, job tasks, etc. For example, parameters or jobs can be input, transmitted, and assigned to tools, while the controller  900  displays the required work and progress of the work to the user. As the user works through a task, the tools and controller  900  provide auditory, tactile, and visual guidance or progress, and results. 
     The torque wrench  1000  may also include a processor, communications circuitry (such as a transceiver and antenna), memory, storage, input and output devices (such as buttons, knobs, etc.), and torque and/or angle sensors, as known in the art. The torque sensor may include, for example, one-or-more of a torque transducer, a strain gauge, a magnetoelastic torque sensor, and a surface acoustic wave (SAW) sensor. The angle sensors may include, for example, one-or-more of a rotational angle sensor and an electronic gyroscope (such as a two-or-three axes gyroscope). Instructions executed by the processor receive data from the sensors, such as torque and angle values. From that data, the processor may determine various information, such as the duration and amount of torque that has been or should be applied to a work piece. The sensor data and information may then be transmitted to the controller  900 , in real time or a predetermined intervals. 
       FIG. 17  is a process flow diagram illustrating a process  1700  according to an aspect of the present invention. The holding tool  100  may be paired with a torque wrench, such as torque wrench  1000 , illustrated as block  1702 . This pairing may be performed by a user via the controller  900 . 
     The tool  100  may then be engaged with a coupling (such as a first portion of a coupling, a first coupling, connection, fitting, or hose, etc.), that is to be held in a static position, illustrated as block  1704 . The interface module  110  of the tool  100  is activated (switched to an ON position) in response to a thrust force being applied to the handle of the tool  100  in a direction of the head of the tool  100 , and communication between the tool  100  and controller  900  is activated, illustrated as block  1706 . The torque wrench  1000  may also be engaged with a second portion of the coupling, a second coupling, connection, fitting, or hose, etc., that is to be rotated, illustrated as block  1708 , and communication between the torque wrench  1000  and controller  900  activated, illustrated as block  1710 . An appropriate amount of torque may then be applied by the torque wrench  1000 , illustrated as block  1712 . As torque is applied, the controller  900  may be receiving signals from the tool  100  that the tool  100  is in use, and the torque wrench  1000  of the torque/angle measurements, illustrated as block  1714 . 
     Once the appropriate torque is applied, the tool  100  and torque wrench  1000  may be disengaged with the respective coupling(s), illustrated as block  1716 . The controller  900  may then check the information received to determine whether the tool  100  was engaged (or in use) prior to, during, and after the appropriate torque was applied, illustrated as block  1718 . If the tool  100  was engaged (or in use) prior to, during, and after the appropriate torque was applied, the task is complete, illustrated as block  1720 . However, if the tool  100  was not engaged (or not in use) prior to, during, and after the appropriate torque was applied, the controller  900  may provide an error, illustrated as block  1722 , indicating that the task should be redone or rechecked. By ensuring that both of the tool  100  and the torque wrench  1000  were used together, the controller  900  provides an error reducing function to assist in preventing hoses/pipes from being twisted and/or couplings/connections misaligned, which could cause rework or increased warranty costs. 
     As used herein, the term “coupled” and its functional equivalents are not intended to necessarily be limited to direct, mechanical coupling of two or more components. Instead, the term “coupled” and its functional equivalents are intended to mean any direct or indirect mechanical, electrical, or chemical connection between two or more objects, features, work pieces, and/or environmental matter. “Coupled” is also intended to mean, in some examples, one object being integral with another object. 
     The matter set forth in the foregoing description and accompanying drawings is offered by way of illustration only and not as a limitation. While particular embodiments have been shown and described, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that changes and modifications may be made without departing from the broader aspects of the inventors&#39; contribution. The actual scope of the protection sought is intended to be defined in the following claims when viewed in their proper perspective based on the prior art.