Tool apparatus, system and method of use
A system, and a method of using a system, for controlled tool operation. The method includes providing a tool used in a force application such as a such torque application. The tool communicates with a controller which can communicate with the tool, and to a display in communication with the tool and the controller. The controller can be programmed with operational information about a tool operation. Information related to the operational information is displayed to a user during use. Service information including at least information about an amount of force applied during use is recorded and stored in the controller. Also disclosed is a computerized system for controlled tool operation which sends operational instructions to the tool before use and retrieves service information from the tool after use.
1. A method for controlled tool operation, the method comprising the steps of:
providing a tool;
providing a driver operatively associated with the tool;
providing a controller operatively associated with the tool;
providing a cradle for receiving the tool;
receiving and retaining information in the tool when the tool is docked in the cradle, the information being for use in at least one torque operation;
identifying a torque operation comprising replacing a plurality of lug nuts on at least one tire of a vehicle;
providing operational information corresponding to the torque operation;
performing the torque operation corresponding to the operational information while recording service information; and
storing the service information on the controller, the step of performing the torque operation corresponding to the operational information further comprising: controllably displaying a representation of a vehicle on the display; displaying a tire position indicator corresponding to each of the at least one tire; activating the tire position indicator when an operation is to be performed on that tire.
2. The method of claim 1 , the method further comprising providing a switch on the tool in communication with the controller; cyclically rotating the tire position indicator between each of the tire position indicators upon actuation of the switch.
3. A method for controlled tool operation, the method comprising the steps of:
providing a tool;
providing a driver operatively associated with the tool;
providing a controller operatively associated with the tool;
providing a cradle for receiving the tool;
receiving and retaining information in the tool when the tool is docked in the cradle, the information being for use in at least one torque operation;
identifying a torque operation comprising replacing a plurality of lug nuts on at least one tire of a vehicle;
providing operational information corresponding to the torque operation;
performing the torque operation corresponding to the operational information while recording service information, the torque operation including providing a first visual indicator corresponding to an approach condition; providing a second visual indicator corresponding to a target condition; and providing a third visual indicator corresponding to an over-torque condition; the first, second, and third indicators being coupled to the controller; controllably operating the first, second, and third indicators to illuminate when a corresponding condition has been reached.; and
storing the service information on the controller.
4. The method of claim 3 , wherein the approach condition corresponds to from between 85% to 98% of the target applied torque.
5. The method of claim 3 , wherein the over-torque condition corresponds to from 105% to 120% of the target applied torque.
6. The method of claim 3 , further comprising: providing an alert indicator coupled to the controller; producing a first alert on the alert indicator when the approach condition has been reached; producing a second alert on the alert indicator when the target condition has been reached; and producing a third alert on the alert indicator when the over-torque condition has been reached.
7. The method of claim 6 , further comprising providing each of the first alert, second alert and third alert with a different alert indication.
8. A method for controlled tool operation, the method comprising the steps of:
providing a tool;
providing a driver operatively associated with the tool;
providing a controller operatively associated with the tool;
providing a display operatively associated with the tool and the controller;
providing a control unit having a first connection communicating with a cradle and a second connection communicating with a shop management system, the cradle being dimensioned for receiving the tool to enable communication between the tool and the control unit.
providing a shop management system being in detachable communication with the tool, the shop management system controllably generating work orders;
retrieving information for at least one work order on the shop management system;
transmitting at least one work order to the control unit for storage in the control unit;
selecting a work order stored on the control unit and transmitting the work order to the tool;
performing a torque application related to the work order using the tool and recording service information;
transmitting the service information to the control unit; and
transmitting the service information from the control unit to the shop management system.
9. The method of claim 8 , wherein the work order includes operational information and job information.
10. The method of claim 9 , wherein operational information includes at least a driver size, a target applied torque, a number of lug nuts per tire, and a lug nut service pattern for a selected vehicle.