Torque Reaction Arms

Torque Reaction Arms
Torque Reaction Arms

Electric and air powered tools that are used in the manufacturing environment produce an undesirable torque reaction that is transmitted from the tool to the operator's hand and wrist. Over a period of time, the torque reaction can permanently damage an operator’s hands, wrists and fingers. These injuries are commonly referred to as carpal tunnel syndrome, repetitive stress syndrome and cumulative trauma disorder. These injuries can result in reduced productivity, employee absenteeism and higher insurance costs. The WSP torque arms are designed to absorb the torque reaction shock in the tooling and not the operator’s body. In addition to eliminating the torque reaction, the tooling secures and balances the weight of the tool to improve ergonomics and accessibility. Spatial Positioning can be adapted to any of our torque arms. We have many standard models to choose from or we can custom configure a torque reaction arm to your application.

Spatial positioning is used by many assembly manufacturers to verify that the torque tool installs the correct fasteners at the appropriate locations. Federal regulations such as Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (MVSS) require automotive companies and suppliers to verify the fastening location for each installed fastener. Flexible manufacturing allows for many different parts to be assembled on a single assembly line. Spatial positioning can aid the flexible manufacturing environment by ensuring that each unique part has the correct fasteners. WSP manufactures many different configurations of torque arms with spatial positioning. Our patented linear positioning assemblies have the capabilities of sensing up to 1,000 positions per inch.

Torque Arm Styles

  • Standard Tube Design - Our standard designs are very rugged and economical for applications that do not require precise spatial positioning.
  • Linear Positioning Design - Our linear positioning torque arms incorporate precise spatial positioning (1,000 positions per inch). They are perfect for applications that require a precise spatial positioning and for applications that have a high number of spatial positions (greater than 6 positions).

Key Items

  • Safety / Ergonomics:
    • "NO LOAD" Zero torque recognized by operator
    • Built-in safety check in case of air pressure loss
    • "0" Gravity balancing of any hand tool to avoid unwanted movement
    • Easy movement in X, Y, and Z directions

  • Mechanical Advantages:
    • Fast and simple installation
    • Quick disconnect tool end effectors, change over in 10 seconds or less
    • Various styles of end effectors for any type of tool you want to hold
    • Precision regulated air balancing of tool - quick weight differential settings
    • Specialty shafting and bearings provide robust yet smooth movements for long life

  • Maintenance Advantages:
    • Tool cable and air line management system provides longer life to cables
    • Air cylinders are non-lube as well as bearings - virtually no PM's required
    • NO down time in production