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… for precise, rotary manipulation and remote control of instruments at controlled speeds and torque NASA Goddard Space Flight Center invites companies to license this new computer-controlled power tool that can be used to turn a drill bit, wrench socket, screwdriver, or other tool bit clockwise or counterclockwise at a precisely controlled speed, torque, or number of turns. Astronauts often use hand tools in space to change instruments on various spacecraft, such as space telescopes, satellites, and space stations. Goddard’s new tool has been specifically deployed on the Hubble Space Telescope helping to ensure adequate torque and avoid stripping of threads from fasteners. The tool has also been used extensively on the Space Shuttle and aboard the International Space Station. Featuring remote operation capabilities, radiation tolerance, and the ability to operate at extreme temperatures, the technology may also be advantageous in any hazardous or inconvenient environment in which the tool might be held by a robotic arm and directed by a remote human operator.
Goddard’s Computer-Controlled Power Tool technology provides highly precise control of speed and torque for us with a variety of applications. The technology provides a programmed-controlled processor within the housing of the tool, which communicates with an external (remote) computer for the purposes of monitoring and analyzing tool performance. Operation
The tool runs on a battery or power-transformer circuit, which can be connected by a cord to a power source. The processor controls the electric current applied to the motor through a drive circuit. Torque and temperature sensors monitor the existing torque levels and the motor and power-supply temperatures. The output data from these sensors are stored as digital values in the tool’s processor. Monitoring and analysis The processor enables monitoring of the tool’s operating parameters and power supply and keeps a performance history of the tool’s operation, which it communicates to an external processor for analysis. Performance history is stored in a nonvolatile memory connected to the processor. Two types of performance records are stored:
The processor communicates this performance data to a remote computer, enabling an operator to analyze the data stored in the tool or modify the operational parameters remotely, using the external computer rather than the selection controls located on the tool itself. Why it is better Goddard’s Computer-Controlled Power Tool technology superficially resembles several other commercially available hand-held tools, but it uniquely offers the following advantageous features:
NASA Goddard Space Flight Center has patented this technology (U.S. Patent No. 5,903,462). (Link opens new browser window.)
This technology is part of NASA’s Innovative Partnerships Program Office, which seeks to transfer technology into and out of NASA to benefit the space program and U.S. industry. NASA invites companies to consider licensing the Method and Apparatus for Controlling a Tool (Computer-Controlled Power Tool) (GSC-13879) technology for commercial applications. For information and forms related to the technology licensing and partnering process, please visit the Licensing and Partnering page. (Link opens new browser window) If you are interested in more information or want to pursue transfer of this technology, please contact: Innovative Partnerships Program Office
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The tool is easily powered on or off by pressing or releasing the trigger on the hand grip. A display communicates the current torque and speed performance parameter values, and light-emitting diode (LED) indicators also alert the operator to various operation conditions. Selection controls enable the operator to change these values and to select:
