Angle Screw Feeding Module for Small Screws at Any Orientation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional screw feeding systems are limited in handling small screws and cannot accommodate counter bore holes, as they are designed for large screws and surface screwing only, lacking versatility in angle adjustments.
Innovation Solution
An automatic screw feeding and screwing device that includes a screw feeding unit, a screw driving unit with an electrical screw driver capable of moving in a circular direction and adjusting to various angles, combined with a pneumatic cylinder and vacuum pick-up nozzle for efficient screw transport and placement at any angle, enabling screwing at predefined angles from 0 to 180 degrees.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a traditional tube-based screw driver is used to feed screws, then large screws can be fed efficiently, but small screws and counter bore holes cannot be handled
Solution Approach 1:
The screw driver is designed with a rotatable nozzle that can dynamically adjust its orientation angle, allowing it to adapt between horizontal feeding for large screws and angled feeding for small screws and counter bore holes. This dynamic adjustment capability enables the same device to handle multiple screw types and applications efficiently.
Solution Approach 2:
The automated screw feeding device is designed to perform multiple functions: it can feed both large and small screws, accommodate surface screwing and counter bore holes, and adjust to various nozzle orientations. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate devices for different screw applications.
2Device complexity
If the screw driver travels back to the screw feeding unit to pick up screws, then the system is simple, but time is lost reducing efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The screw feeding unit and screw driver are merged into a single integrated automated device. The nozzle is positioned directly over the screw feeding unit, allowing screws to be fed continuously without the driver traveling back to pick them up. This combination eliminates idle travel time and improves manufacturing efficiency.
3Device complexity
If the nozzle is fixed in one position, then the device structure is simple, but it cannot accommodate screws at various angles
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzle is designed with rotatable joints that allow it to dynamically adjust its orientation angle. The nozzle can rotate around multiple axes to achieve various angles required for different screw applications, including horizontal, vertical, and angled positions. This dynamic positioning capability is achieved through a series of connected mechanical joints.
4Device complexity
If the screw driver moves in a limited angular range, then the mechanism is simpler, but it cannot pick up screws at any predetermined angle
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzle is divided into multiple segments or joints that can rotate independently around different axes. This segmentation allows the nozzle to achieve complex angular positions by combining rotations at each joint, enabling it to pick up screws at any predetermined angle while keeping each individual joint mechanism relatively simple.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Facilitates efficient automation of screwing processes for small screws and complex geometries by allowing screws to be picked up and placed at any angle, enhancing manufacturing efficiency and adaptability in high-volume production.
Implementation Method 1
a vacuum pick-up nozzle configured to pick up the screw from the screw feeding unit
Implementation Method 2
a pneumatic cylinder configured to move the screw driver in a vertical and horizontal directions
Data Source
AI summary
An angle screw feeding device comprises a screw feeding unit, a screw transporting unit, and a screw driving unit. The device is able to be used with small screws. Further, the device is able to perform an automatic screwing action at any selected angles.