Autofeed Screwdriver V-Shaped Duct Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Autofeed automatic screwdrivers frequently jam when used with self-tapping screws having small-sized stems, leading to decreased productivity in assembly lines, as these screws often fail to align correctly with the screw-stop device and tend to bend or break, obstructing the screwing process.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a V-shaped or Y-shaped bit-holding head with a secondary duct inclined at an angle between 35° and 45°, a movable piston with a concave recess to align screws coaxially, and a deflector assembly to direct screws effectively, preventing jamming and breakage by ensuring proper alignment and positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a straight main duct with a screw-stop device is used, then screws can be conveyed automatically, but small-sized self-tapping screws fail to align correctly and cause frequent jamming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a secondary duct that branches off at an angle (35°-45°) from the main duct, creating a multi-dimensional screw conveyance path. This angular transition allows screws to be gently redirected from the secondary duct into the main duct, enabling better alignment with the screw bit without requiring complex adjustment mechanisms, thereby resolving the contradiction between automated conveyance and alignment accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a deflector assembly as an intermediary component between the secondary duct and main duct. This deflector actively guides and redirects screws during their transition, ensuring proper alignment before they enter the main duct. The deflector acts as a mediator that facilitates smooth screw flow and positioning, preventing misalignment and jamming while maintaining automated operation.
2Productivity
If screws are pushed by the screw bit along the main duct, then screwing action is maintained, but screws tend to bend and break due to incorrect positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary alignment actions before the screwing process begins. The angled secondary duct and deflector assembly pre-position screws correctly as they enter the main duct, ensuring they are properly aligned with the screw bit before being pushed forward. This preliminary positioning prevents screws from being forced at incorrect angles during the pushing action, eliminating bending and breakage while maintaining continuous screwing productivity.
3Device complexity
If the bit-holding rod is inserted straight into the main duct, then the structure is simple, but screws with small stems cannot be properly aligned coaxially
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the bit-holding rod structure by adding a movable component that can shift laterally relative to the main duct axis. This lateral movement capability, enabled by the angled secondary duct configuration, allows the bit-holding rod to adjust its position and achieve coaxial alignment with screws having small stems. The structural modification maintains relative simplicity while enabling precise alignment through controlled displacement in another dimension.
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
This configuration significantly reduces screw breakage and jamming, allowing for efficient automatic screwing of small-sized self-tapping screws into electronic printed circuit boards, enhancing assembly line productivity by ensuring screws are aligned and securely fastened without obstruction.
Implementation Method 1
a contrast spring which is adapted to elastically counteract the descent of the bit-holding rod and of the screw bit along the main straight duct
Implementation Method 2
a deflector assembly that redirects a succession of screws coming from the secondary duct into the main straight duct
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
An autofeed automatic screwdriver (1) comprising: a bit-holding head (2) that internally houses a rotatable screw bit (3), and is adapted to receive at inlet a succession of screws (100) which are arranged in sequence in front of the screw bit (3), and a motor assembly (4) which is adapted to drive into rotation the screw bit (3) about its longitudinal axis; the bit-holding head (2) comprising: an outer casing (6) internally provided with a substantially straight, main duct (7) accommodating the screw bit (3) and open at the bottom to let out the screw (100) ; and a bit-holding rod (14) which extends substantially coaxial to the longitudinal axis (A) of the main duct (7), is inserted in an axially sliding and rotatable manner in the outer casing (6) so as to partially protrude inside of the upper portion of the main duct (7), and is integral with the screw bit (3); the bit-holding rod (14) comprising a straight stem (15) that supports the screw bit (3), and a hollow movable piston (16) which is engaged in a pass-through and axially slidable manner by the straight stem (15) and by the screw bit (3), and is provided, at the face turned towards the shaped tip (3a) of the screw bit (3), with a concave recess or seat (16b) which has a shape substantially complementary to that of the head of the screws (100) to be screwed.