Captive Locating Screw Assembly for One-Handed Workpiece Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing solutions for precision machining require three hands to hold and align workpieces, leading to inefficiencies and potential damage due to the need for manual manipulation and alignment, which can result in misalignment and surface damage.

Innovation Solution

A captive locating screw assembly comprising a shaft with a threaded portion, an attaching portion, and a handle with a gripping mechanism, allowing for single-handed operation and alignment of workpieces without scratching or marring the surface, using a bushing assembly for precise positioning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If traditional locating screws are used requiring three hands for operation, then workpiece alignment can be achieved, but operation complexity increases and productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of operationVSAvoidproductivity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the locating function and fastening function into a single integrated tool - the locating screw assembly. The handle assembly incorporates both the locating mechanism (with locating surfaces) and the fastening mechanism (with drive interface) in one unit, eliminating the need for separate alignment and fastening operations. This allows a single operator to perform both functions simultaneously, improving ease of operation and productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The locating screw assembly is designed to be self-aligning through its geometric features. The locating surfaces automatically guide the screw into the correct position relative to the workpiece features, eliminating the need for manual alignment by multiple operators. The self-aligning mechanism reduces operational complexity and enables single-handed operation while maintaining precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Manufacturing precision

If manual manipulation of fasteners is used for alignment, then workpiece positioning can be achieved, but time is lost due to repeated alignment adjustments

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing precisionVSAvoidloss of time

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The locating surfaces are pre-configured with specific geometric relationships to the fastening features. This preliminary setup ensures that when the locating screw is inserted, alignment occurs automatically through the predetermined geometric constraints, eliminating the need for repeated manual adjustments. The pre-engineered geometry guarantees precise positioning on the first attempt.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual manipulation-based alignment with a mechanical constraint system. The locating surfaces create physical constraints that automatically position the workpiece and fastener relative to each other, substituting human skill and repeated adjustments with a reliable mechanical alignment system that achieves precision consistently and quickly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Strength

If rotating fasteners are used to secure workpieces, then fastening can be achieved, but surface damage occurs due to scratching

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovestrengthVSAvoidsurface damage

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a protective element as an intermediary between the rotating fastener and the workpiece surface. This protective component (such as a protective collar or coating on the locating surfaces) prevents direct contact between the rotating fastener and the workpiece surface, eliminating scratching while maintaining the fastening function. The intermediary allows rotation to occur without transferring harmful mechanical action to the workpiece surface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Measurement precision

If multiple hands are required to hold and align components, then alignment can be achieved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement precisionVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the locating function and fastening function into a single integrated tool - the locating screw assembly. The handle assembly incorporates both the locating mechanism (with locating surfaces) and the fastening mechanism (with drive interface) in one unit, eliminating the need for separate alignment and fastening operations. This allows a single operator to perform both functions simultaneously, improving ease of operation and productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS11078938B2Captive locating screw

Publication Date: 2021.08.03 CARR LANE MANUFACTURING CO

AI summary

A captive locating screw system comprising a captive locating screw assembly configured for use with a bushing assembly. The captive locating screw assembly has a gripping means attachable to be threaded shaft or stud and an optional protecting means disposed between the gripping means and the body of the shaft. The protecting means may be a washer or other similar structure, and remains statically in contact with a workpiece or work surface, to reduce damage or marring, even as the captive locating screw assembly is rotated by twisting the gripping means to fasten it to the workpiece or work surface.