Drive Unit Automates Screw Parameter Setting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drive units for power-operated tools, such as impact wrenches, rely on manual setting of parameters by operators, which can lead to errors in screw connection processes due to incorrect tool selection, calculation errors, or incorrect assignment of parameters, resulting in defective connections.
Innovation Solution
A drive unit equipped with a processing unit and data capturing unit that automatically captures and determines screw connection process parameters, eliminating the need for manual input, and includes a wireless connection option to a storage unit for centralized data management and automatic process control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual setting of parameters by operators is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of screw connection parameters deteriorates due to errors in tool selection, calculation errors, or incorrect assignment of parameters
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service by automatically capturing screw connection parameters, determining setting parameters, and transferring them to the pressure valve without requiring manual operator input. The data capturing unit, processing unit, and output unit work together to enable the system to set its own parameters autonomously, eliminating human errors while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical process of parameter setting is replaced with an automated electronic system. The data capturing unit captures parameters electronically, the processing unit determines setting parameters through electronic processing, and the output unit transfers them electronically to the pressure valve, substituting the manual mechanical approach with an automated electronic control system.
2Productivity
If automated data capturing and processing is implemented, then the productivity of screw connection processes is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional processing and data capturing units
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by capturing all necessary screw connection parameters before the actual screwing process begins. The data capturing unit collects parameters, and the processing unit determines setting parameters in advance, allowing the screwing process to proceed immediately without delays for manual parameter setting or calculations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by capturing actual screw connection parameters, comparing them with required parameters, and automatically adjusting setting parameters accordingly. This closed-loop control ensures that the screwing process meets quality requirements while maintaining high productivity through automated real-time adjustments.
3Manufacturing precision
If automated parameter setting is used, then the manufacturing precision of screw connections is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to reduced manual control
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service by automatically capturing screw connection parameters, determining setting parameters, and transferring them to the pressure valve without requiring manual operator input. The data capturing unit, processing unit, and output unit work together to enable the system to set its own parameters autonomously, eliminating human errors while maintaining reliability.
4Loss of time
If manual parameter setting is performed, then the ease of operation is maintained, but the loss of time due to manual documentation and parameter determination increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by capturing all necessary screw connection parameters before the actual screwing process begins. The data capturing unit collects parameters, and the processing unit determines setting parameters in advance, allowing the screwing process to proceed immediately without delays for manual parameter setting or calculations.
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 solution ensures error-free setting of parameters, automates the screwing process, reduces manual documentation, and prevents misadjustments, thereby ensuring reliable and efficient screw connections.
Implementation Method 1
a pump unit (2), which has an activatable drive (20) and is designed for the generation of a hydraulic pressure
Implementation Method 2
a valve unit (3) arranged on the pump unit (2) with a pressure-restricting pressure valve (4)
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The invention relates to a drive unit for a power operated tool for the generation of a screw pretensioning force, with a pump unit (2), a valve unit (3) arranged on the pump unit with a pressure- restricting pressure valve (4) and a control unit (2) for activating the pump unit. In order to provide a drive unit that eliminates the risk of an incorrect setting of the setting parameter, it is provided that a processing unit (5) with an output unit and a data capturing unit (6) connected and/or integrated with the processing unit are provided, wherein the processing unit is designed for the output of the value to be set on the pressure valve based on the screw connection process parameters determined with the data capturing unit.