Locking Ring Assembly on Threaded Bolts With Dual Rotary Drive

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Solution Overview

Problem

The manual process of screwing a locking ring onto a threaded bolt is time-consuming and lacks automation, making it inefficient for large-scale applications such as aeronautical engineering.

Innovation Solution

A screwing device that uses a rotary drive to automate the process by performing dual rotary motions for the coupling device and locking ring receptacle, allowing for automated threading and screwing without manual intervention, and includes a freewheel arrangement for directional control and a feed gripper for precise positioning and torque application.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If manual operation is used for threading the coupling device and screwing the locking ring, then the process can be performed with simple equipment, but the process is time-consuming and lacks automation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomation of threading and screwingVSAvoidcomplexity of screwing device
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the coupling device and locking ring receptacle into a single integrated assembly that can be simultaneously driven by one rotary drive. This merging of functions allows automated operation while reducing the number of separate components and control systems needed, thereby increasing automation without proportionally increasing device complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The rotary drive is designed to perform multiple functions: it drives both the coupling device for threading into the bolt and the locking ring receptacle for screwing the locking ring onto the bolt. This multi-functionality allows a single device to automate multiple operations that would traditionally require separate manual steps, improving automation while managing complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Productivity

If a rotary drive is used to automate the screwing process, then the screwing speed and productivity increase, but the device complexity increases due to additional components

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvescrewing speedVSAvoidnumber of components
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling device and locking ring receptacle are merged into a single integrated assembly that rotates together as one unit. This combination allows both threading and screwing operations to be performed simultaneously by a single rotary drive, doubling productivity while avoiding the need for separate drives and control systems that would increase complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The rotary drive performs periodic alternating actions: one rotation threads the coupling device into the bolt, the next rotation screws the locking ring onto the bolt. This periodic action allows continuous automated operation with a single drive mechanism, maintaining high productivity while using a relatively simple device structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Data Source

PatentEP3194092B1Method of screwing a collar onto a threaded bolt and screwing device
Publication Date: 2022.04.13 BROETJE AUTOMATION
  • EP3194092B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3194092B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3194092B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~3b

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for screwing a locking ring (1) onto a threaded bolt (2), wherein a coupling device (6) for threading into the threaded bolt (2) is rotatably driven by a rotary drive (4) and wherein the locking ring (1) is then screwed by a locking ring holder (3) that is rotatably driven by the rotary drive (4) onto the threaded bolt (2) fixed by the coupling device (6). The invention likewise relates to a method for screwing a locking ring (1) comprising a fastening part (18a) and a tear-off part (18b) onto a threaded bolt (2), wherein a removal gripper (22) grips the tear-off part (18b) after the tear-off part (18b) is torn off and removes the tear-off part (18b). The invention further relates to a screwing device for carrying out a method according to the invention.