Modular Screw-Drive Hand Tool for Fast Interchangeable Force Tasks

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing hand-held pulling and pushing devices are limited by their design, particularly the screw drive and drive unit, restricting their versatility and ability to handle various operations requiring different levels of force.

Innovation Solution

A modular hand-held device with a tool unit, screw drive, and battery-operated electric motor, featuring a coupling system that allows easy connection and exchange of tool units, enabling both tensile and compressive force transmission, and a quick coupling mechanism for convenient tool changes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a fixed design of screw drive and drive unit is used, then the device structure is simple, but the application possibilities are limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveapplication possibilitiesVSAvoiddevice structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device is divided into separate modular components: a drive unit with screw drive and interchangeable tool units. This segmentation allows different tool units to be attached to the same drive unit, increasing application possibilities without requiring complete device redesign for each application.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The drive unit with standardized coupling is designed to be universally compatible with multiple different tool units. This multi-functionality allows a single drive unit to perform various operations (pulling, pressing, riveting) by simply changing the tool unit, thereby increasing adaptability without proportionally increasing overall device complexity.

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

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple specialized devices are used for different work processes, then each device can be optimized for its specific task, but the overall system complexity and number of devices increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvework process coverageVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A single drive unit is designed with universal coupling that can accommodate multiple specialized tool units for different work processes (pulling tools, pressing tools, riveting tools). This allows one drive unit to replace multiple specialized devices, reducing system complexity while maintaining work process coverage.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The system is segmented into a common drive unit and interchangeable specialized tool units. This segmentation allows each tool unit to be optimized for its specific task while sharing the common drive mechanism, thereby reducing the total number of devices needed compared to having separate complete devices for each function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If tools are exchanged frequently, then adaptability to different tasks is improved, but maintenance time and operational interruption increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetool interchangeabilityVSAvoidmaintenance time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Tool units are pre-configured with standardized coupling interfaces that match the drive unit. This preliminary design of standardized connections enables quick attachment and detachment without requiring complex alignment or adjustment procedures, thereby reducing tool exchange time while maintaining adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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

Enables flexible and efficient operation for diverse tasks by allowing interchangeable tool units and reliable force transmission, enhancing usability and reducing maintenance time in applications like motor vehicle workshops.

Implementation Method 1

a battery-operated electric motor (11) for driving the threaded spindle (4)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic conversion: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

The screw drive converts a rotary movement of the electric motor into a linear movement of the pulling or pressing tool

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectScrew mechanism: Screw

Implementation Method 3

The electric motor and the battery (21) for operating the electric motor (11) are preferably arranged in a base body

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectBattery energy storage: Battery (electricity)

Data Source

PatentEP4484062A1Handheld traction and printing device and modular system
Publication Date: 2025.01.01 TKR SPEZIALWERKZEUGE GMBH
  • EP4484062A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4484062A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4484062A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a handheld pulling and pushing device for driving interchangeable tools. To provide a handheld pulling and pushing device that is easy and flexible to use for different operations, the device comprises a tool unit with a threaded drive and a tool holder. The threaded drive has a threaded spindle rotatably mounted on a housing body and a threaded nut rotatably mounted on the threaded spindle and fixed against rotation to the housing body via a bearing unit. Furthermore, the pulling and pushing device includes a drive unit with a battery-powered electric motor for driving the threaded spindle, which can be connected to the tool unit via a coupling.