Modular Screw Rod Sections for Precise Interchangeable Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current manufacturing methods for screw rods are inefficient, requiring manual processing and unique labeling, leading to time-consuming assembly, material waste, and limited flexibility in modular systems, where sections of screw rods are not easily interchangeable or extendable.

Innovation Solution

A method and system for batch production of screw rods using CNC machines and multioperation machines, where workpieces are processed with threaded grooves and assembly threads, allowing for precise measurement and positioning of connection points, enabling interchangeable and extendable screw rods with standardized lengths and orientations, facilitating modular systems.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If manual processing is used to adapt each section of screw rod, then assembly compatibility is improved, but productivity and cost-efficiency deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly compatibilityVSAvoidbatch production efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The screw rod is divided into multiple standardized sections that can be manufactured independently through automated processes. Each section includes standardized components (threaded groove, male part, female part, plane of contact) that can be produced separately and assembled systematically, enabling batch production while maintaining compatibility through standardized interfaces rather than manual adaptation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the manufacturing parameters from manual, custom adaptation to automated, precision-controlled processing with standardized tolerances. By establishing fixed parameters for thread pitch, diameter, plane of contact position, and groove orientation, the system achieves assembly compatibility through precise automated manufacturing rather than manual adjustment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If unique labeling is applied to each screw joint, then assembly accuracy is improved, but device complexity and time consumption deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly accuracyVSAvoidlabeling system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention uses asymmetric indexing features (index marks, keyways, or asymmetric groove patterns) built into the screw rod sections during manufacturing. These asymmetric features provide unique positional information without requiring external labeling systems, enabling accurate reassembly through mechanical recognition rather than visual labeling.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The indexing and identification features are incorporated into the screw rod sections during the initial manufacturing process rather than being added later. This preliminary action ensures that assembly accuracy is built into the components themselves, eliminating the need for separate labeling and documentation systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Manufacturing precision

If sections of screw rod are manufactured individually with manual adaptation, then assembly compatibility is improved, but loss of time and material waste deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly compatibilityVSAvoidassembly time
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The invention creates universal screw rod sections with standardized interfaces that can be interchangeably assembled in multiple configurations. The standardized threaded grooves, male/female parts, and planes of contact allow any section to connect with any other section of the same specification, enabling rapid assembly without manual adaptation or custom fitting.

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

Solution Approach 2:

All necessary processing features (threaded grooves, planes of contact, indexing marks, transverse holes) are created during the initial manufacturing process. This preliminary action ensures that when sections need to be assembled, no additional adaptation or material removal is required, significantly reducing assembly time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

4Manufacturing precision

If manual processing and unique labeling are used, then individual section compatibility is improved, but adaptability of modular systems deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesection compatibilityVSAvoidmodular system flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The invention establishes universal standardized interfaces that allow screw rod sections to be used in multiple applications and configurations. The standardized threaded grooves, male/female parts, and plane of contact dimensions enable sections to be interchangeable across different modular system configurations, greatly enhancing adaptability while maintaining precision through standardized manufacturing.

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

Data Source

PatentEP3523087B1Manufacture of screws rods and joint production and machine for manufacture thereof
Publication Date: 2022.06.29 AB LEDARSKRUV
  • EP3523087B1 patent drawingFigure 1a~3
  • EP3523087B1 patent drawingFigure 4a~4c
  • EP3523087B1 patent drawingFigure 4d~6

AI summary

The invention concerns a method for the manufacture of a section of screw rod (1', 1") that extends along the z-axis (Z). The method comprises the steps: processing of a workpiece (23) to comprise at least one threaded groove (11); processing of the workpiece (23) to comprise a first plane of contact (API) that extends transverse to the z-axis (Z); measuring in of the first plane of contact (API) and a first reference point (RP1) at the threaded groove (11) relative to each other; determination of the position of a first entry point (IP1) at the threaded groove (11) based on the said measuring in; processing of the workpiece (23) to comprise a first section of assembly thread (17) that demonstrates at least a first thread comprising a first connection point (FP1) that is connected at the first plane of contact (API). The invention concerns also a processing configuration for the manufacture of sections of screw rod (1, 1") and a multioperation machine (31) that is arranged for fully or partially automatic manufacture of sections of screw rod (1, 1"). The invention concerns also a computer program (P) at a processing configuration for the manufacture of sections of screw rod (1', 1").