Multi-Screwing Tool Repositioning for Irregular Bolt Patterns

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for tightening screwed connections are not suitable for connections with screw axes arranged in non-consecutive or irregular positions, limiting their application to evenly spaced flange screw-fastenings, such as in wind power installations.

Innovation Solution

A multi-screwing device with two screwing tools, each equipped with an exchangeable bushing, rotary drive, and longitudinal drive, allowing for precise repositioning and simultaneous support against a base, enabling the tightening of screw-fastenings with screw axes in various orientations, including transverse or angled positions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a single screwing tool is used for tightening screwed connections, then the device structure is simple, but the tightening speed and productivity are low

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetightening speedVSAvoiddevice structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple screwing tools (at least two) into a single multi-screwing device that operates simultaneously on multiple screwed connections. This merging approach increases productivity by tightening multiple connections in parallel while maintaining a unified device structure with shared control and support systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The device is segmented into multiple independent screwing tools, each capable of independently tightening a screwed connection. Each tool includes its own exchangeable bushing, rotary drive, and longitudinal drive, allowing simultaneous operation on multiple connections while maintaining individual control over each tightening process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If screwing tools are fixed in position, then the device structure is simple, but the adaptability to different screw axis positions is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to different screw axis positionsVSAvoiddevice structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The screwing tools are made dynamically repositionable through longitudinal drives that enable each tool to move along its tool axis, and actuating drives that enable relative movement between tools in directions perpendicular to the tool axes. This dynamic positioning capability allows adaptation to various screw axis configurations including transverse, angled, and overhead positions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The multi-screwing device is designed with universal applicability to tighten screwed connections in diverse configurations. The combination of longitudinal drives and actuating drives enables the same device to handle vertical, angled, transverse, and overhead screw-fastenings, making it a multi-functional tool for various installation scenarios.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Productivity

If multiple screwing tools operate simultaneously, then the tightening efficiency is high, but the coordination and control complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetightening efficiencyVSAvoidcoordination and control

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device incorporates sensor-controlled feedback mechanisms that detect the positions of threaded bolts and provide real-time information to the process control. This feedback enables automatic adjustment and coordination of multiple screwing tools, ensuring they operate synchronously and adapt to actual position variations, thereby managing control complexity through intelligent monitoring and adjustment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

4Adaptability or versatility

If the screwing tool repositions between tightening operations, then the adaptability to different positions is improved, but the time for repositioning reduces the overall productivity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverepositioning capabilityVSAvoidrepositioning time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The actuating drives enable preliminary positioning of screwing tools relative to each other and to the base, allowing tools to be pre-positioned for upcoming tightening operations. This preliminary action reduces the time required during actual tightening cycles by minimizing repositioning movements and enabling smoother transitions between different screw axis positions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS11278995B2Method for tightening screwed connections, multi-screwing device

Publication Date: 2022.03.22 HOHMANN JORG

AI summary

For tightening screwed connections by a multi-screwing device with first and second screwing tools, each with rotary drive for screwing an exchangeable bushing on and off, a device for longitudinally straining a threaded bolt, and a tool for retightening the nut, the screwing tools are moved at right angles relative to tool axes by an actuating drive. When the bushings of the screwing tools are both screwed onto a threaded bolt, these steps are performed: a) bushing of first screwing tool is unscrewed from threaded bolt and raised; b) first screwing tool is moved relative to the second into a position in which tool axis of first screwing tool is aligned with screw axis of a further threaded bolt; c) first screwing tool is lowered and screwed onto further threaded bolt; d) threaded bolt is longitudinally strained, and e) steps a) to d) are repeated for second tool.