Multisensor Used Screw Evaluation for Safe Reuse Decisions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods fail to reliably evaluate the reusability of used screws, leading to unnecessary recycling and high costs in large projects, despite a significant portion being suitable for reuse.
Innovation Solution
An automated testing method using optical, acoustic, and spectrometer sensors to detect component states, comparing with a database of comparison components, and marking reusable components for tracking and further evaluation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If screws are recycled and melted as scrap according to VDI Guideline 2230, then safety requirements are met, but high costs arise particularly in large projects
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary non-destructive testing and evaluation of screws before they are discarded, using multiple sensors to detect geometric dimensions, external damage, coating state, material quality, and composition. This preliminary assessment identifies screws suitable for reuse, preventing unnecessary recycling and melting operations, thereby reducing energy consumption and costs while maintaining safety through reliable evaluation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the conventional mechanical/recycling process with an automated sensor-based evaluation system. Instead of mechanically recycling all used screws, the system uses optical sensors, acoustic sensors, and spectrometers to non-destructively test and evaluate screw condition, substituting physical recycling with intelligent detection and classification to identify reusable components
2Loss of energy
If a reliable evaluation system is implemented to identify reusable screws, then costs are reduced, but device complexity increases due to multiple sensors and database requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The evaluation system is segmented into specialized sensor modules, each responsible for detecting specific screw properties: optical sensors for geometric dimensions and external damage, acoustic sensors for material quality, and spectrometers for composition. This segmentation allows the complex evaluation task to be divided into manageable detection functions, making the system more implementable while maintaining comprehensive assessment capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor system is designed with multi-functionality, where the same sensor platform can evaluate multiple screw properties simultaneously (geometry, damage, coating, material quality, composition). The database structure also supports universal application across different screw types and project requirements, reducing overall system complexity through standardized evaluation procedures
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 reliable and safe evaluation of screw reusability, reducing costs by identifying suitable screws for reuse and expanding the database with practical data.
Implementation Method 1
optical sensors, which detect the geometric dimensions of the component, external damage or deformation of the component, and a state of any coating
Implementation Method 2
acoustic sensors, which detect damage to the material and the material quality, based on ultrasound or acoustic resonance through propagation times of acoustic signals
Implementation Method 3
acoustic sensors, which detect damage to the material and the material quality, based on ultrasound or acoustic resonance through propagation times of acoustic signals
Implementation Method 4
spectrometers, which detect a material composition of the component
Data Source
AI summary
A method for automated testing of the reusability of components, in particular screws, which comprises the following steps:sensory detection of a state of a component, wherein the state of the component is described by a plurality of features, the sensory detection is carried out byoptical sensors, which detect the geometric dimensions of the component, external damage or deformation of the component, and a state of any coating,acoustic sensors, which detect damage to the material and the material quality, andspectrometers, which detect a material composition of the component;comparison of the state with the states of comparison components stored in a database;decision about a reusability of the component on the basis of the comparison of the state with the states of comparison components stored in a database; andrejection or supply for reuse of the component on the basis of the decision.