Nested Screw Tool Device with Automatic Identification
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In production lines, particularly in the automotive sector, existing screwing devices require manual tool changes, which are inefficient and prone to incorrect tool usage, as technicians need to manually switch tools and manage tool changes, leading to potential errors and increased operational time.
Innovation Solution
A screwing device with an inner and outer screwing tool arrangement, where only one tool is moved into a suitable screwing position via relative axial movement, equipped with identification means and a control device that ensures the correct tool is used by matching it with stored screwing parameters, preventing activation if a mismatch is detected.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual tool changes are used in existing screwing devices, then technicians can switch tools, but operational time increases and errors occur due to incorrect tool usage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested tool arrangement where at least one inner screwing tool is positioned inside an outer screwing tool. This nested configuration allows multiple tools to be stored in a compact manner while enabling automatic tool selection and presentation to the screwing device, thereby reducing manual intervention time and ensuring the correct tool is automatically selected for each screwing operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates automatic tool recognition and verification through identification means that automatically detect which tool is in the screwing position and verify its suitability for the current operation. This self-verification mechanism eliminates the need for manual checking by technicians, reducing errors and operational time while maintaining reliability.
2Ease of operation
If multiple screwing tools are stored separately in tool change boxes, then tools are accessible, but technicians must manually walk to change boxes and register tools, increasing operational complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple screwing tools into a single integrated storage unit where inner tools are nested within outer tools. This merging of previously separate tool storage locations into one compact unit eliminates the need for technicians to walk to multiple tool change boxes, simplifying the tool change process while the automated identification system manages tool selection without requiring manual registration.
Solution Approach 2:
The identification means act as an intermediary between the physical tool and the control device, automatically detecting and communicating tool information without requiring manual intervention. This intermediary system bridges the gap between tool storage and tool usage, automating the previously manual process of tool selection and registration.
3Reliability
If tool change boxes are used for each screwing operation, then tool changes can be managed, but technicians must walk to change boxes after each operation, reducing productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The system prepares the correct screwing tool in advance by automatically positioning the appropriate inner tool within the outer tool before the screwing operation begins. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for technicians to walk to tool change boxes during operations, maintaining reliable tool change management while significantly improving productivity through continuous operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical process of walking to tool change boxes with an automated system using identification means and control devices that automatically detect, select, and position the correct tool. This substitution of manual mechanical actions with automated detection and control systems maintains tool change reliability while dramatically improving operational efficiency.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
The present invention relates to a screw device for providing at least one screw tool (9, 11), comprising at least one inner screw tool (9) and one outer screw tool (11), wherein the at least one inner screw tool (9) is arranged inside the outer screw tool (11), and wherein the at least one inner screw tool (9) and the outer screw tool (11) are rotatable together about the same axis of rotation, and wherein the at least one inner screw tool (9) and the outer screw tool (11) are each to be moved relative to each other along an axis which essentially corresponds to a path of a tool carrier (7) of the at least one inner screw tool (9) and/or the outer screw tool (11), and wherein, by means of the relative movement along the axis, only one screw tool (9, 11) is to be moved into a screwing position suitable for screwing with the screw device (1).and wherein the screwing device (1) comprises at least one means (5, 17, 19) for identifying a screwing tool (9, 11) currently in screwing position.