Polygonal Screw Depth Adjuster for Real-Time Fine Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing screw depth adjusters are inconvenient to use due to the inability to adjust screw depth in real-time, lack fine adjustment capabilities, and are prone to deformation under high impact forces, leading to potential damage to the workpiece and the screw.

Innovation Solution

A screw depth adjuster comprising a rod with a polygonal first portion and a threaded second portion, a control member with a polygonal stopper, and a driving member with a polygonal passage, allowing for real-time adjustment and fine control of screw depth through a sliding and rotating mechanism that disperses impact forces, preventing deformation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the depth control stop is adjusted multiple times for real-time depth learning, then the screw depth accuracy is improved, but the operation time and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvescrew depth accuracyVSAvoidadjustment time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the sleeve position is visually indicated on the device housing, allowing users to see the current depth setting in real-time. This eliminates the need for multiple trial adjustments by providing immediate feedback on the sleeve position, thus resolving the contradiction between depth accuracy and adjustment time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Device complexity

If the protrusions and grooves are designed for basic depth control, then the device structure is simple, but deformation occurs under high impact forces

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructure simplicityVSAvoidresistance to deformation
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a composite structural design where the sleeve is fitted onto the threaded rod with interference fit or keyway connections, creating a composite assembly that distributes impact forces across multiple contact points. This composite structure maintains simplicity while significantly improving resistance to deformation under high impact forces during screw driving operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

3Ease of manufacture

If the lock retaining ring and depth control stop are designed for basic locking, then the manufacturing is easy, but fine adjustment capability is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidfine adjustment capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a dynamic adjustment mechanism where the sleeve can be rotated to different positions along the threaded rod, and the lock retaining ring can be engaged at various rotational positions. This dynamic design allows fine adjustment of screw depth while maintaining ease of manufacture through simple rotational and locking movements, resolving the contradiction between manufacturing simplicity and fine adjustment capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Device complexity

If the sleeve position cannot be observed in real-time, then the device structure is simpler, but the usability and adjustment accuracy deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructure simplicityVSAvoidusability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates visual indication features such as colored marks, indexed positions, or transparent sections on the sleeve and housing that allow users to observe the sleeve position in real-time. This visual feedback mechanism improves usability and adjustment accuracy while maintaining relatively simple device structure through the use of visual indicators rather than complex electronic or mechanical measurement systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color changes

Data Source

PatentEP3858548B1Screw depth adjuster for driving screw to certain depth
Publication Date: 2023.01.11 ROTE MATE IND
  • EP3858548B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3858548B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3858548B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A screw depth adjuster used for driving screws to the required depth is revealed. Users can control the depth of the screw being driven to workpiece/material by the screw depth adjuster. The screw depth adjuster includes a rod assembled with a control member, a driving member and a flared sleeve. The control member abutting against and assembled with the driving member is used for locking the driving member so that the driving member is unable to move. The flared sleeve is driven by the driving member mounted therein to move forward or backward on the rod. Users determine the longitudinal movement of the driving member according to the depth of the screw required so that the screw will not be driven beyond the depth required in the workpiece. Thereby dents formed on the surface of the workpiece can be minimized.