Power Tool Light Emitter for Screw Joint Sequence Guidance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power tool tightening systems often lead to incomplete or unsatisfactory assembly due to operators mistakenly leaving screw joints unattended or improperly tightened, and lack an efficient method to determine the correct tightening sequence, resulting in prolonged assembly processes and potential functional or durability issues.
Innovation Solution
A power tool equipped with a light emitting device that provides distinct color signals to indicate the next screw joint to be tightened and those that have been left unattended or improperly tightened, using a position system and process control unit to determine the correct sequence and detect errors, thereby simplifying the assembly process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate process control unit with display or warning light is used to alert operators of unattended or improperly tightened screw joints, then the reliability of the assembly process is improved, but the device complexity and the time required to locate and correct errors increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the process control unit and the power tool into an integrated system where the power tool itself serves as the mobile display device. The control unit is no longer separate but embedded within the power tool, allowing the operator to view real-time status of all screw joints directly on the tool while working at each location.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a wireless communication interface as an intermediary between the control unit and the operator. This allows the control unit to be positioned at the workpiece while the power tool displays the status information, eliminating the need for the operator to physically move between different locations to check status.
2Device complexity
If the operator manually tracks the tightening sequence and monitors warning lights on a separate unit, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ease of operation and assembly efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the control unit with the power tool, creating an integrated system where the operator interacts with all control functions through a single device. This eliminates the need to switch between separate control unit and power tool, significantly improving operational ease and assembly efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The power tool automatically tracks the tightening sequence and monitors its own status without requiring external intervention. The system self-manages the assembly process by automatically identifying which screw joints have been tightened and which remain, eliminating the need for manual tracking by the operator.
3Ease of operation
If a light emitting device is provided on the power screw driver to indicate the next screw joint, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The power tool is designed to perform multiple functions: it not only drives screws but also serves as the display device for indicating the next screw joint and monitoring assembly status. This multi-functionality improves ease of operation while the integration within the existing power tool structure minimizes the increase in device complexity.
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
Ensures a high-quality assembly by clearly guiding the operator through the tightening sequence and quickly identifying any errors, reducing assembly time and ensuring complete and proper tightening of screw joints.
Implementation Method 1
A light emitting device (20) is provided in the front part of the power tool (10)
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The disclosure relates to a power tool (10) comprising a light emitting device (20) arranged to light up a screw joint on an object to be assembled. The power tool is operative to retrieve a signal indicating the position of the power tool in relation to a number of screw joints on an object to be assembled. And provide a first type of light signal from the light emitting device in case the signal indicates that the power tool is positioned in relation to the screw joint next to be tighten and a second type of light signal in case the signal indicates that the power tool is positioned in another position.