Robotic Screwdriver Attachment With Zero-Axial-Force Tightening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional robotic screwdriver attachments risk damaging ultra-compact and lightweight products during assembly due to the application of force, which can lead to misalignment or over-tightening, despite attempts to improve accuracy with feedback mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A screwdriver attachment for robotic arms that operates independently of the robotic arm's feedback system, using high-precision servomotors and a lead screw mechanism to position screws accurately without applying axial force, allowing controlled torque application while maintaining a gap between the tool tip and screw head to prevent damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional feedback mechanisms are used to control braking force, then screw tightening accuracy is improved, but the risk of product damage increases due to applied force
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates positioning and tightening functions into independent components. The robotic arm handles positioning with high precision while the screwdriver attachment handles tightening, eliminating the need for force feedback control and reducing product damage risk through functional decomposition
Solution Approach 2:
A lead screw mechanism acts as an intermediary between the robotic arm and the screwdriver head. This mechanical intermediary converts rotational motion to linear positioning with high precision without requiring force feedback, thereby improving accuracy while minimizing harmful force application
2Manufacturing precision
If feedback mechanisms are integrated into the robotic arm system, then screw installation accuracy is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The feedback control mechanism is extracted from the robotic arm system and replaced with a standalone lead screw positioning mechanism. This extraction maintains high positioning accuracy while significantly reducing system integration complexity and feedback requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The lead screw mechanism is self-regulating, using its mechanical properties to achieve precise positioning without external feedback control. The mechanism serves itself through inherent mechanical advantages, eliminating the need for complex integrated feedback systems
3Productivity
If conventional screwdriver attachments are used, then assembly speed is improved, but product damage occurs due to misalignment or over-tightening
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides positioning and tightening operations into separate functional modules. The robotic arm provides rapid positioning while the lead screw mechanism provides controlled tightening, maintaining high assembly speed while preventing product damage through functional separation
Solution Approach 2:
The lead screw mechanism pre-positions the screwdriver head with high precision before tightening begins. This preliminary accurate positioning prevents misalignment and over-tightening while maintaining rapid assembly throughput
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 rapid and precise screw installation with zero axial force, enhancing assembly speed and safety by minimizing the risk of product damage and reducing the complexity of integrating screwdriver and robotic arm systems.
Implementation Method 1
using high-precision servomotors and a lead screw mechanism to position screws accurately without applying axial force
Implementation Method 2
using high-precision servomotors and a lead screw mechanism to position screws accurately
Implementation Method 3
allowing controlled torque application while maintaining a gap between the tool tip and screw head
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to attachments for industrial robotic equipment and in particular relates to screw driver attachments for standalone or collaborative robots. A screwdriver apparatus for a robotic arm is provided, the apparatus being suitable for installing screws of a known pitch into a component, the apparatus comprising a screw driving tool having a shaft rotatable about a central axis, the shaft having a distal end with a tip suitable for engaging with a screw, the shaft further having a proximal end connected to both a tool rotation apparatus and a tool linear movement apparatus, wherein the tool rotation apparatus and the tool linear movement apparatus are arranged to cooperate such that the tool tip is maintained at a constant pre-defined distance in relation to the screw when in use.