Screw Caddy With Adhesive Pickup for Tiny Screw Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge lies in efficiently organizing and retrieving small, minuscule screws used in delicate devices and surgical applications, which are prone to getting lost due to their small size and reflective materials, making them difficult to handle and locate.
Innovation Solution
A screw containment system comprising a caddy with recesses for screws, an adhesive substance for temporary coupling with a screwdriver, and a cover to prevent screws from falling out, allowing for efficient retrieval and placement of screws.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional tools or fingers are used to grasp small screws, then the screws can be manipulated, but the screws are prone to rolling or bouncing away and are difficult to locate due to their small size and reflective materials
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the screw handling process into distinct functional zones: storage recesses with counterbores for secure placement, adhesive application areas, and transfer zones. Each segment addresses a specific challenge in locating and handling small screws, breaking down the complex task into manageable steps that improve both detectability and ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an adhesive substance as an intermediary between the screw and the handling tool. This adhesive mediator allows for secure grasping of the screw without direct finger contact, solving the problem of screws rolling or bouncing away while maintaining visibility through the organized workspace.
2Manufacturing precision
If small-diameter screw systems are used in delicate devices and surgical applications, then precision is improved, but the screws are susceptible to getting lost or easily dropped
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-placing screws in designated recesses with counterbores and applying adhesive substances before the actual assembly task. This preliminary organization and securing of screws prevents them from getting lost or dropped during delicate surgical or manufacturing procedures, maintaining both precision and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a nested structure where counterbores are nested within recesses, and screws are nested within the counterbore-adhesive system. This nested arrangement provides multiple levels of containment and security, ensuring that small-diameter screws remain retained and accessible throughout the delicate assembly process.
3Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If specialized tweezers or magnifying glasses are used to enhance visibility and precision, then screw location is improved, but the complexity of the toolset increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions into a single integrated system: the caddy with recesses and counterbores provides storage and visibility, while the adhesive substance provides grasping capability. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate tweezers and magnifying glasses, reducing toolset complexity while maintaining enhanced visibility and precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The caddy system with adhesive serves multiple functions simultaneously: it stores screws, enhances their visibility through organized placement, provides adhesive for secure grasping, and facilitates precise transfer. This multi-functional design replaces several specialized tools with a single universal system, reducing overall 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
The system provides a robust and intuitive method for handling small screws, ensuring they are securely stored and easily retrieved, thereby reducing the time and effort required in assembly and repair tasks, including in surgical settings.
Implementation Method 1
The adhesive substance is disposed within the drive of the first screw, the adhesive substance being configured to temporarily couple two objects together
Data Source
AI summary
A screw containment system is disclosed including a caddy, a first screw, an adhesive substance, and a cover. The caddy includes a plurality of recesses including a first recess extending from a first opening towards a second surface of the caddy. The first recess is sized to accept a screw therein and includes a counterbore at a distal end. The first screw is removably disposed in the first recess such that the screw head shoulder sits on an upper surface of the counterbore with the shank disposed in an inner recess of the counterbore. The adhesive substance is disposed within the drive of the first screw, the adhesive substance being configured to temporarily couple two objects together. The cover is removably coupled to the first surface of the caddy such that, while the cover is coupled to the first surface, the first screw held within the first recess.