Screw-Driven Spreading Tool with Segmented Lead Screw Disengagement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional tools for accessing internal components of consumer devices with strong adhesives, such as mobile phones, often require constant user intervention to maintain separation and lack efficient disengagement mechanisms, making it difficult to apply precise and adjustable separating forces safely and efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A screw-driven spreading tool with a disengage mechanism, featuring a lead screw and pivotally coupled arms, allowing for an engaged configuration where the lead screw applies a constant, infinitely adjustable separating force, and a disengaged configuration where the arms can be opened without rotation, enabling hands-free operation and easy attachment to devices using suction cups or other attachment points.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional tools are used to separate device panels, then separation force can be applied, but constant user intervention is required to maintain separation
Solution Approach 1:
The lead screw mechanism automatically maintains the separating force between device panels without requiring continuous user intervention. Once the user rotates the lead screw to engage the threads, the mechanism self-regulates to hold the panels separated, allowing the user to perform other tasks while the separation is maintained.
Solution Approach 2:
The tool transitions from a static holding position to a dynamic adjustable position through lead screw rotation. The user can dynamically adjust the separation force by rotating the lead screw, and the mechanism responds by changing the arm separation distance accordingly, providing flexible control while maintaining separation.
2Measurement precision
If traditional tools are used to separate device panels, then separation can be achieved, but precise and adjustable separating force cannot be applied
Solution Approach 1:
The lead screw mechanism converts rotational motion into precise linear displacement, allowing the user to control the separation force by rotating the lead screw through specific angles. This provides infinitely adjustable separating force precision without requiring complex electronic control systems or multiple tool components.
3Extent of automation
If the lead screw is engaged to apply constant separating force, then hands-free operation is enabled, but the arms cannot be opened without rotation
Solution Approach 1:
The lead screw opening is segmented into two distinct portions: a first portion that allows free passage of the lead screw body, and a second portion with threads that engage with the lead screw. This segmentation allows the mechanism to switch between two operational states: engaged (hands-free operation) and disengaged (flexible arm opening), resolving the contradiction between automation and flexibility.
4Stability of the object's composition
If the lead screw diameter is larger than the opening, then the lead screw is secured in position, but the lead screw cannot be pivoted to switch configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The opening in the lead screw nut is divided into two portions with different diameter constraints. The first opening portion has a diameter larger than the lead screw, allowing free pivoting and configuration switching. The second opening portion has threads with a diameter matching the lead screw, providing stable engagement when in the engaged configuration. This segmentation allows the lead screw to be both stable and adaptable.
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 tool allows for safe and efficient access to internal device components by applying a precise, constant separating force that remains in place, enabling users to work on devices without constant manual intervention, improving safety and ease of use.
Implementation Method 1
The lead screw has a first screw portion that has a plurality of threads... the plurality of threads of the lead screw to engage with the plurality of the threads of the second opening portion of the opening of the lead screw nut
Implementation Method 2
The first arm has a first portion and a second portion, and the second arm has a first portion and a second portion. The second arm is pivotally coupled to the first arm... causing the first portion of the first arm to pivot closer to the first portion of the second arm when the lead screw is rotated
Data Source
AI summary
According to one example, a tool includes a second arm pivotally coupled to a first arm, a lead screw nut pivotally coupled to a second portion of the second arm, and a lead screw extending through an opening of the lead screw nut, the lead screw being pivotally and rotationally coupled to a second portion of the first arm. The tool has an engaged configuration and a disengaged configuration. In the engaged configuration, a first portion of the first arm may be pivoted further from a first portion of the second arm when the lead screw is rotated. In the disengaged configuration, the first portion of the first arm may be pivoted closer to the first portion of the second arm without the lead screw being rotated.