Automated Screw Driving Chuck and Feeder Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Automated screw driving machines face issues such as fastener jamming, misalignment, and inefficiencies due to unreliable feeder sensors, compromised chuck designs for multiple fastener sizes, and driver misalignment, leading to production delays and waste.

Innovation Solution

The automated screw driving machine incorporates a hopper, feeder assembly with a fastener conveyance structure and orientation mechanism, a chuck assembly with adjustable chucks for different sizes, and a driver assembly with vacuum tube and adjustment module to ensure precise alignment and secure fastener placement, along with a drop point guard to prevent misalignment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a single chuck design is used to accommodate multiple fastener sizes, then the machine can handle different fastener types, but the chuck becomes misaligned and incapable of holding fasteners properly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to handle different fastener sizesVSAvoidfastener alignment in chuck

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The chuck assembly incorporates adjustable chuck components that can be dynamically repositioned along the fastener conveyance structure. This allows the chuck to adapt its position and configuration for different fastener sizes while maintaining proper alignment, resolving the contradiction between versatility and precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The chuck assembly is divided into multiple adjustable segments or components that can be independently positioned. This segmentation allows each part of the chuck to be optimized for specific fastener sizes while maintaining overall alignment, enabling both versatility and manufacturing precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Device complexity

If gravity is used to deliver fasteners to the chuck, then the mechanism is simple, but fasteners fall into misaligned positions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefastener delivery mechanismVSAvoidfastener alignment

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

An active fastener conveyance structure serves as an intermediary between the gravity-fed hopper and the chuck assembly. This intermediary mechanism actively positions and orients fasteners before they reach the chuck, ensuring proper alignment while maintaining a relatively simple overall system architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If the driver assembly is allowed to contact the component part for fastener attachment, then fastening is effective, but delicate components may be damaged

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefastener attachment effectivenessVSAvoidphysical contact damage to delicate components

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The driver assembly incorporates a stroke adjustment mechanism that allows precise control of the driving force and contact pressure. This enables the system to apply sufficient force for reliable fastener attachment while minimizing contact pressure on delicate components, effectively substituting brute force with controlled mechanical action.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Reliability

If the machine is shut down for maintenance to remedy fastener jamming, then the problem can be addressed, but production delays occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefastener placement reliabilityVSAvoidproduction continuity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The feeder assembly incorporates sensors and adjustment mechanisms that enable self-diagnosis and self-correction of fastener jamming issues. The system can detect alignment problems, adjust conveyance parameters, and clear jams automatically without requiring operator intervention, maintaining both reliability and productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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

This design enhances the reliability and efficiency of fastener placement, reduces production delays, and allows for the use of different fastener sizes without machine shutdown, minimizing waste and increasing production efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

a vacuum tube to hold the fastener in place with respect to the driver assembly

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVacuum: Vacuum

Data Source

PatentUS11141821B2Automated screw driving machine

Publication Date: 2021.10.12 INTELLECTION INC

AI summary

An automated screw driving machine may include a hopper adapted to hold associated fasteners, a chuck assembly adapted to hold an individual fastener in position with respect to an associated component part, a feeder assembly adapted to convey the fasteners from the hopper to the chuck assembly; and, a driver assembly that takes fasteners from the chuck assembly and attaches them to the associated component part.