Changing Screw Magazine With Energy-Free Holders for Fast Swaps
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automated screwing systems in the automotive industry face inefficiencies due to the need for individual adapter screwing spindles and manual guidance of screws, which is not scalable for high-volume production.
Innovation Solution
A changing magazine with energy-free screw holders that can be adapted to different screw sizes and numbers, allowing for interchangeable and flexible operation, enabling a large number of screwing operations with a small number of spindles by using a device with pivot levers and clamping jaws that secure screws without external energy, and release them when energized.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If individual adapter screwing spindles and manual guidance are used for each screw, then screwing operations can be performed, but system efficiency decreases and scalability is limited for high-volume production
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple screw holders are combined into a single changing magazine assembly that can be mounted on one or more screwing spindles. This merging of multiple individual screw delivery mechanisms into a unified magazine system reduces overall system complexity while maintaining high-volume screwing capability across multiple operation points.
Solution Approach 2:
The changing magazine is designed as a universal component that can serve multiple screwing spindles and different screwing operation points. The magazine can be quickly exchanged between spindles and can accommodate different screw types and sizes, allowing one magazine design to fulfill multiple functions across the screwing system.
2Productivity
If disposable band-shaped screw magazines are used with linearly arranged receiving chambers, then screws can be supplied, but the solution is unsuitable for industrial scale use
Solution Approach 1:
The invention moves away from disposable magazines by creating a durable, reusable changing magazine with a robust mechanical design. The magazine incorporates reusable screw holders with pivot levers and clamping jaws that can be repeatedly actuated without degradation, making the system suitable for continuous industrial-scale operation rather than single-use applications.
3Use of energy by stationary object
If energy-free screw holders are used to hold screws, then the magazine can be transported without energy supply, but the screws must be released when energy is supplied
Solution Approach 1:
The screw holder uses a spring-loaded pivot lever mechanism that automatically returns to the closed holding position after releasing a screw. The spring provides the restoring force, making the system self-service rather than requiring continuous external energy input to maintain the holding state. This passive holding mechanism reduces energy consumption while maintaining reliable screw retention.
4Loss of time
If a changing magazine is designed to be interchangeable, then empty magazines can be replaced quickly, but the magazine must be adaptable to different screw sizes and numbers
Solution Approach 1:
The magazine is divided into multiple independent screw holder units, each capable of holding and releasing individual screws. This segmentation allows the magazine to accommodate different numbers and types of screws by configuring which holders are active, while the overall magazine structure remains a single interchangeable unit that can be quickly swapped between spindles.
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 efficient and flexible screw management, allowing for quick replacement of empty magazines and adaptation to changing screwing points and sizes, facilitating high-volume screwing operations without energy consumption, thus improving production efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a proposed changing magazine has a plurality of screw holders which, as long as no energy is supplied from outside, secure the respective screw
Data Source
AI summary
A device for furnishing screws, in particular on automated screwing systems includes a changing magazine having a plurality of screw holders that each have a closed position for holding in each case one screw in a non-positive manner and an open position for releasing the screw. The screw holder remains in its open position or in its closed position in the absence of a supply of energy A method for furnishing screws, in particular on automated screwing systems, relates to the device.