Protective Screw Sleeve for Tactile Collision Shutdown

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing automatic screw connection devices pose a risk of injury to operators due to the movement of screws, necessitating complex optical recognition systems to prevent collisions, which are not always effective.

Innovation Solution

A protective sleeve is integrated with the motion system to encase the screw, allowing for simple tactile collision detection and immediate shutdown of the screw's motion, eliminating the need for sophisticated non-contact systems. The sleeve is designed to project beyond the screw tip and includes a pneumatic or spring-based mounting element with an electric sensor to ensure operator safety.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If sophisticated optical recognition systems are used to detect collisions, then collision detection capability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecollision detection capabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex optical recognition systems with a simple tactile sensor system. The protective sleeve acts as a mechanical barrier that directly contacts the operator's limb, and the tactile sensor detects this contact through mechanical force, converting it into an electrical signal to stop the screw motion. This mechanical-tactile approach is simpler and more reliable than optical systems for collision detection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The protective sleeve serves as an intermediary element between the screw and the operator. It provides a safe contact surface that can be touched by the operator without direct contact with the screw, while still enabling collision detection through the mounting element's sensor system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the protective sleeve projects beyond the screw tip, then operator protection is improved, but the risk of screw contact with operator increases during motion

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperator protectionVSAvoidscrew contact risk

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary collision detection through the protective sleeve before the screw can contact the operator. The tactile sensor in the mounting element detects contact with the protective sleeve in advance, triggering the motion system to stop before the screw reaches a dangerous position. This preliminary detection prevents the harmful contact from occurring.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The protective sleeve acts as a cushioning barrier that absorbs and distributes contact forces. It provides a soft, safe surface for operator contact and prevents direct transmission of harmful forces from the screw to the operator's body, cushioning the interaction before it becomes dangerous.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

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 solution effectively prevents operator injuries by allowing the motion system to stop the screw promptly upon contact, using a tactile recognition system that is simpler and more reliable than optical methods, while also protecting the device from potential damage.

Implementation Method 1

a sensor system can be built up in a simple manner that is based on purely tactile recognition of a collision especially with the limbs of the operator

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTactile recognition: Mechanical Force

Implementation Method 2

The protective sleeve may be pretensioned with a pretensioning force by means of the mounting element at the motion system into the position in which the protective sleeve projects beyond the screw

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPneumatic pressure: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 3

If the protective sleeve has shifted, the coil spring can be correspondingly compressed and if the force ceases to be applied, the coil spring will bring the protective sleeve back into the desired position

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic restoration: Spring

Data Source

PatentUS11524373B2Device for the automatic manufacture of screw connections by means of a screw

Publication Date: 2022.12.13 HELLA SATURNUS SLOVENIJA PROIZVODNJA SVETLOBNE OPREME ZA MOTORNA IN DRUGA VOZILA D O O

AI summary

A device for the automatic manufacture of screw connections by a screw includes a motion system with which the screw can be led to the components to be connected. The screw is taken up by an automatic screwing arranged on the motion system. A protective sleeve is arranged so that it can be moved with the automatic screwing unit. The protective sleeve acts as protection, surrounds the screw, and is arranged out of contact with one of the components to be connected.