Automatic Screw Tightening Module with Elastic Position Sensor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current industrial screw tightening robots are costly and inefficient due to their single-purpose design and inability to accurately control forces on objects of varying heights, often causing damage with excessive force and misjudging screw tightening conditions.
Innovation Solution
An automatic screw tightening module with a plate assembly, input module, screwdriver module, transmission module, movable module, elastic element, and position sensor, which can be detachably coupled to an articulated arm, allowing for precise control of forces and accurate screw positioning without altering the robot's original structure or circuit, enabling the module to be replaced with other tools for diverse tasks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a buffer mechanism (spring or pneumatic cylinder) is installed to control applied forces on objects of different heights, then the risk of damaging objects is reduced, but the measurement precision of screw tightening positions deteriorates and screw tightening conditions may be misjudged
Solution Approach 1:
A force sensor is introduced as an intermediary device between the screwdriver and the object to directly measure the applied force. This mediator provides accurate force data without the measurement errors introduced by buffer mechanisms, enabling precise detection of screw tightening positions and conditions while still controlling applied forces to prevent damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The force sensor provides real-time feedback on the applied force during screw tightening operations. This feedback mechanism allows the system to monitor and adjust the tightening process dynamically, ensuring accurate detection of screw tightening positions and conditions while preventing excessive force that could damage objects of varying heights.
2Reliability
If industrial screwing robots are designed as single-purpose machines, then the screw tightening function is reliable, but the cost increases and adaptability to other purposes is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The screw tightening function is segmented into a separate, detachable module that can be independently attached to or removed from the articulated arm. This modular design maintains the reliability of the screw tightening function while allowing the robot to be reconfigured for other tasks, thereby improving adaptability without compromising the core function's reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The articulated arm is designed with universal mounting capabilities that can accommodate not only the screw tightening module but also other tool modules. This multi-functionality approach allows a single robot system to perform multiple tasks, reducing overall cost while maintaining the reliability of each specific function through dedicated modular designs.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the screw tightening module is permanently integrated into the robot manipulator, then the structure is stable, but the cost increases and the ability to replace tools for different tasks is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The screw tightening module is designed as a separate, detachable unit that can be securely mounted to and removed from the articulated arm. This segmentation maintains structural stability during operation while enabling easy replacement with other tool modules for different tasks, thereby achieving both stability and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting interface between the screw tightening module and the articulated arm is designed to be dynamically configurable - stable and secure during screw tightening operations, but easily changeable when task requirements change. This dynamic design allows the system to transition between different operational states, maintaining stability when needed and enabling adaptability when required.
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 provides accurate screw positioning and controlled forces, reducing damage to objects and lowering costs by allowing the module to be easily integrated with existing robots and swapped for other tools, enhancing versatility and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic element disposed on the base plate and connected with the movable module
Implementation Method 2
a position sensor disposed on the base plate for sensing a displacement of the movable module
Data Source
AI summary
An automatic screw tightening module includes a plate assembly, an input module, a screwdriver module, a transmission module, a movable module, an elastic element and a position sensor. The screwdriver module includes a screwdriver and a screwdriver sleeve. The transmission module is connected with an input terminal of the input module and the screwdriver sleeve for allowing the input terminal, the transmission module and the screwdriver sleeve to be rotated synchronously. The movable module is movably disposed on a base plate of the plate assembly. The movable module includes a bearing, and portion of the screwdriver sleeve is accommodated in the bearing, so that the screwdriver module and the movable module are moved relative to the base plate. The elastic element is disposed on the base plate and connected with the movable module. The position sensor is disposed on the base plate for sensing a displacement of the movable module.