Shut-off Screwdriver Segmented Control for Torque Precision

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing screwdriver devices lack the precision and efficiency required for high-repeatability torque control and testing in industrial assembly applications, particularly in achieving precise torque levels and efficient testing processes without interrupting production.

Innovation Solution

A shut-off screwdriver device with a control and/or regulating unit that executes specific screwing programs, including a test sequence program, allowing for adjustable operating states with precise torque control and efficient testing through a dedicated test operating state, enabled by a processor unit, memory, and interface for parameterization and communication with external units.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a shut-off screwdriver device executes a complete screwing program with multiple program steps, then the assembly process is comprehensive and complete, but the testing of individual program steps becomes complex and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompleteness of assembly processVSAvoidcomplexity of testing procedure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the screwing program into individual program steps that can be tested independently. The control unit is configured to execute only a specific program step when triggered by a communication unit, rather than running the complete screwing program. This segmentation allows testers to isolate and test individual steps without executing the entire assembly sequence, thereby reducing testing complexity while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If the screwing program executes all steps sequentially, then the assembly process is thorough, but production interruptions occur during testing

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethoroughness of assembly processVSAvoidproduction continuity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables preliminary testing of individual program steps before full assembly execution. The control unit can be triggered to execute specific program steps independently through a communication unit, allowing thorough validation of each step in advance. This preliminary action ensures assembly reliability while preventing production interruptions, as issues are identified and resolved during targeted testing rather than during full assembly operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If the control unit executes the complete screwing program, then all assembly operations are performed, but testing efficiency decreases due to inability to test individual steps

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompleteness of assembly operationsVSAvoidtesting time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces dynamic execution modes for the control unit. The control unit can switch between executing the complete screwing program and executing individual program steps based on trigger signals from a communication unit. This dynamic capability allows the system to adapt its execution scope to testing requirements, enabling rapid testing of specific steps without time-consuming execution of the entire program, thereby reducing testing time while maintaining operational completeness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3900883B1Switching screwdriver
Publication Date: 2024.04.17 ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
  • EP3900883B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3900883B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3900883B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a shut-off screwdriver device (10) with at least one control and/or regulating unit (14) which, in at least one screwing operating state (16), executes at least one screwing program (18) with at least one screwing program step (20) to control a tool (22). It is proposed that the control and/or regulating unit (14) executes at least one test sequence program (26) in at least one test operating state (24).