Smart Power Tool Automatic Fastener Alignment

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional drive tools, including power screwdrivers, rely on operator skill for accurate alignment and operation, leading to inefficiencies and reliance on manual intervention, which can result in suboptimal screw fitment and increased operation time.

Innovation Solution

A smart drive tool equipped with a handle, a bit coupled through a mechanism, and a plurality of imaging units (such as RGB-D cameras) that provide data to a control unit to adjust the bit's axis perpendicular to the fastening surface, utilizing actuators for lateral and longitudinal movement to ensure precise alignment and operation, eliminating the need for skilled operators.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional power screwdrivers are used with torque sensors, then torque measurement capability is improved, but operator skill dependency remains and operation time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetorque measurementVSAvoidoperation time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The drive tool automatically performs alignment and fastening operations without requiring operator skill or manual intervention. The control unit autonomously processes imaging data, calculates alignment parameters, actuates the mechanism to adjust the bit orientation, and executes the fastening task, making the system self-sufficient and eliminating dependency on operator expertise

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical alignment operations with an automated system combining imaging units, control unit, and actuated mechanism. The mechanical system is augmented with optical sensing and electronic control to automatically achieve precise alignment and execute fastening tasks without human intervention

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Device complexity

If manual screwdrivers are used, then device simplicity is maintained, but alignment precision and operation quality depend entirely on operator skill

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice simplicityVSAvoidalignment precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The drive tool automatically performs alignment and fastening operations without requiring operator skill or manual intervention. The control unit autonomously processes imaging data, calculates alignment parameters, actuates the mechanism to adjust the bit orientation, and executes the fastening task, making the system self-sufficient and eliminating dependency on operator expertise

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical alignment operations with an automated system combining imaging units, control unit, and actuated mechanism. The mechanical system is augmented with optical sensing and electronic control to automatically achieve precise alignment and execute fastening tasks without human intervention

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Extent of automation

If automated alignment mechanism with imaging units is added, then alignment precision and automation are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvealignment automationVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit serves multiple functions: it processes imaging data from multiple units, calculates alignment parameters, controls the actuated mechanism for bit adjustment, and manages the fastening execution. This multi-functionality consolidates complex operations into a single control unit, managing device complexity while maintaining high automation capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS10377021B2Smart power tool

Publication Date: 2019.08.13 WIPRO LTD

AI summary

The present disclosure discloses a drive tool. The drive tool comprising a handle, a bit movably coupled to the handle through a mechanism. The drive tool further comprises a plurality imaging units provisioned on the handle to face a fastener and a fastening surface. The drive tool also comprises a control unit operatively coupled to the mechanism and the plurality of imaging units. The control unit is configured to receive data from each of the plurality of imaging units and operate the mechanism selectively to move the bit for adjusting axis of the fastener perpendicular to the fastening surface. The adjustment is done based on the data received from at least one of the plurality of imaging units. The automatic alignment of axis of the fastener with respect to the fastening surface improves the accuracy of operation and reduces the efforts of the operator.