Split Cam Fastener Device for Drywall Screw Extraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Improperly installed screws in drywall are difficult to remove due to lack of anchoring in studs, leading to damage and injury during extraction, as they only penetrate the drywall without engaging the stud, making it hard to reverse the screw with a drill.
Innovation Solution
A fastener device with a cam assembly and biasing element that can be mounted to an electrically powered drive tool, featuring a split cam assembly and elastic ring to securely drive and remove screws by engaging and disengaging the screw head, allowing for effective anchoring and extraction without manual injury.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a screw is driven into drywall without proper anchoring in the stud, then the screw is easily inserted, but it becomes difficult to remove and may cause injury during extraction
Solution Approach 1:
The drive tool is equipped with a cam assembly that automatically engages and disengages from the screw head during operation. The cam assembly is positioned to perform the engagement and disengagement actions in advance, allowing the screw to be securely held during driving and then automatically released during removal without requiring manual intervention that could cause injury
Solution Approach 2:
The cam assembly acts as an intermediary mechanism between the drive tool and the screw head. It provides a controlled interface that can safely engage and disengage from the screw, mediating the interaction to prevent direct contact between the operator's hands and the screw, thereby reducing the risk of injury during extraction
2Productivity
If manual methods are used to extract screws from drywall, then removal can be achieved, but it is tedious, time-consuming, and may cause damage to the drywall
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical extraction methods with an automated drive tool system. The drive tool uses a cam assembly that mechanically engages with the screw head and controls the extraction process, substituting manual operations with an automated system that is both faster and less damaging to the drywall surface
Solution Approach 2:
The drive tool is designed to perform multiple functions: driving screws in, removing improperly installed screws, and controlling the engagement and disengagement of the cam assembly. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate manual extraction tools and processes, improving productivity while reducing damage to the drywall
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the screw head is engaged and disengaged using a cam assembly, then safe and efficient removal is enabled, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cam assembly is designed as a dynamic mechanism that can automatically transition between engaged and disengaged states based on the operational requirements. The cam's geometry allows it to engage with the screw head during driving operations and automatically disengage during removal, providing safety functionality through dynamic movement rather than complex control systems
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 safe removal of improperly installed screws from drywall by utilizing the drive tool to engage and disengage the screw head, reducing damage and injury risks while ensuring proper screw anchoring.
Implementation Method 1
a cam assembly for selectively retaining a fastener
Implementation Method 2
A fastener device with a cam assembly and biasing element that can be mounted to an electrically powered drive tool
Data Source
AI summary
A fastener device is disclosed. The fastener device includes a hub defining a bore, an attachment shank including a proximal stop and distal bit received within the bore, a retainer releasably engagable with a proximal end of the hub and a defining a passageway for a proximal mounting end of the attachment shank, a biasing element engaged with the proximal stop, and a split cam assembly disposed within a distal end of the bore. The split cam assembly is biased toward a closed configuration for engaging and retaining the head of a fastener, and is pivotable upon distal advancement of the attachment shank and distal bit, against the head, to release the head from engagement with the split cam assembly.