Spring-Loaded Screwdriving Unit for Passive Collision Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for automated screw connection production require complex sensor systems and actuators for collision detection, which are costly and cumbersome.
Innovation Solution
A device with a rotatable screwing tool and protective sleeve, equipped with a preload spring, allowing axial displacement between screwing and safety positions, eliminating the need for complex sensors and actuators by using passive safety elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a sensor system for collision detection and actuators for protection against collisions are used, then safety against injury is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the electrical sensor system and actuators with a purely mechanical solution. The screwing tool is designed to be axially displaceable relative to the protective sleeve, allowing passive mechanical movement in response to collision forces without requiring sensors or active actuators. This mechanical substitution eliminates complex electrical systems while maintaining safety functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The screwing tool automatically responds to collision forces through its inherent mechanical design. When a collision occurs, the tool naturally displaces axially without requiring external detection or control systems. The system serves itself by using the physical properties of the components to detect and respond to dangerous situations, eliminating the need for separate safety systems.
2Manufacturing precision
If the screwing tool is fixed in position, then screwdriving precision is improved, but safety in case of collision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The screwing tool is designed with dynamic positioning capability, allowing it to be fixed during normal screwdriving operations for precision, but to move axially when collision forces are applied. The tool can assume any intermediate position between the screwing position and the safety position, providing both stability during operation and flexibility for safety responses.
Solution Approach 2:
The protective sleeve is pre-positioned to accommodate the screwing tool in both screwing and safety positions. The mechanical design preliminarily establishes the displacement path and constraints, so that when a collision occurs, the tool can immediately move to the safety position without requiring active control or detection systems.
3Reliability
If the screwing tool is axially displaceable for safety, then safety against injury is improved, but screwdriving stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The screwing tool transitions between static and dynamic states based on operational needs. During normal screwdriving, the tool is held stable in the screwing position by the clamping unit. When collision forces exceed normal operating forces, the tool dynamically displaces axially to the safety position, providing both stability and safety as needed.
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
Ensures safe operation by preventing injury through collision detection without sensors, while maintaining efficient screwdriving functionality.
Implementation Method 1
the screwing tool is biased in the screwing position by the preload spring
Data Source
AI summary
A device for automated production of screw connections includes an industrial robot with an output member rotatable about an effector axis (W) relative to an end member. A screwing unit is at least indirectly connected to the output member and rotatable by the output member about the effector axis (W). A screwing tool, a protective sleeve, and a preload spring are also included. The screwing tool is: accommodated at least in sections inside the protective sleeve; torque-proof connected with the protective sleeve; and axially displaceable along the effector axis (W) relative to the protective sleeve between a screwing position and a safety position. The screwing tool is biased in the screwing position by the preload spring.