Suction Head for Automatic Screw Removal

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing screw removal methods using automatic or semi-automatic screwdrivers often leave screws stuck in holes or attached to the driver tip, preventing the unscrewing of subsequent screws, and require manual intervention for removal, which hampers efficiency and cleanliness, especially in robotic disassembly applications.

Innovation Solution

A device combining a screwdriver with a suction head featuring three channels: a guiding channel, a sucking-in channel, and a sucking-off channel, where the sucking-in channel is angled at least 90° from the sucking-off channel, allowing immediate removal of unscrewed screws using negative pressure, enabling continuous operation and tidiness.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If an automatic or semi-automatic screwdriver is used to unscrew screws, then the unscrewing operation is automated and efficient, but the unscrewed screws remain attached to the screwdriver tip or in the hole, blocking subsequent operations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveunscrewing operation efficiencyVSAvoidcontinuity of unscrewing operations
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts the unscrewed screw from the screwdriver tip and hole by introducing a suction head that creates negative pressure to pull the screw out through a dedicated removal channel, enabling continuous operation without manual intervention

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The suction head acts as an intermediary device between the screwdriver and the collected screws, using air pressure differential to transfer screws from the working area to a collection container, resolving the blocking issue

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If manual removal of screws is required after unscrewing, then screws can be removed from the working area, but manual intervention reduces efficiency and increases operation time

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecleanliness of working areaVSAvoidtime for screw removal
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-service by automatically removing unscrewed screws through the suction head without requiring manual intervention, maintaining cleanliness while eliminating time loss

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The suction head operates continuously during the unscrewing process, maintaining negative pressure to capture and remove screws in real-time, ensuring continuous productive action without interruption

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Duration of action of moving object

If screws are not immediately removed after unscrewing, then the screwdriver can complete the unscrewing motion, but the screw blocks the tip from engaging with the next screw

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvescrewdriver operational cycleVSAvoidrate of unscrewing operations
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of moving objectVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The suction head is positioned and activated in advance during the unscrewing motion to capture the screw as soon as it loosens, preventing it from blocking the tip before the next operation can begin

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The suction and removal channels operate continuously throughout the screwdriver's operational cycle, ensuring screws are removed as they are unscrewed, maintaining uninterrupted productivity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

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 automatic and efficient removal of screws from the working area, maintaining cleanliness and safety, and facilitates continuous operation in robotic disassembly by automatically collecting screws for recycling, while allowing for easy tip replacement for different screw types.

Implementation Method 1

the suction head being provided with three channels: a channel for guiding and positioning the screwdriver on the screw, a channel for sucking in (introducing) the screw and a channel for sucking off (removing) the screw from the suction head

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectNegative pressure (suction): Suction

Data Source

PatentEP4342634A1Device for unscrewing and removing screws
Publication Date: 2024.03.27 SZALATKIEWICZ JAKUB
  • EP4342634A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4342634A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4342634A1 patent drawing

AI summary

The subject of the invention is a device for unscrewing and removing screws, cooperating with an automatic or semi-automatic screwdriver, which can be used with manual, automated or robotic positioning and operation. The device includes a screwdriver and a suction head. The suction head 2 is equipped with a channel 3 for guiding the screwdriver 1, with the screwdriver 1, and a channel 5 for sucking in the screw 4 that is connected to a channel 7 for sucking off the screw 4 by means of a wall 6 positioned at an angle not smaller than 90° in relation to the channel 5.