Telescopic Output Shaft Feedback for Axial Force Control

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing torque delivering power tools lack the ability to effectively control and monitor the axial force applied to a work piece, particularly with telescopic shafts, where the pressure force is dependent on the shaft's position, leading to inconsistent and potentially damaging interactions with the work piece.

Innovation Solution

A torque delivering power tool with a telescopically arranged output shaft, equipped with a sensor to monitor axial position and a resilient member to maintain a desired axial compression force range, allowing for flexible positioning while ensuring consistent axial force application.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a telescopic output shaft is used to provide flexibility in axial positioning, then adaptability is improved, but control of axial force deteriorates because the pressure force becomes dependent on shaft position

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflexibility in axial positioningVSAvoidcontrol of axial force
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A sensor monitors the axial position of the output shaft and provides feedback to a control unit, which adjusts the motor's operation to maintain the axial compression force within a desired range, resolving the contradiction between telescopic flexibility and force control reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts the axial force based on the real-time position of the telescopic shaft, allowing the force to be optimized for each position rather than being fixed, thus maintaining both adaptability and control

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Strength

If axial force is increased to ensure good connection between tool implement and work piece, then connection strength is improved, but risk of workpiece damage increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection strengthVSAvoidrisk of workpiece damage
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit adjusts the axial compression force parameters dynamically based on shaft position and workpiece feedback, maintaining the force within an optimal range that ensures connection strength while preventing damage

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The sensor provides feedback on axial position and compression force, allowing the control unit to prevent excessive force application that could damage the workpiece while maintaining sufficient connection strength

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Ease of operation

If axial force is manually supervised for handheld tools, then operator control is maintained, but productivity deteriorates due to manual intervention requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperator controlVSAvoidtightening operation efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-monitoring and self-adjustment of axial force through the sensor and control unit, eliminating the need for manual supervision while maintaining proper force levels, thus improving productivity without sacrificing operational control

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 continuous control of axial force within a specific range, preventing damage to the work piece and ensuring effective operation by providing real-time feedback through an indication unit, ensuring the axial force remains within acceptable limits during tightening operations.

Implementation Method 1

a resilient member having a known resilience in function of the extension is arranged to urge the output shaft towards the fully extended position

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

a resilient member having a known resilience in function of the extension is arranged to urge the output shaft towards the fully extended position

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring force: Spring

Data Source

PatentEP3230010B1Power tool with telescopic output shaft
Publication Date: 2021.01.27 ATLAS COPCO IND TECHNIQUE AB INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY DEPARTMENT
  • EP3230010B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3230010B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

A torque delivering power tool (10) including: - a motor, - a housing (11-15) - an input shaft (16), which is driven by said motor, - an output shaft (17), which is rotationally connected to the input shaft. A sensor (20) is arranged to monitor an axial compression force acting between the output shaft (17) and the input shaft (16). A resilient member (21) may be arranged to push the output shaft (17) outwards, wherein the sensor (20) may be arranged to monitor the axial extension of the output shaft (17) to thereby deduce the axial compression force.