Externally Threaded Element Inspection Device Using Movable Jaws
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for checking the geometry of externally threaded elements like screws are inefficient, prone to damaging the threads, and fail to detect deposits that can affect screwing torque, leading to time loss, productivity issues, and potential assembly failures.
Innovation Solution
A device with movable jaws that form a cylindrical internal thread, allowing for precise engagement of the screw's thread without the need for screwing and unscrewing, using sensor feedback to ensure accurate closure and minimize thread wear, and incorporating conveying and pre-centering mechanisms for automated and reliable inspection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the threaded element is screwed and unscrewed in a threaded hole for inspection, then the thread geometry can be checked, but the inspection time is excessive and thread wear occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential inspection function from the complete screwing/unscrewing cycle. Instead of requiring full engagement and disengagement, the device uses jaws that grip the threaded element during a partial screwing motion, extracting only the necessary thread engagement portion for inspection while avoiding the time-consuming complete cycle.
Solution Approach 2:
The device performs preliminary centering and positioning of the threaded element using jaws before the actual inspection screwing motion. This preliminary action ensures proper alignment and prevents the need for repeated adjustment attempts, thereby reducing total inspection time while maintaining measurement precision.
2Measurement precision
If the threaded element is screwed and unscrewed completely into the threaded hole, then all threaded portions are inspected, but premature wear occurs at the free end threads
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the necessary portion of the thread engagement required for inspection. The jaws are positioned to engage the threaded element at a specific location during the screwing motion, allowing inspection of critical thread portions without requiring complete engagement and disengagement that causes wear at the free end.
Solution Approach 2:
The device uses partial screwing action rather than complete engagement. The jaws maintain grip during a limited screwing motion that is sufficient to inspect thread geometry and detect deposits, avoiding the excessive action of complete engagement and unscrewing that causes premature wear.
3Measurement precision
If a camera rotates the threaded element to observe the thread profile, then thread deformations can be identified, but the method cannot detect deposits at the bottom of the thread
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a threaded housing as an intermediary element that the inspected threaded element engages with during screwing. This intermediary engagement allows the inspection to proceed under controlled conditions where both thread geometry and potential deposits can be detected through the interaction between the two threaded surfaces, complementing the camera observation method.
4Measurement precision
If multiple threaded elements are inspected using screwing and unscrewing, then thorough inspection is achieved, but productivity is significantly reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The device uses periodic jaw closing and opening actions rather than continuous screwing and unscrewing cycles. The jaws quickly close to perform the inspection during a brief screwing motion, then open for rapid element ejection, creating a periodic action that is much faster than complete engagement-disengagement cycles while maintaining inspection thoroughness.
Solution Approach 2:
The device skips the time-consuming portions of the traditional inspection cycle. By using jaws to grip and quickly position the threaded element, then performing the inspection during a rapid partial screwing motion, the method rushes through the essential inspection steps while eliminating unnecessary delays associated with complete engagement and careful disengagement.
Data Source
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AI summary
A control device (1) for an externally threaded element (2), such as a screw, comprising a plurality of jaws (3, 4) movable between a closed position and an open position. In the closed position, the jaws (3, 4) are arranged to form, by complementary angular portions (3c, 4c) of their respective threaded recesses, a substantially cylindrical internally threaded through-hole. In the open position, the jaws (3, 4) are arranged to allow the insertion, by a simple translational movement, of an externally threaded element (2) to be controlled between their respective angular portions (3c, 4c) of their respective threaded recesses.