Torque Limiting Sleeve for Drill Screwdriver Integration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional combination rotary tools require separate devices for drilling and screw-driving, and existing torque limiters are not integrated or pre-adjusted for screw or bolt types, leading to inefficiencies and errors, especially in surgical and construction applications.

Innovation Solution

A sleeve member with a hollow portion to embrace a drill, featuring a built-in torque limitation mechanism adapted to the type of bolt or screw, allowing seamless switching from drilling to screw-driving with the correct torque limiter pre-installed, utilizing breakpoints or detents for torque control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a separate torque limiter is installed or adjusted for each screw or bolt type, then the correct torque limitation is achieved, but the operation time increases and errors may occur due to manual adjustment

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetorque limitation accuracyVSAvoidtime for torque limiter adjustment
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The torque limiter mechanism is pre-adjusted during manufacturing to match specific screw or bolt types. Each sleeve member is pre-configured with the appropriate torque limitation before use, eliminating the need for manual adjustment during operation. This preliminary configuration ensures both accuracy and time efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system automatically selects and applies the correct torque limitation through the pre-configured sleeve member that matches the screw or bolt type. The operator simply needs to attach the appropriate sleeve member, and the system self-regulates the torque without requiring manual adjustment or intervention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Device complexity

If the torque limiter is integrated in the motor unit, then the structure is simplified, but the torque limitation cannot be adapted to different screw or bolt types

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructure integrationVSAvoidtorque limitation adaptation
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The torque limitation function is segmented from the motor unit and assigned to individual sleeve members. Each sleeve member is an independent module with its own pre-configured torque limiter, allowing the system to maintain a simple integrated motor structure while achieving adaptability through modular sleeve components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The sleeve member serves multiple functions: it provides the screw or bolt fitting interface, incorporates the torque limitation mechanism, and enables quick changeover between different screw types. This multi-functional design achieves both structural simplicity and operational versatility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Manufacturing precision

If conventional separate devices are used for drilling and screw-driving, then each device can be optimized for its specific function, but the workflow is interrupted by changing ends on the motor unit

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice function optimizationVSAvoidworkflow continuity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention merges the screw-driving function into the drill assembly by using a sleeve member that attaches to the drill shaft. This combination allows the operator to drill and then immediately screw without removing the drill bit or changing motor unit ends, maintaining both functional optimization and workflow continuity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The sleeve member acts as an intermediary component between the drill and the screw. It attaches to the drill shaft during drilling, then remains in place during screw-driving, serving as a mediator that enables both operations with a single tool configuration without interrupting the workflow.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3206838B1Combination screwdriver and torquelimiting system
Publication Date: 2018.12.19 INNORTHO
  • EP3206838B1 patent drawingFigure 1(A)~1(B)
  • EP3206838B1 patent drawingFigure 2(A)~2(C)
  • EP3206838B1 patent drawingFigure 2(D)~3

AI summary

The present invention relates to the field of combination rotary tools, more in particular in the combination of screwdrivers and drills. In particular, the invention relates to a sleeve member having a hollow portion adapted to embrace a drill, and comprising a bolt- or screw-fitting unit. More in particular, in the context of the present invention said sleeve member is provided with a built-in mechanism for torque limitation.