Universal Tool Interface for Multi-Task Screwdriving
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Solution Overview
Problem
In the automotive and aircraft industries, the need for frequent tool changes due to short cycle times and difficult access to screw connections leads to high costs and space inefficiencies, as existing tools are not adaptable for multiple tasks without requiring numerous tool variants.
Innovation Solution
A tool with a universal interface that allows easy and tool-free or tool-assisted change of output interfaces, accommodating various tool elements such as angle heads and straight wrenches, reducing the number of tool variants and increasing flexibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple different tools are provided for different screwing operations, then the tool can handle various tasks (automotive and aircraft industries), but the number of tools increases leading to high costs and space problems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal tool platform with a standardized interface that can accommodate multiple output interfaces (straight, angled, offset) through a common mounting mechanism. This allows a single base tool to perform multiple screwing operations across different industries, eliminating the need for separate dedicated tools for automotive and aircraft applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The tool system is divided into a permanent base tool portion and interchangeable output interface portions. The output interfaces can be quickly swapped without affecting the main tool body, allowing users to have a minimal set of base tools with interchangeable attachments that provide the functionality of multiple complete tools.
2Adaptability or versatility
If tool elements are changed on a production line for automobile/vehicle, then the tool can be adapted to different tasks, but the machine capability study and process reliability are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The standardized universal interface ensures that regardless of which output interface is installed, the base tool maintains consistent performance characteristics and machine capability parameters. This allows the same machine capability study to validate multiple configurations, ensuring process reliability while enabling adaptability.
3Reliability
If a single tool is used for each screwing operation, then the process reliability is maintained, but the number of tools required increases causing high costs and space inefficiencies
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the tool into a reliable permanent base portion and interchangeable output portions, the system maintains process reliability through the consistent base tool while reducing the total number of tools needed. The interchangeable interfaces are designed to maintain the same reliability standards as dedicated tools.
4Adaptability or versatility
If different angle heads or geared offset heads are required for screw connections of the same type, then various screw connections can be processed, but the tool complexity and number of variants increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent separates the complex angle head and offset head functionalities into interchangeable output interfaces that attach to a simple base tool. This reduces the complexity of the permanent tool portion while maintaining versatility through standardized attachments, making the system easier to manage and less complex than having multiple complete tool variants.
Data Source
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AI summary
A tool (10; 20) is provided which includes a universal interface (20) for mounting an output interface (30; 50; 500) which is designed to receive a tool element for processing a workpiece, wherein the universal interface (20) is designed such that either a tool-free mounted output interface (30) or an output interface (50; 500) which is to be mounted with a locking tool can be attached to the universal interface (20).