Vacuum Screwdriver Nozzle Design for Cramped Screw Access

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing power screw drivers with vacuum-activated screw pick-up features face challenges in accessing narrow or cramped screw locations due to the wide housing obstructing the bit and suffer from relative rotation between the bit and suction nozzle, leading to screw wobbling and loss of contact during tightening.

Innovation Solution

A power screw driver design with a slim forward end section and a suction nozzle locked against rotation relative to the bit, featuring a bit supporting sleeve with internal passages connecting the vacuum chamber to the suction nozzle, allowing sub-atmospheric pressure communication and ensuring the nozzle remains co-rotating with the bit.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the housing including the vacuum chamber reaches a forwardly extended position to directly communicate with the suction nozzle, then the vacuum pick-up function is achieved, but the wide forward part of the housing obstructs access to narrow or cramped screw locations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevacuum pick-up functionVSAvoidaccessibility to screw locations

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The bit supporting sleeve is divided into a rear end part surrounded by the vacuum chamber and a forward part in contact with the suction nozzle, with longitudinal internal passages connecting them. This segmentation allows the vacuum chamber to be positioned rearward for better accessibility while maintaining vacuum communication to the forward suction nozzle.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The bit supporting sleeve acts as an intermediary component between the vacuum chamber and the suction nozzle. It transmits sub-atmospheric pressure from the rear vacuum chamber to the forward suction nozzle through internal passages, enabling vacuum function without requiring the housing to extend forward.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Stability of the object's composition

If the suction nozzle is rigidly attached to the housing via the vacuum chamber, then structural stability is achieved, but relative rotation between the bit and suction nozzle causes screw wobble and loss of contact

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidscrew contact stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The suction nozzle is rigidly secured to and co-rotating with the bit, merging their rotational movements. This ensures that when the bit rotates during screw tightening, the suction nozzle rotates together, preventing relative rotation that would cause screw wobble and loss of contact.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The suction nozzle is designed to co-rotate with the bit during operation, transitioning from a static rigid attachment to a dynamic co-rotating relationship. This dynamic adjustment maintains the suction nozzle's alignment with the screw throughout the tightening process, preventing wobble and contact loss.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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

This design enhances accessibility to narrow screw locations by reducing housing interference and maintains screw contact during tightening, preventing wobbling and ensuring a stable tightening process.

Implementation Method 1

a vacuum chamber which communicates on one side with a source of sub-atmospheric pressure and on the other side with the suction nozzle

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVacuum: Vacuum

Implementation Method 2

communicate sub-atmospheric pressure from the vacuum chamber to the suction nozzle

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSub-atmospheric pressure: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentUS11292110B2Power screw driver with screw pick-up feature

Publication Date: 2022.04.05 ATLAS COPCO IND TECHNIQUE AB INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY DEPARTMENT

AI summary

A power screw driver includes a housing with a vacuum chamber communicating with a source of sub-atmospheric pressure, a motor, a drive spindle, a screw engaging bit connected to the drive spindle, a suction nozzle surrounding and being rigidly secured to the bit, and a bit supporting sleeve having a forward end part and a rear end part. The rear end part of the bit supporting sleeve is connected to the drive spindle and extends into the vacuum chamber. The forward end part of the bit supporting sleeve in contact with the suction nozzle. At least one longitudinal internal passage extends through the bit supporting sleeve and is arranged to communicate sub-atmospheric pressure from the vacuum chamber to the suction nozzle.