Vacuum Screwdriver Sleeve Layout for Tight-Access Screw Pickup
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Solution Overview
Problem
Prior power screw drivers with vacuum pick-up features face challenges in accessing narrow screw positions due to a wide housing and vacuum chamber arrangement, which obstructs the bit and causes screw wobbling during tightening due to relative rotation between the bit and suction nozzle.
Innovation Solution
A power screw driver design with a slim housing and a bit supporting sleeve journaled by a bearing, featuring a vacuum chamber that communicates with sub-atmospheric pressure through a longitude vacuum passage, allowing the screw to be picked up at an axial distance from the vacuum chamber, reducing obstruction and minimizing relative rotation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the housing includes a forwardly extended vacuum chamber that communicates directly to the bit surrounding suction nozzle, then the vacuum pick-up functionality is achieved, but the wide forward part of the housing abuts against surrounding structure parts and obstructs the bit from reaching the screw
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the vacuum chamber into two functional zones: a rear portion integrated with the housing and a forward portion that is axially displaced relative to the housing. This segmentation allows the vacuum chamber to extend forwardly without requiring the housing to be wide, enabling access to narrow screw positions while maintaining vacuum pick-up functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces axial displacement between the vacuum chamber and the housing, creating a dimensional separation. The vacuum chamber is positioned forwardly of the housing in the axial direction, allowing the bit to extend beyond the housing without obstruction, thereby solving the accessibility problem while preserving the vacuum function.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the bit surrounding 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 contact loss during tightening
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the vacuum chamber movable relative to the housing by introducing a guide structure that allows axial displacement. This dynamic arrangement enables the vacuum chamber to move independently of the housing during operation, eliminating relative rotation between the bit and suction nozzle while maintaining structural stability through the guide constraints.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide structure acts as an intermediary between the vacuum chamber and the housing, allowing controlled movement while preventing harmful relative rotation. This intermediary mechanism maintains the alignment between the bit and suction nozzle, ensuring consistent screw contact during tightening.
3Device complexity
If the housing extends to a forward position close to the bit output end, then the vacuum chamber can be integrated into the housing, but the housing obstructs the bit from reaching tight positions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the vacuum chamber from the housing structure, allowing the vacuum chamber to be positioned forwardly without requiring the housing to extend forward. This segmentation enables the housing to remain compact while the vacuum chamber reaches the necessary forward position for screw engagement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses axial displacement to separate the vacuum chamber position from the housing position. The vacuum chamber is located forwardly of the housing in the axial direction, allowing the bit to extend beyond the housing without obstruction, thereby solving the accessibility problem while maintaining integrated vacuum functionality.
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
Facilitates access to narrow screw positions and improves the tightening process by maintaining consistent contact between the screw and bit, reducing wobbling and friction, thereby enhancing the quality and reliability of screw tightening operations.
Implementation Method 1
a vacuum chamber (31) arranged to communicate with a source of sub-atmospheric pressure
Implementation Method 2
The bit supporting sleeve 26 is journaled by a bearing 27 between a forward end part 26a and a rear end part 26b of the bit supporting sleeve
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a power screw driver comprising a housing 10 having a vacuum chamber 31 arranged to communicate with a source of sub-atmospheric pressure. The power screw driver comprises a motor, a bit drive spindle 22, a bit supporting sleeve 26 connected to the bit drive spindle 22. Wherein the rear end part of the bit supporting sleeve 26 is surrounded by the vacuum chamber 31. The bit supporting sleeve 26 is journaled by a bearing 27 between a forward end part 26a and a rear end part 26b of the bit supporting sleeve 26. The bit supporting sleeve 26 comprises at least one longitude vacuum passage 28 extending from its rear end part 26b to its forward end part 26a.