Screwing System with Variable Spindles for Multi-Fastener Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing screwing devices require significant manual effort and realignment for fastening multiple fasteners of the same type, such as screws or nuts, especially when arranging them in a geometric shape, like wheel rims, as they need to be manually aligned and fitted individually.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that allows for automatic screwing of multiple fasteners with identical or different sizes and shapes by using a system with feed drives on circular paths, where only the necessary drives move from a rest to a working position, enabling simultaneous screwing of multiple fasteners with adjustable torque, and utilizing a common spindle drive for alternating feed drives to reduce the number of drives and optimize workspace.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a motor-driven screwdriver is used for each screw/nut, then individual fastening can be achieved, but a large amount of manual work and time is required for realignment and fitting
Solution Approach 1:
The screwing device is segmented into multiple independent screwing units (first screwing unit with first screwdriver and first feed drive, second screwing unit with second screwdriver and second feed drive), each capable of independently screwing fasteners. This segmentation allows simultaneous operation on multiple fasteners while maintaining individual control, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple screwing units are merged into a single integrated device that can operate simultaneously on multiple fasteners. The device combines first and second screwdrivers with their respective feed drives into one coordinated system, enabling parallel screwing operations that dramatically increase productivity while keeping each unit independently controllable for ease of operation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple feed drives are used for different circular paths, then different pitch circle diameters can be processed, but the number of drives increases and workspace is consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The feed drives are designed with universal functionality to operate on multiple circular paths with different pitch circle diameters. Each feed drive can be positioned and operated on different circular trajectories, allowing a single drive unit to perform multiple functions across different fastener configurations, thereby reducing the total number of drives needed while maintaining processing flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The device employs dynamic positioning where feed drives can move between different circular paths and adjust their operational parameters based on the specific fastener configuration. This dynamic adaptability allows the same hardware to handle varying pitch circle diameters without requiring separate dedicated drives for each configuration, reducing device complexity while preserving versatility.
3Productivity
If all feed drives operate simultaneously on different circular paths, then multiple fasteners can be screwed, but workspace and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The feed drives operate using periodic action where they sequentially engage and disengage from their respective circular paths in a coordinated manner. Rather than all drives operating continuously simultaneously, they use periodic engagement cycles that allow simultaneous screwing of multiple fasteners while reducing the overall weight by eliminating the need for all drives to be permanently positioned and active at all times.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for screwing in several fastening means such as screws/nuts, which are disposed especially on a circular path, with the aid of a screwing mechanism (2) comprising feeding outputs (19) that are arranged so as to correspond to the screws/nut, particularly on a circular path, and are provided with a screwing tool. Said method encompasses the following steps: the outputs are deployed from a neutral position into an operating position; the screwing tools are placed on the screws/nuts; and the screws/nuts are screwed in by means of the outputs.