Compact Screw Tightening Machine with Washer Stacking Supply
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing continuous screw tightening machines with washer stacking supply mechanisms are cumbersome, have low work speed, and poor usability due to large size and weight, making it difficult to automatically and continuously supply screws and washers in order while preventing defective fastening, such as blank or double striking of washers.
Innovation Solution
A compact and lightweight continuous screw tightening machine with a washer stacking supply mechanism that includes a tightening machine body with a detachable bit, a tip-end block for washer temporary accommodation, and a screw-and-washer supply mechanism body with sequential supply mechanisms for automatic and concentric arrangement of screws and washers, preventing washer clogging and double feeding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If washers are stacked at a preparation position and supplied one by one manually, then the machine can perform screw tightening operations, but the work speed is low and usability is poor
Solution Approach 1:
Washers are pre-stacked in the washer stacking supply mechanism at a preparation position before the tightening operation begins. The sequential supply mechanism is pre-configured to automatically feed washers one by one to the tightening position, eliminating the need for manual washer handling during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The sequential supply mechanism automatically detects when a washer has been tightened and independently supplies the next washer from the stack without requiring manual intervention. The system serves itself by maintaining continuous automatic supply of both washers and screws throughout the tightening process.
2Weight of moving object
If the machine structure is made compact and lightweight, then portability and ease of handling improve, but the automatic supply mechanism for screws and washers becomes more difficult to implement
Solution Approach 1:
The sequential supply mechanism is integrated within the compact machine body structure. The washer stacking supply mechanism and screw supply mechanism are nested within the main housing, with components arranged vertically and horizontally to maximize space utilization. The bit unit with automatic supply features is integrated into the tightening mechanism rather than being a separate external unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The supply mechanisms utilize vertical stacking for washers and horizontal feeding paths for screws, efficiently using three-dimensional space within the compact housing. The sequential supply mechanism operates in the vertical dimension by stacking washers, while the bit unit moves horizontally to deliver screws, thereby achieving automation without increasing overall machine footprint.
3Productivity
If screws are supplied manually one by one, then the machine can operate, but the operation becomes cumbersome and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The screw supply mechanism maintains continuous supply of screws to the bit unit throughout the tightening operation. As the bit unit completes each tightening cycle and returns to the starting position, the screw supply mechanism is already prepared with the next screw, ensuring no interruption in the tightening sequence. This continuous action eliminates idle time between tightenings.
Solution Approach 2:
The sequential supply mechanism incorporates feedback from the tightening operation status to control screw and washer supply timing. When the bit unit completes a tightening cycle, the mechanism receives feedback and automatically prepares and supplies the next screw and washer in sequence, creating a closed-loop automatic supply system that adapts to the tightening rhythm.
4Stability of the object's composition
If the washer supply mechanism pressurizes washers with weight, then washers are held in position, but there is a possibility of washer drop during transportation
Solution Approach 1:
The sequential supply mechanism uses an intermediary feeding structure with lateral walls and bottom surface that guides and supports washers during transportation. Instead of relying solely on weight-based pressurization, the mechanism employs physical guides and support surfaces that prevent washer displacement while allowing controlled feeding to the tightening position.
Solution Approach 2:
The washer support structure incorporates flexible retaining elements that can adapt to washer position and provide gentle retention without excessive force. These flexible components maintain washer stability during machine movement while allowing easy release when a washer needs to be fed to the tightening position, preventing both drop and over-pressurization.
Data Source
AI summary
In a continuous screw tightening machine with washer stacking supply mechanism, in conjunction with retreating of a tightening machine, a washer is placed on a seat surface portion of a washer feeding body of a washer sequential supply mechanism and reliably supplied to a tightening possible position one by one and the one screw is supplied by a screw sequential supply mechanism between the washer and a bit so as to be in concentric arrangement, in conjunction with advancing of the tightening machine, the washer sequential supply mechanism is set to a feeding preparation attitude of the subsequent washer, and the screw sequential supply mechanism is constituted to be set to a feeding preparation attitude of the subsequent screw, and the screw is tightened and fixed together with the washer at the tightening target spot by rotation/driving of the bit advanced to the tightening possible position by a driving machine.