Maintal, November 2018. Desoutter has developed a flexible and convertible cordless offset screwdriver that is designed for a wide range of assembly tasks in aircraft construction.
The tool can be adapted to the respective assembly situation using various interchangeable heads. All components are equipped with transponders so that the correct set of parameters is always available in real time.
Desoutter has developed an electronically controlled screwdriver that is primarily intended to facilitate assembly in the aviation industry. “Our new EABA QRX cordless screwdriver can replace several conventional screwdrivers because we have equipped it with so-called interchangeable heads," says Michael Loosen, Product Manager at Desoutter GmbH in Maintal. “During assembly, the target parameters are set automatically, using an RFID transponder in the interchangeable head that is currently being used." This increases safety and flexibility on the assembly line. In addition to conventional square drives, hold-and-drive tools and so-called geared offset heads are available as replaceable heads. Geared offset heads are multi-angled drives with which narrow angles inside the aircraft can be reached.
Predominantly pneumatic tools are traditionally used in aircraft construction, amongst other things because power tools pose dangers to employees if, for example, sharp edges cut open the electric cables. “With the new multi-function screwdriver, we are meeting the wishes of several of our customers”, says Loosen. “That’s because the industry wants to move away from using pneumatic tools, on the one hand because pneumatic screwdrivers consume more energy than electric screwdrivers, and on the other hand because you can use controlled tools to document the screw connections for years to come”. In addition, aircraft manufacturers have requested more freedom of movement - which is limited with tools connected to cables and hoses - as well as high flexibility in terms of use and excellent ergonomics. “The EABA QRX meets all of these requirements”, Loosen affirms.
The letters "QR" in the names of the tools in the EABA QRX range stands for “quick release", for example "quick release" of the interchangeable head. In other words, the angle heads and drives can be replaced very quickly, making the cordless angle screwdriver available for a completely different assembly task in no time.
Initially, seven models with torques between 5 and 95 Newton metres (Nm) will be launched on the market. With the help of the transponders in the tool and in the different interchangeable heads, the offset screwdriver can be programmed in such a way that the right set of parameters for the intended assembly task is immediately available after replacing an interchangeable head. “In real time!", as Michael Loosen emphasises. This means that the screwdriver can be used for several different processes - while pneumatic screwdrivers are usually only set for one task at a time. With the EABA QRX, users can reduce the number of tools at the workplace and in the factory, which reduces waste and has a positive effect on occupational safety.
Up to six QR accessories can be programmed for each EABA-QRX offset screwdriver. “This is how we support our customers in their quest for lean and digital production”, says Loosen. “That’s because they do not need as many back-up screwdrivers and can also have fewer spare parts if they maintain the tools themselves”.
