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Screw Gun

Goal-

Improve the design and function of HILTI drywall screw gun.

 

The screw gun is a power tool that is dedicated to driving screws at a motored efficiency. By simply applying pressure on the screw gun tip it will automatically screw in anything in a matter of seconds. The ability to apply pressure/weight against the screw, whilst a magnetic traction keeps the screw straight in line is what forms its efficiency for drywall and differentiates it from a power drill.

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USER

Interviews-

Giovanni Buendia Screw gun design and re

Marqui 

Employee at Home Depot

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Positives:

  • Comfortable

  • Light Weight

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Negatives:

  • Shape of the gun makes it difficult to reach corners

  • Cord is a tripping hazard

  • Handles are often too big for his hands causing fatigue

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Comments & Suggestions:

  • Preloaded screws are always a plus because they allow you to go into a rhythm

  • Appreciates torque and wouldn't mind if it had more.

  • Extra attachable handle would be very helpful especially for amateurs.

  • Ability to preset speed manually instead of trying to eyeball it.

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Scott

Employee at Granger ​

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Positives:

  • Screw Gun is a specialty gun.

  • Has the ability to be designed/updated in specific ways for the users.

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Negatives:

  • Less versatile than an impact driver.

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Comments & Suggestions:

  • Customers purchase screw guns to only use on drywall.

  • Renovated his own and did not own a screw gun but instead used an impact driver for all the drywall application. 

  • Screw gun is primarily used for commercial jobs and not common for average Joe's.

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Research

FINDINGS-

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John

Employee at Fishers

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Positives:

  • New motors allow tools to have higher speeds and smaller bodies.

  • Depth gauge tip puts dimple in drywall so that mud can be put over it.

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Negatives:

  • Heavy

  • In general screw guns have not been redesigned for many years, very old structure.

  • You have to find a comfortable spot in order to avoid hand fatigue​.

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Comments & Suggestions:

  • Customers buy certain screw guns for particular applications for example drywall or metal.

  • A cordless gun should support the power needed
    for higher speeds.

  • Putting a 'D' handle could be an improvement to the screw gun because of the force being exerted while using the tool.

  • An adjustable handle that could turn or extend would be useful.

  • Having a handle that can change positions depending on the area you are screwing.

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Points of Interest

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  • Cords often disrupt the users rhythm.

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  • There could be more efficiency throughout the entire pre-operational and operational tasks.

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  • All functions are basically manual: depth gauge, trigger, speed, applying drill bits and screws.

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  • This product could have more updated technology and be doing more of the users work.

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  • The product carries a lot of weight and currently requires a lot of arm pressure applied to it.

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  • In accordance with what it requires from the user, the positioning and structure doesn’t exactly provide reciprocating comfort.

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  • Lastly it lacks communication to the user. Sound, lighting and labeling indications are rare.

User Needs Ranked​

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Comfortable when gripped –  40%

  • Handle should fit comfortably in small or large hands

  • D-shaped handle

  • Extra handle for grip

  • Adjustable

  • Comfortable enough to not tire your hands

Minimal and Modern – 25%

  • Weight redistributed through tool

  • Light weight motor

  • Stronger torque

  • Ability to add battery or cord

  • Versatile

Allows for use in hard to reach areas – 10%

  • Reach tight corners

  • Add extension to reach tall areas

Programmable settings – 25%

  • Adjustable screw depth gauge guide

  • Set torque speeds

  • Automatic light when in use

  • Adjust for pre load screw clips

Function Flow Chart

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ideation-

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Hidden handle: the extra handle concept is meant to be used for tiresome situations where using one hand won't cut it.

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This sketch shows the transition of the tool handle, from a traditional handle to something that resembles a 'D' shaped handle so that the weight of the motor and the components are evenly dispersed through out the gun.

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These few sketches show some of the small and large changes I wanted to incorporate into the shape of the screw gun. The two main features I wanted to put in the housing were (1.) Keeping the form of the rear part of the handle relatively the same because the main driving force comes from that area and (2.) Maintain a balanced approach to the appearance of the tool so that the final concept still resembles a screw gun.   

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A. Brushless Motor, w/ angled motor

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B. Brushless Motor w/ gear position change

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C. Brushless Motor standard

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First foam model: Trying to get an idea of what kind of grip would feel natural in a users hand. Also experimenting by placing the trigger in the center of the tool

Second foam model: Trying to see if there was a way to make the traditional handle more comfortable by making the top of the handle more slim.

FINAL CONCEPT-

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Solidworks was used to make the CAD model of the screw gun

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3D printed final model

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Rendered in Keyshot and designed to match the existing HILTI brand.

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