An aesthetic handheld automatic screw driver

For this project, I worked with a client to develop CAD and manufacturing drawings for a screwdriver with a swivel head. This screwdriver features a trigger for analog speed control, a toggle button for changing direction, and is rechargeable with LiPo batteries and a USB-C port. The unique swivel head design allows for versatile positioning, enhancing its functionality and user experience.

The design process began with my napkin sketches, which highlighted both the high-level aesthetics and required functionality. The client sought guidance on rotating the head while maintaining actuation. Together, we developed a more realistic form factor, addressing materials and aesthetics. We explored various styles, and as the client honed in on his preferences, I continued presenting different approaches to help him select his ideal design.

The engineering process of the screwdriver comprises four main components: a battery section with four rechargeable LiPo batteries, an off-the-shelf trigger switch common for drills, a powerful motor enabling analog speed control, and a rotating swivel head. The swivel head was the most challenging, incorporating a set of three bevel gears that engage to allow rotation and positioning at any angle. This intricate mechanism ensures smooth and precise functionality.

Although my client did not market this project, it was one of my first projects where I was solely responsible for every development step. From sketching concepts and iterating mechanical mechanisms for the pivoting joint to integrating the electronics, I guided the client through various options. The deliverables for this project were the final CAD design and the product specification document (PSD). By understanding his vision and refining the design based on his preferences, we produced a final product that he was very pleased with.