E-Screw driver

  • Atualizado em May 30, 2025
  • Publicado em May 30, 2025
  • 3 minuto(s) lido(s)
  • PT
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Using the eScrew Driver with Tulip Player

A guide to integrating and utilizing eScrew (electronic screwdriver) devices with the Tulip platform.

Note

This is available with Player 2.8.0. This is disabled by default.

This article describes how to connect, configure, and use an eScrew device with the Tulip Player. The eScrew driver allows Tulip to interface with compatible electronic screwdrivers, enabling control over fastening operations and collection of critical process data such as torque, angle, and cycle status.

Overview

Integrating an eScrew with Tulip allows you to build applications that can:

  • Send parameters and jobs to the eScrew.
  • Start and monitor fastening cycles.
  • Capture detailed results from each fastening operation (e.g., final torque, angle, status OK/NOK).
  • Implement error-proofing in assembly processes.
  • Log data for quality control and traceability.

This driver is typically used with the eScrew connected directly to the Windows PC running the Tulip Player via USB.

Prerequisites

  • A compatible eScrew device.
  • A Windows PC running Tulip Player (e.g., version 2.8.0 or later as applicable for your driver version).
  • A USB cable to connect the eScrew to the PC.

Configuration Steps

Follow these steps to connect and enable your eScrew device in Tulip Player:

  1. Connect the eScrew Device:

    • Plug your eScrew device into the Windows PC running Tulip Player using a USB cable.

  2. Access Device Configuration in Tulip Player:

    • To configure devices, you typically first assign the relevant interface (representing the Player PC's device connections) to a Station in Tulip.
    • Open the Station's display in the Player.
    • Click on the interface to open its informational modal.
    • From the modal, click the "Configure Devices" button. This will open the device configuration page for that Player.

  3. Enable the eScrew Driver:

    • On the "Configure Devices" page, locate "eScrew" in the list of available drivers.
    • If the driver is currently disabled, you will need to enable it. Click to toggle the eScrew driver to an "Enabled" state.
      (Note: Depending on your setup or specific operational procedures, you might ensure it's disabled before explicitly enabling it for a session or test.)

    (Placeholder for an image showing the "Configure Devices" page in Tulip Player with the eScrew driver highlighted and an enable/disable toggle.)

Once enabled, the Tulip Player will attempt to communicate with the connected eScrew device.

Capabilities and Usage

The specific functions, parameters, and events available through the eScrew driver will depend on the eScrew model and the features implemented in that version of the Tulip driver. Commonly, the driver allows for:

  • Loading Jobs/Programs: Sending pre-configured fastening parameters to the eScrew.
  • Starting a Fastening Cycle: Triggering the eScrew to perform its operation.
  • Receiving Real-time Data & Results: Capturing outputs such as:
    • Final torque achieved.
    • Final angle of rotation.
    • Cycle status (e.g., OK, NOK, error).
    • Specific error codes if a problem occurs.
  • Setting Tool Parameters: Adjusting settings on the eScrew directly from Tulip.

Typical Application Workflow:

  1. A Tulip app guides an operator to a specific assembly step.
  2. Triggers in the app might send a command to the eScrew to select a specific job or parameter set.
  3. The operator initiates the fastening operation (either via a physical trigger on the eScrew or a button in the Tulip app that sends a "start" command).
  4. The eScrew performs the fastening.
  5. The Tulip driver receives the result data (torque, angle, status) as an event.
  6. The Tulip app captures this data, logs it, and can use it to:
    • Verify the fastening was successful.
    • Advance the operator to the next step if OK.
    • Display an error and guide rework if NOK.

Disabling the Driver

For certain workflows, testing procedures, or when troubleshooting, you may need to disable the eScrew driver.

  1. Navigate back to the "Configure Devices" page in Tulip Player (as described in the Configuration section).
  2. Locate the "eScrew" driver.
  3. Click to toggle the driver to a "Disabled" state.

Troubleshooting

  • Device Not Detected:
    • Ensure the eScrew is securely connected to the PC via USB.
    • Try a different USB port or cable.
    • Verify the eScrew is powered on (if it has external power).
    • Check Windows Device Manager to see if the device is recognized by the operating system (it may appear as a COM port or USB device).
  • Driver Not Communicating:
    • Confirm the eScrew driver is enabled in the Tulip Player's "Configure Devices" page.
    • Restart the Tulip Player application.
    • Ensure no other software on the PC is actively trying to communicate with the eScrew on the same port.