Screws are essential pieces in the world of engineering and construction, but they also play a fundamental role in the development of technology. One of the most used and well-known screws is the star screw, also known as the Phillips screw. Although both terms are used interchangeably in daily life, their history and application in computing reveal interesting details about their origin and functionality.
What is a Phillips screw and is it the same as a star screw?
The Phillips screw, also colloquially known as the star screw, is a type of screw that has a cross-shaped slot in the head. This shape allows the screwdriver to fit more effectively, providing better grip and reducing the risk of the tool slipping during tightening. Although “star” is a common description referring to the shape of the screw head, the technical term is “Phillips,” which honors its inventor, Henry F. Phillips.
In summary, a star screw and a Phillips screw refer to the same type of screw, with the difference being that “star” is a generic way of naming it while “Phillips” is the technical and official designation.
History of the Phillips screw
The Phillips screw was invented in the 1930s by Henry F. Phillips, an American entrepreneur who was seeking a solution to improve efficiency in industrial production, particularly in automobile manufacturing. Prior to its invention, flathead screws were the most common, but they posed issues when being screwed in at high speeds, as screwdrivers tended to slip out of the slot.
The Phillips design, with its cross-shaped slot, not only allowed for better grip but was also intentionally designed for the screwdriver to slip when the screw reached a specific level of tightening torque, thus avoiding applying too much force and damaging the material or the screw. This concept, known as “cam-out,” revolutionized the industry, facilitating the automation of industrial processes.
Since then, the Phillips screw has become a standard in the manufacturing of large-scale products, from the automotive industry to construction, and later in the manufacturing of technological devices.
Screws in computing: a small but key component
With the evolution of technology and the rise of computing, the Phillips screw became a crucial part for the assembly and maintenance of electronic equipment and computers. In computers, servers, and other computing devices, Phillips screws are primarily used to secure motherboards, disk drives, graphics cards, and other internal components of the devices.
The use of screws in computing is essential to ensure that electronic components are properly secured within the chassis or casing of the equipment. Additionally, they allow for easy access to internal parts, facilitating hardware repair, maintenance, and upgrades. Computer technicians and engineers have widely adopted the use of Phillips screws for their versatility and ease of use.
The evolution of screws in computer hardware
As computer devices have evolved, so have the screws and tools used for their assembly. Although Phillips screws remain the most common, especially in older devices and internal components such as hard drives or power supplies, in recent years, other types of security screws have emerged. These include Torx screws (with a six-point star-shaped head) or special security screws used in Apple products and other companies to hinder unauthorized access to hardware.
These new types of screws aim to prevent unwanted tampering by users without specialized tools. However, the Phillips screw remains the standard in many devices, due to its accessibility and ease of use.
Conclusion
Although the star screw and the Phillips screw are the same type of screw, the term “Phillips” is the technical name that refers to its inventor and patented design. This type of screw has played a key role not only in the automotive industry but also in the technological revolution and computing. Phillips screws, present in most electronic devices, ensure durability and easy access to hardware components, thus contributing to the development and maintenance of modern technology.