Axial Capacitor Setting Tool with Adaptive Discharge Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing setting tools for driving fastening elements into substrates lack efficiency and consistency in setting quality, often failing to adjust for environmental conditions and fastening element characteristics.

Innovation Solution

A setting tool with a control unit that adjusts the energy level of the current flowing through an excitation coil during capacitor discharge, using sensors to detect temperature, capacitance, mechanical load, penetration depth, speed, and fastening element characteristics to optimize the setting process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a fixed energy level is used for capacitor discharge, then the device structure is simple, but setting quality consistency deteriorates due to environmental variations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesetting quality consistencyVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit receives feedback from temperature sensors and capacitance sensors to dynamically adjust the discharge energy level. The system continuously monitors environmental conditions and fastening element characteristics, then modifies the charging voltage accordingly to maintain consistent setting quality despite variations in temperature or component aging.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from a static fixed energy level approach to a dynamic adjustable energy level system. The control unit can continuously adjust the charging voltage based on real-time sensor data, allowing the discharge energy to adapt to changing conditions such as temperature fluctuations and capacitor aging.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If the charging voltage is increased to compensate for temperature effects, then the setting energy is sufficient at high temperatures, but energy waste occurs at low temperatures

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesetting energy sufficiencyVSAvoidenergy waste
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The charging voltage is dynamically adjusted based on the detected temperature. When temperature is high, the control unit increases the charging voltage to compensate for increased ohmic resistance. When temperature is low, the charging voltage is reduced to appropriate levels, preventing energy waste while ensuring sufficient setting energy is always provided.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the electrical parameter (charging voltage) in response to temperature changes. The control unit modifies the charging voltage parameter based on temperature sensor feedback, ensuring optimal energy delivery across different temperature conditions without consistent over-energy input.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If no real-time adjustment is made, then the device operation is simple, but adaptability to different fastening elements deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to fastening elementsVSAvoidsensor and control complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit uses feedback from capacitance sensors to detect fastening element characteristics and adjusts the discharge energy level accordingly. This allows the system to adapt to different fastening element types, sizes, and material properties by modifying the charging voltage based on the detected capacitance values.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The control unit serves multiple functions: it monitors temperature, detects capacitance values, determines fastening element characteristics, and adjusts discharge energy levels. This multi-functional control system enables the device to handle various fastening element types with a single unified control mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Ensures high efficiency and consistent setting quality by dynamically adjusting energy levels based on environmental and fastening element variables, compensating for variations and improving safety and precision.

Implementation Method 1

an excitation coil through which current flows during a rapid discharge of the capacitor and generates a magnetic field which accelerates the driving element towards the fastening element

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

A capacitor, within the meaning of the invention, is an electrical component that stores electrical charge and the associated energy in an electric field

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapacitance: Capacitance

Data Source

PatentEP3801991B1Setting device
Publication Date: 2025.08.13 HILTI AG
  • EP3801991B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3801991B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

The invention relates to a setting tool for driving securing elements into an underlying surface, having a receiving area which is designed to receive a securing element, a drive-in element which is designed to advance a securing element received in the receiving area into the underlying surface along a setting axis, and a drive which is designed to drive the drive-in element onto the securing element along the setting axis, wherein the drive comprises an electric capacitor which is arranged on the setting axis or about the setting axis.