Power Tool Bumper Assembly for Impact Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fastening tools, such as cordless nailers, are often cumbersome due to their size and weight, require expensive non-refillable fuel cartridges, and have complex designs that lead to inconsistent performance in setting fasteners reliably.
Innovation Solution
A fastening tool with a driver that reciprocates along an axis, featuring a bumper with an impact-resistant member and an impact-absorbing member in series, coupled to a motor assembly that translates the driver between extended and retracted positions, enhancing flexibility and reliability while reducing complexity and cost.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional pneumatic fastening tools are used, then they can set fasteners reliably, but they require hoses and pneumatic power sources that reduce flexibility and freedom of operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the pneumatic power source and hoses from the fastening tool system, replacing them with a self-contained motor assembly that provides all necessary power internally. This eliminates the external pneumatic infrastructure requirements and grants complete operational freedom to the user.
Solution Approach 2:
The motor assembly serves multiple functions: it generates rotational power, converts it to reciprocating motion through the drive mechanism, and provides sufficient force for both driving fasteners and recoiling the return spring. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require separate pneumatic components.
2Adaptability or versatility
If cordless nailers with fuel cartridges are used, then they provide portability, but they require expensive non-refillable fuel cartridges that must be replaced when exhausted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive disposable fuel cartridges with a durable, rechargeable motor assembly that can be refilled with inexpensive battery packs. The motor assembly itself is designed for long-term reuse, eliminating the need to discard expensive components after a single use.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of discarding the entire tool or expensive fuel cartridges when energy is depleted, the system allows recovery and reuse of the motor assembly while simply replacing the inexpensive battery pack. This recovers the value of the expensive components for continued use.
3Device complexity
If cordless nailers with simplified designs are used, then they reduce cost and complexity, but they fail to operate in a robust manner that reliably sets fasteners
Solution Approach 1:
The bumper assembly with its dual-member construction (hard impact-resistant member and soft impact-absorbing member) provides beforehand cushioning for the driver at the end of its stroke. This prevents damage from impact while maintaining the simplicity of the overall design, ensuring reliable operation without complex mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The bumper assembly uses composite construction with two different members: a hard impact-resistant member for structural strength and a soft impact-absorbing member for shock absorption. This composite approach achieves robust reliable operation through material properties rather than mechanical complexity.
4Reliability
If the driver reciprocates with high force to set fasteners reliably, then fastener setting is consistent, but the impact at the end of the stroke can damage the tool components
Solution Approach 1:
The bumper assembly converts the harmful impact force at the end of the driver stroke into beneficial shock absorption. The soft impact-absorbing member dissipates the impact energy, protecting the driver and other components from damage while allowing the driver to maintain high force during the fastener-setting action.
Solution Approach 2:
The dual-member bumper construction combines hard and soft materials to simultaneously handle the high forces needed for reliable fastener setting and the impact protection needed to prevent component damage. The hard member withstands the driving force while the soft member absorbs the impact.
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
The tool provides improved flexibility, reduced weight, and enhanced reliability in setting fasteners consistently, addressing the limitations of existing fastening tools by simplifying design and reducing costs through efficient energy transfer and impact management.
Implementation Method 1
an impact absorbing member that is disposed between the impact resistant member and the structure so as to be compressible therebetween
Implementation Method 2
a motor assembly coupled to the structural backbone and configured to translate the driver along an axis in a first direction toward an extended position and a second direction opposite the first direction toward a retracted position
Data Source
AI summary
A tool with a structure, a driver that reciprocates along an axis between a returned position and an extended position and a bumper that is coupled to the structure so as to be disposed between the structure and the driver. The bumper includes a beat piece and a damper.