Capacitor Discharge Control for Fastener Driving Tool
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing setting tools for driving fastening elements into substrates lack efficiency and consistency in their operation, particularly in ensuring high efficiency and good setting quality.
Innovation Solution
A setting tool equipped with a holder, a drive-in element featuring a squirrel-cage rotor and an excitation coil, and a control unit that manages the discharge of a capacitor to accelerate the drive-in element, allowing for rapid discharge without ejecting the fastening element, with modes for normal and backup operations to ensure safe and efficient use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If rapid discharge of the capacitor is performed through the excitation coil to accelerate the drive-in element, then the driving speed and efficiency are improved, but there is a risk of accidentally ejecting the fastening element from the holder
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a control unit as an intermediary between the capacitor discharge mechanism and the excitation coil. This control unit monitors the drive-in element's position and only permits capacitor discharge when the element is properly positioned, thereby preventing accidental ejection while maintaining efficient driving operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the control unit continuously monitors the state of the drive-in element and the holder position. Based on this feedback, the control unit decides whether to enable or disable capacitor discharge, ensuring safe operation while maintaining high driving efficiency when conditions are appropriate.
2Speed
If the setting tool is designed for handheld use with rapid discharge capability, then the operating speed is improved, but the risk of accidental fastening element ejection increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by having the control unit pre-check the positioning conditions before allowing capacitor discharge. The control unit prevents discharge if the drive-in element is not properly positioned in the holder, thereby counteracting the potential harmful effect of accidental ejection before it can occur.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit serves as an intermediary safety mechanism that mediates between the rapid discharge function and the physical positioning of components. It ensures that the high-speed operation does not compromise safety by intercepting and controlling the discharge command based on real-time position monitoring.
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 solution enhances the efficiency and reliability of driving fastening elements into substrates by controlling the discharge process, ensuring high efficiency and good setting quality, and allowing for safe operation in both handheld and stationary modes.
Implementation Method 1
an excitation coil, which during rapid discharge of the capacitor is flowed through by current and generates a magnetic field that accelerates the drive-in element toward the fastening element
Implementation Method 2
an electrical capacitor, which stores electrical charge and the associated energy in an electrical field
Implementation Method 3
a Lorentz force acts on the drive-in element, so that the drive-in element is moved toward a nail
Data Source
AI summary
A setting tool for driving fastening elements into a substrate comprises a holder for holding a fastening element; a drive-in element for transferring a fastening element held in the holder into the substrate along a setting axis; and, a drive for driving the drive-in element toward the fastening element along the setting axis, wherein the drive comprises an electrical capacitor; a squirrel-cage rotor arranged on the drive-in element; and, an excitation coil, which during rapid discharge of the capacitor is flowed through by current and generates a magnetic field that accelerates the drive-in element toward the fastening element, and wherein the setting tool has a control unit, which is suitable for carrying out a fuse discharge of the capacitor during which current does not flow through the excitation coil.