Cordless Power Tool Dual-Actuator Firing for Faster Fastener Driving
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fastening tools, such as nailers and staplers, face challenges in coordinating the driving and feeding of fasteners efficiently, particularly in cordless designs, which can lead to suboptimal performance in terms of shot-to-shot time and operational efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A cordless power tool incorporating two actuators - a drive actuator for driving fasteners and a feed actuator for feeding fasteners - controlled by a power control module, with a specific firing sequence that includes timed electric pulses to optimize the coordination of these actuators, allowing for increased fastener driving speed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single actuator is used to both drive and feed fasteners, then the device complexity is reduced, but the productivity and shot-to-shot time performance deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single actuator function into two separate actuators: a drive actuator for driving fasteners and a feed actuator for feeding fasteners. This segmentation allows each actuator to be optimized for its specific function, enabling independent control and coordination through a controller that manages firing sequences with timed electric pulses, thereby increasing productivity without excessive complexity increase
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic control through a controller that coordinates the two actuators using timed electric pulses. The system dynamically adjusts the timing and sequencing of actuator activation based on operational requirements, allowing optimization of shot-to-shot time and fastener driving speed while maintaining manageable device complexity through intelligent control
2Productivity
If the motor runs continuously, then the productivity is improved, but the use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic action by controlling the motor to operate in intermittent cycles rather than continuously. The controller manages motor activation during fastener feeding phases and coordinates it with the drive and feed actuators' firing sequences, allowing the motor to rest during non-operational periods. This periodic operation maintains productivity while significantly reducing overall energy consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback control through the controller that monitors and coordinates the timing of motor operation with actuator firing sequences. The controller optimizes motor activation based on operational needs, activating the motor only when fastener feeding is required and coordinating it with the drive and feed actuators, thereby improving productivity while minimizing energy consumption through intelligent power management
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 coordinated actuation of drive and feed actuators with a controlled firing sequence enhances the tool's efficiency, increasing the number of fasteners driven per second, improving operational performance.
Implementation Method 1
A drive system, associated with the drive actuator, is configured to selectively drive the driver along the drive axis
Implementation Method 2
The feed assembly has feed actuator configured to move said lead fastener into the nosepiece assembly
Data Source
AI summary
A tool is provided for applying fasteners to a workpiece. The tool has a housing with a nosepiece, a motor, a drive actuator, a magazine assembly that holds fasteners, and a feed assembly with a feed actuator configured to move a lead fastener into the nosepiece. A driver in the housing is driven by a drive system that is associated with the driver actuator. A controller is connected to the feed actuator and the drive actuator to implement a firing sequence for driving each lead fastener into the workpiece using the driver and feeding the lead fastener into the nosepiece assembly. The actuators may be in the form of solenoids. The controller is designed to energize and deenergize the motor selectively while the drive actuator and feed actuator are activated.