Powered Dispensing Tool Clutch Torque Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manually operated dispensing tools for materials like caulk and adhesives are difficult to control and strenuous, leading to user fatigue and reduced usage duration.
Innovation Solution
A powered dispensing tool with a motor-driven rack and transmission system, featuring a clutch mechanism for torque control and a stroke-limit circuit, along with a motor-control circuit for smooth operation and auto-reverse functionality, to facilitate efficient and controlled dispensing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a manually operated dispensing tool is used, then the device complexity is low, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to difficulty in control and user fatigue
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical operation system with an electric motor-driven system. The motor automates the dispensing action, eliminating the need for manual squeezing or grasping forces, thereby improving ease of operation while accepting increased device complexity through the addition of motor and transmission components.
Solution Approach 2:
The dispensing tool performs the dispensing action automatically through the motor and transmission system without requiring continuous manual input from the user. The system serves itself by converting electrical energy to mechanical motion to drive the rack and plunger, reducing user fatigue and improving control.
2Productivity
If a powered dispensing tool with transmission system is used, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases due to clutch mechanism and motor control
Solution Approach 1:
The transmission system incorporates a clutch mechanism that dynamically engages and disengages the motor from the rack based on operational needs. This allows the system to switch between powered and manual modes, optimizing productivity when powered mode is needed while maintaining operational flexibility, justifying the increased device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The stroke-limit circuit provides feedback control by monitoring the rack position and automatically reversing the motor direction when the rack reaches the end of its forward stroke. This feedback mechanism prevents material expulsion issues and ensures consistent dispensing performance, improving productivity while the control circuitry manages the complexity.
3Duration of action of moving object
If manual operation is used, then the device complexity is low, but the duration of action deteriorates due to user fatigue
Solution Approach 1:
By replacing manual mechanical operation with an electric motor system, the patent eliminates the limiting factor of user fatigue. The motor can operate continuously without fatigue, significantly extending the duration of action. The added complexity of the motor and transmission system is the trade-off for achieving extended continuous operation capability.
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 powered dispensing tool provides improved control and reduced user fatigue by enabling efficient, controlled dispensing of materials with reduced physical effort, extending usage duration and preventing material expulsion after operation.
Implementation Method 1
a motor at least partially positioned within the housing
Implementation Method 2
a clutch member that is coupled for co-rotation with the output shaft and movable along the output shaft between a first position, in which the clutch member is engaged with the output member for transferring torque from the output shaft to the output member
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4
AI summary
A powered dispensing tool (10) includes a housing (14), a motor (42) at least partially positioned within the housing, a rack (22) operably coupled to the motor for powered translation, and a transmission (46) selectively operably coupling the motor and the rack. The transmission includes an output shaft (70) rotatable in response to rotation of the motor, and an output member (82) drivably coupled to the rack and supported on the output shaft for relative rotation therewith. The transmission also includes a clutch member (90) coupled for co-rotation with the output shaft and movable along the output shaft between a first position, in which the clutch member is engaged with the output member for transferring torque from the output shaft to the output member, and a second position, in which the clutch member is disengaged from the output member to inhibit torque transfer between the output shaft and the output member.