Drive Tool Operation State Detection and Reporting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional drive tools face challenges in promptly identifying operational failures and maintaining regular maintenance schedules, leading to increased repair time, costs, and tool downtime due to difficulties in tracking failure details and maintenance needs.
Innovation Solution
A drive tool equipped with an ejector, press member, press detection switch, operation member, operation detection switch, control unit, operation state detector, and report unit that detects various operation states and reports them using predefined patterns, allowing users to quickly identify failures and maintenance requirements through visual indicators.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If conventional drive tools are used without advanced detection systems, then the device complexity is reduced, but the loss of information about operational states and failures increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces detection switches and detection units as intermediary components that mediate between the operational components (ejector, press member, operation member) and the control unit. These intermediaries convert physical states into detectable signals without requiring complex direct monitoring systems, thus reducing information loss while maintaining manageable device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical monitoring systems with electrical detection switches and electronic detection units. This substitution allows for more accurate and comprehensive failure detection while reducing the mechanical complexity of the overall system. The electrical signals provide clear, unambiguous information about operational states.
2Measurement precision
If detailed failure detection systems are implemented, then measurement precision of operational states is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the detection system into distinct functional components: detection switches for basic state detection, detection units for comprehensive state monitoring, and a control unit for processing. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function with high precision while keeping the overall system complexity manageable through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where detection switches and units continuously monitor operational states and provide real-time information to the control unit. This feedback loop enables precise measurement of operational states without requiring overly complex systems, as the information is systematically processed and utilized for timely failure detection and maintenance scheduling.
3Reliability
If regular maintenance scheduling is implemented, then reliability is improved, but loss of time for maintenance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by detecting operational states and scheduling maintenance before actual failures occur. The detection switches and units monitor wear and operational conditions, allowing maintenance to be performed at optimal intervals based on actual usage rather than fixed schedules. This prevents failures while minimizing unnecessary maintenance downtime.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables self-service through automated detection and reporting systems that monitor tool conditions and notify users when maintenance is needed. This eliminates the need for continuous manual monitoring and allows maintenance to be scheduled based on actual tool state rather than arbitrary time intervals, improving reliability while reducing overall maintenance time.
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
Enables users to promptly grasp operational states and failures, facilitating timely repairs and maintenance, thereby reducing downtime and costs associated with tool operation and management.
Implementation Method 1
a fan provided inside the combustion chamber rotates to mix/stir air and fuel gas inside the combustion chamber
Implementation Method 2
an igniter provided to face the interior of the combustion chamber sparks to explode the fuel gas inside the combustion chamber
Implementation Method 3
the fuel gas inside the combustion chamber explodes. Due to the pressure upon the explosion, the piston is linearly driven
Implementation Method 4
Due to the pressure upon the explosion, the piston is linearly driven to the tool end side
Data Source
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AI summary
A drive tool includes an ejector, a press member, a press detection switch, an operation member, an operation detection switch, a control unit, an operation state detector, and a report unit. The ejector drives a fastening tool into an object. The press member is moved by the object. The press detection switch is turned on when the press member is pressed against the object. The operation member is operated when the fastening tool is ejected to the object. The operation detection switch is turned on when the operation member is operated. The control unit makes the ejector carry out ejection of the fastening tool when the press detection switch and the operation detection switch are turned on. The operation state detector detects a case where the drive tool comes into one of a plurality of kinds of preset operation states which include at least one operation state other than a state of a battery. Report patterns different for each of the plurality of kinds of operation states are set in the report unit. When one of the operation states is detected by the operation state detector, the report unit reports the detection using the report pattern set corresponding to the detected operation state.