Driving Device Mechanical Energy Storage Fastener Adaptability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fastener driving devices have limitations in the energy they can impart, making them unsuitable for all types of fastening elements and substrates, as they rely on spring tensioning which sets an upper limit on the energy transfer.

Innovation Solution

A device with a mechanical energy storage system that temporarily stores energy from an electrical source, allowing for its sudden release to the fastening element, featuring a motor-driven spindle drive and a clutch mechanism for efficient energy transfer and storage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If spring tensioning is used to store and release energy, then the device can deliver energy to the fastening element, but the energy transfer is limited to an upper limit that prevents use with all fastening elements and substrates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveapplicability to all fastening elements and substratesVSAvoidenergy transfer capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the fundamental energy storage parameter from spring tension (elastic potential energy) to gravitational potential energy through a height-adjustable weight system. This allows continuous adjustment of energy output by changing the weight mass and drop height, thereby overcoming the fixed upper energy limit of spring-based systems and enabling adaptation to all fastening elements and substrates.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention introduces dynamic adjustability through a variable weight system and adjustable drop height mechanism. The energy transmission element can be selectively engaged at different heights, and the weight can be adjusted or replaced, creating a dynamic system that adapts energy output to match different application requirements rather than being fixed like spring tensioning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Power

If a motor is used to tension the spring, then the spring can be prepared for energy release, but the energy required must be made available in a very short time which limits the system

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverate of energy deliveryVSAvoidtotal energy available
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary action by lifting the weight to a predetermined height before the driving operation, storing gravitational potential energy in advance. This eliminates the need for rapid energy conversion during the actual driving moment, as the energy is already positioned and ready to be released simply by allowing the weight to drop, providing both high power and sufficient total energy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Productivity

If the energy store is discharged by moving the energy transmission element, then energy is transferred to the fastening element, but the transmission element cannot be reset without additional mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy discharge efficiencyVSAvoidreset mechanism requirements
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements self-service through automatic reset functionality where the weight is automatically returned to its initial elevated position after discharging energy. The engagement/disengagement mechanism for the energy transmission element is designed to reset automatically, eliminating the need for complex manual intervention or additional reset mechanisms and maintaining high productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 the delivery of sufficient energy to fastening elements, overcoming the energy limitations of traditional devices and allowing for a wider range of applications by efficiently storing and releasing mechanical energy.

Implementation Method 1

The energy transfer device is suitable for transferring energy from an energy source to the mechanical energy store

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic conversion: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

a spring is first tensioned, which abruptly transfers the tensioning energy to the piston during the driving process and accelerates it towards the fastening element

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic energy storage: Elasticity

Implementation Method 3

a motor for tensioning the spring. To drive the nail in, the spring accelerates the plunger by releasing elastic energy

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic motor effect: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 4

a movement converter for converting a rotary movement into a linear movement with a rotary drive that can be driven by the motor and the linear output

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical conversion: Screw

Data Source

PatentEP2397272B1Driving device
Publication Date: 2018.09.12 HILTI AG
  • EP2397272B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2397272B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2397272B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The apparatus (10) has a mechanical energy storage device for storing of mechanical energy. An energy transmission element is arranged between an initial position and a movable position for transmitting the energy from the mechanical energy storage to a fastener. A power transmission device is provided for the transfer of energy from a source of energy to the mechanical energy storage.