Dual-mode Driving Tool Mechanical Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing driving tools, such as nail guns, cannot perform driving operations when battery power is low or interrupted, leading to incomplete work due to reliance on micro-switches and timers for mode control.

Innovation Solution

The driving tool incorporates a dual-mode operation system where mechanical control allows continuous driving even without power, by switching between modes based on trigger and contact arm operations, with timer control in one mode and mechanical starting control in another, ensuring operations can continue regardless of power supply.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If timer control and micro-switch detection are used for mode switching, then driving operation control precision is improved, but the system cannot operate when battery power is low or interrupted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedriving operation control precisionVSAvoidoperational reliability under low power conditions
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The control system is segmented into two independent modes: a first mode using mechanical starting control with trigger and contact arm operations, and a second mode using timer control and micro-switch detection. This segmentation allows the system to switch between electrical control (when powered) and mechanical control (when power is low or interrupted), resolving the contradiction between control precision and operational reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the control parameter from electrical (timer and micro-switch) to mechanical (trigger and contact arm physical interactions) based on power availability. By detecting power status and switching control modes accordingly, the system maintains both precision control when powered and reliable operation when power is compromised.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Object-affected harmful factors

If single driving mode is used, then inadvertent driving is prevented, but continuous driving capability is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinadvertent driving preventionVSAvoiddriving mode adaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically switches between single driving mode and continuous driving mode based on the operational state. In the first mode, only single driving is available, preventing inadvertent operation. In the second mode, continuous driving is enabled when appropriate. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction between safety and versatility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The control system is designed to perform multiple functions: it can operate in single driving mode for safety-critical applications, continuous driving mode for efficiency, and switch between modes based on power availability and operational requirements. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction between preventing harmful effects and providing adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If mechanical starting control is used, then operation continues without power, but control precision and timing accuracy are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational continuity without powerVSAvoidtiming control precision
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The control system segments timing control functions between electrical components (timer for precise timing) and mechanical components (trigger and contact arm for basic control). When power is available, the electrical timer provides precise timing control. When power is lost, the mechanical system continues basic control functions, resolving the contradiction between operational continuity and timing precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS10518397B2Driving tool
Publication Date: 2019.12.31 MAKITA CORP
  • US10518397B2 patent drawing
  • US10518397B2 patent drawing
  • US10518397B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A driving tool including a first mode wherein a mechanical starting control is performed, and a second mode wherein an electrical starting control is performed, where these modes are configured to be switchable. Only in the second mode, if the elapsed time between the on-operation of a trigger and an on-operation of a contact arm does not exceed a reference time T0, then a second actuation portion can be turned to an on-position to perform a driving operation. In the first mode, in contrast to the electric control, without consuming battery power, the driving operation can be performed by the mechanical control that is made by an operational order of the trigger and subsequently the contact arm. Because of this configuration, even if power supply is shut off, the driving operation by the first mode can be continued.