Driving Tool Regulator Mechanism for Continuous Strike Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Nailing machines driven by compressed air face challenges in stabilizing continuous strike operations without electricity, as mechanical time measurement mechanisms are difficult to implement effectively within limited spaces, leading to inconsistent timing and degraded user experience.

Innovation Solution

A driving tool with a regulator mechanism that includes a regulation member and damper to control the movement of a contact lever, allowing for a predetermined time period of continuous strike operation by locking the contact lever and contact arm, enabling stable switching between continuous and non-continuous strike modes without the need for electrical components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If an electrical timer is used to control continuous strike operations, then time measurement stability is improved, but device complexity increases due to required power source and circuit

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetime measurement stabilityVSAvoidpower source and circuit requirements
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the electrical timer system with a purely mechanical time measurement mechanism. The trigger mechanism itself is used to measure time through its movement from initial position to operation position, eliminating the need for electrical components, power sources, and circuits while maintaining time measurement functionality for controlling continuous strike operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Device complexity

If a mechanical time measurement mechanism is combined with the trigger in limited space, then device complexity is reduced, but time measurement stability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemechanical mechanism integrationVSAvoidtime measurement stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the trigger mechanism serve dual functions: both actuating the starting valve for the striking operation and measuring the time period for continuous strike control. By utilizing the trigger's inherent movement and position changes for time measurement, the system eliminates dedicated time measurement components while maintaining measurement stability through the trigger's controlled mechanical motion.

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

3Productivity

If continuous strike mode is enabled by maintaining trigger ON state, then productivity is improved, but reliability decreases due to potential careless operation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontinuous nail driving speedVSAvoidoperation safety
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the trigger's position and movement provide information about the operator's intent. The time measurement based on trigger movement duration allows the system to understand whether the operator intends single shot or continuous strike mode, enabling automatic mode selection that balances productivity and safety by requiring deliberate trigger manipulation for continuous operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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 solution allows for stable and consistent continuous strike operations for a predetermined time, improving user experience by maintaining consistent timing and operation feel, while eliminating the need for electrical components and space constraints.

Implementation Method 1

a damper (91) that controls a velocity of the moving member (92)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectViscous damping: Viscous Damping

Data Source

PatentEP3461590B1Driving tool
Publication Date: 2022.06.22 MAX CO LTD
  • EP3461590B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3461590B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3461590B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A driving tool (1A) drives a fastener supplied to a nose (12) using a striking mechanism. The driving tool includes a trigger (6), a contact arm (8), a contact lever (7) and a regulator (9). The trigger receives a manipulation which operates the striking mechanism. The contact arm reciprocates and receives another manipulation which operates the striking mechanism. The contact lever operates according to operations of the trigger and the contact arm and switches operating states of the striking mechanism. The regulator regulates a movement of the contact lever in a range from an operable position where the striking mechanism is operable by the contact lever to an operation standby position where the contact lever is operable by the contact arm, according to a reciprocating movement of the contact arm, and switches operating states of the contact lever according to the contact arm.