Elastomeric Return Cord Assembly for Power Tool Driver
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fastening tools, such as power nailers and staplers, often lack flexibility due to hoses and are either cumbersome, expensive, or complex, with cordless nailers facing issues like large size, non-refillable fuel cartridges, and unreliable operation.
Innovation Solution
A fastening tool with a driver, motor, and a return cord assembly featuring a spring and elastomeric return cord, where the motor translates the driver between extended and retracted positions, utilizing a rotating flywheel to transfer energy and an elastomeric return cord assembly for efficient operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a hose is used to couple the fastening tool to a source of pneumatic power, then the tool can be powered reliably, but the flexibility and freedom of the user is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the hose connection to the pneumatic power source from the fastening tool, extracting the constraint that limited user flexibility. The tool is redesigned to be self-contained with an integrated power system, allowing the user to work freely without being tethered by a hose while maintaining reliable operation through the new power delivery mechanism
2Weight of moving object
If cordless nailers are made smaller and lighter, then they are easier to handle, but they become more cumbersome and less reliable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the driver component, specifically its mass and dimensional properties. By optimizing the driver's weight and size parameters, the tool achieves a balance where it remains compact and lightweight for easy handling while maintaining sufficient mass and energy storage capacity to deliver reliable fastener setting performance
3Reliability
If a spring and elastomeric return cord are used in parallel, then the driver return mechanism is more reliable, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two return mechanisms - a spring and an elastomeric return cord - into a single integrated assembly where both components work in parallel. This merging approach provides redundant return paths that improve reliability, as one component can compensate if the other fails, while the components are arranged in a compact configuration that minimizes the increase in overall device complexity
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 provides a more flexible, efficient, and reliable fastening tool that is easier to use and maintain, with improved performance in setting fasteners consistently without the need for expensive refills.
Implementation Method 1
an elastomeric return cord that are arranged in parallel with one another
Implementation Method 2
a spring and an elastomeric return cord that are arranged in parallel with one another
Data Source
AI summary
A tool with a driver, a motor, a structure to which the motor is coupled and a return cord assembly. The driver that is translatable along an axis between an extended position and a retracted position. The motor is configured to translate the driver from the returned position to the extended position. The return cord assembly is coupled to the driver and the structure and includes a spring and an elastomeric return cord that are employed to return the driver from the extended position to the retracted position.