Electronic Impact Tool Controller for Hammer Speed
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional impact tools rely on mechanically timed rotary blows, which can be inefficient and lack precise control over the impact mechanism, leading to suboptimal performance in tasks such as tightening and loosening fasteners.
Innovation Solution
An impact tool with a hammer and anvil mechanism that includes an electronic controller to manage the transition from a disengaged to an engaged position based on a threshold rotational speed, utilizing a solenoid valve and mechanical spring for controlled motion, allowing independent rotational and translational motion of the hammer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the hammer is mechanically timed to impact the anvil based on rotational motion, then the impact mechanism operates continuously, but the control precision and efficiency of impacts are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical timing system with an electronic control system that uses sensors to detect rotational speed and an electronic controller to determine when to actuate the hammer. This substitution enables precise control over impact timing based on measured rotational parameters, resolving the contradiction between mechanical continuity and control precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where sensors continuously monitor the rotational speed of the hammer, and this information is fed back to the electronic controller. The controller uses this feedback to determine the optimal moment to actuate the hammer, ensuring impacts occur at precisely the right rotational speed threshold, thereby achieving both precision and efficiency.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the hammer impacts the anvil continuously during rotation, then the fastening action is maintained, but energy is wasted when the hammer rotates at suboptimal speeds
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the impact mechanism dynamic by allowing the hammer to transition between engaged and disengaged states based on real-time rotational speed conditions. The electronic controller dynamically adjusts hammer actuation timing, engaging the hammer only when rotational speed reaches the optimal threshold and disengaging it when speed is suboptimal, thereby optimizing energy usage while maintaining fastening reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic impact action rather than continuous impact. The hammer is actuated in periodic pulses at specific rotational speed thresholds during each rotation cycle, rather than impacting continuously. This periodic action reduces energy waste during suboptimal rotation phases while maintaining effective fastening through strategically timed impacts.
3Ease of operation
If the hammer rotation speed is not controlled, then the impact mechanism is simpler to operate, but the performance in driving rotational torque is suboptimal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-regulating system where the electronic controller automatically monitors rotational speed and determines the optimal timing for hammer actuation without requiring user intervention. The system self-adjusts to maintain optimal rotational torque by comparing actual rotational speed against predetermined thresholds and autonomously controlling hammer engagement, preserving ease of operation while maximizing power output.
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
This solution enables precise control over the impact mechanism, improving efficiency and effectiveness in driving rotational torque, allowing for better handling of fasteners by ensuring the hammer impacts the anvil only when a predetermined speed is reached, enhancing the tool's performance in applications like tightening and loosening.
Implementation Method 1
The electronic controller may be configured to actuate a solenoid valve to cause the hammer to move from the disengaged position to the engaged position
Implementation Method 2
The impact tool may further comprise a mechanical spring configured to bias the hammer toward the disengaged position
Implementation Method 3
the hammer is configured to rotate and to move between a disengaged position in which the hammer does not impact the anvil when rotating and an engaged position in which the hammer impacts the anvil when rotating
Data Source
AI summary
Illustrative embodiments of impact tools are disclosed. In at least one illustrative embodiment, an impact tool may comprise an impact mechanism including a hammer and an anvil. The hammer may be configured to rotate and to move between a disengaged position in which the hammer does not impact the anvil when rotating and an engaged position in which the hammer impacts the anvil when rotating, and the anvil may be configured to rotate when impacted by the hammer. The impact tool may further comprise an electronic controller configured to cause the hammer to (i) rotate in the disengaged position until reaching a threshold rotational speed and (ii) move from the disengaged position to the engaged position in response to the hammer achieving the threshold rotational speed.