Extension Pole Actuating Mechanism for Driving Tool Trigger

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing extension poles for driving tools require manual actuation of the driving tool's trigger, which can be cumbersome and inefficient, especially when driving fasteners into ceilings or other hard-to-reach areas.

Innovation Solution

The extension pole incorporates an actuating mechanism with a release force that causes a trigger on the driving tool to move in an opposite direction, allowing the trigger to be actuated by pushing the driving tool against the substrate, thereby simplifying the actuation process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual actuation of the driving tool's trigger is required, then the driving tool can be controlled, but the operation becomes cumbersome and inefficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of actuationVSAvoidtime for actuation
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The driving tool is configured to actuate its own trigger automatically when pushed against the substrate. The tool's movement against the substrate directly causes the trigger to move in the opposite direction, eliminating the need for separate manual trigger actuation and making the system self-sufficient

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of requiring the user to manually pull the trigger back, the system inverts the mechanism so that pushing the tool forward against the substrate automatically pulls the trigger back. The trigger actuation direction is opposite to the tool's movement direction, simplifying the user's action to a simple push

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Ease of operation

If the trigger must be manually actuated, then control is possible, but user effort increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser effortVSAvoidforce required for actuation
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses the tool's own movement against the substrate to generate the force needed for trigger actuation. The substrate provides the reaction force that automatically pulls the trigger, eliminating the need for the user to apply separate force to actuate the trigger

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The force application is inverted: instead of the user pulling the trigger directly, the user pushes the tool forward and the substrate's resistance provides the reactive force that pulls the trigger back. This inversion transfers the force requirement from the user's hand to the substrate interaction

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

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 enhances the usability of the extension pole by allowing easier and more efficient actuation of the driving tool, reducing user effort and improving the overall effectiveness of the tool in various applications.

Implementation Method 1

The actuation mechanism may comprise a lever. The lever may comprise a first end. The lever may comprise a second end. The first end of the lever may be connected to the trigger actuator. The second end of the lever may be connected to the release.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLever: Lever

Data Source

PatentEP4559627A1Extension pole for driving tool
Publication Date: 2025.05.28 ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC
  • EP4559627A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4559627A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4559627A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to an extension pole (1, 1') for a driving tool (2), the extension pole (1, 1') comprising mounting means (3, 3') for mounting the driving tool (2) to the extension pole (1, 1') and an actuating mechanism (5, 5') configured such that a release force (FD, FD') applied towards the driving tool (2) mounted to the extension pole (1, 1') causes a trigger (22) of the driving tool (2) to move (DA, DA') in an opposite direction to actuate the trigger (22).