Fastener Actuation System Lockout and Trigger Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fastener actuation systems face issues with inadvertent actuation or misfiring due to excessive pressure, leading to undesired fastener placement or misfire, especially when there is significant separation between the user and the tool, such as in overhead applications.
Innovation Solution
A fastener actuation system comprising a tool coupled to a pole assembly with a lockout mechanism, a trigger sleeve, and an advance lever, where the trigger sleeve has a frustoconical surface to release the firing pin sear and an advance pin to load cartridges automatically, preventing premature actuation and ensuring proper alignment and force application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the tool is fired by compressing the tool against the substrate and applying secondary compressive force, then the tool can be operated with significant separation between user and muzzle, but inadvertent actuation or misfiring may occur due to excessive pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The tool requires a two-step preliminary action: first compressing against the substrate to establish proper alignment and loading, then applying a separate trigger actuation. This sequence prevents inadvertent firing by ensuring the tool is properly positioned before allowing activation, resolving the contradiction between remote operation capability and reliable firing control.
Solution Approach 2:
The trigger mechanism acts as an intermediary between the compression force and the firing pin. The trigger sleeve and firing pin assembly require deliberate trigger activation to release the firing pin, providing controlled intermediation that prevents direct compression forces from causing inadvertent actuation while maintaining the extended reach capability.
2Force
If too much pressure is applied initially to fire the tool, then the fastener can be driven into the substrate, but the tool may actuate prematurely causing undesired fastener placement
Solution Approach 1:
The compression step serves as a preliminary action that loads the tool and establishes proper alignment without triggering fireing. The firing pin is held in a retracted position during compression, and only advances when the trigger is deliberately actuated, ensuring precise fastener placement by separating the alignment phase from the firing phase.
Solution Approach 2:
The trigger mechanism serves as an intermediary that decouples the compression force from the firing action. The trigger sleeve mediates between the applied compression force and the firing pin, requiring deliberate trigger activation to release the firing pin, thereby preventing premature actuation and ensuring accurate fastener placement.
3Force
If compression force is applied to fire the tool, then the fastener can be installed, but the firing pin may release without sufficient force causing misfire
Solution Approach 1:
The compression action serves as a preliminary loading step that positions the firing pin and charge correctly without triggering fireing. The trigger mechanism then provides a controlled release that ensures sufficient force is applied to the firing pin, preventing misfire by separating the loading phase from the controlled firing phase.
Solution Approach 2:
The trigger mechanism acts as an intermediary that ensures reliable force transmission to the firing pin. The trigger sleeve and firing pin assembly work together to guarantee that when firing is intended, sufficient force is applied to the charge, preventing misfire while allowing the extended reach operation capability.
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 system ensures precise and controlled fastener placement by preventing accidental firing when the tool is angled below horizontal, maintaining the firing pin in a ready-to-fire position until the tool is properly aligned, thus reducing misfires and improving the accuracy of fastener installation.
Implementation Method 1
The trigger sleeve may have a tapered forward surface for contacting and releasing the firing pin sear... sliding the trigger sleeve toward the barrel assembly may release the firing pin sear, accelerating the firing pin assembly toward a load in the breech block
Implementation Method 2
The firing pin tip may be biased to a generally forward starting position by a compression spring
Implementation Method 3
the trigger sleeve may be biased to a generally rearward starting position by a second compression spring
Implementation Method 4
Combustion of a charge causes the piston to be driven forward, thereby driving the fastener forward and into the substrate
Data Source
AI summary
A fastener actuation system for driving fasteners into a work surface separated a significant distance from a user, the system comprising a fastener actuation tool coupled to a pole assembly, the assembly including a lockout mechanism. The tool may have a firing pin assembly configured such that depression of the barrel assembly against the work surface loads a firing pin into a ready-to-fire position. In addition, the tool may have a trigger sleeve slidable within the tool housing and having a ramp surface such that forward motion of the trigger sleeve may cause a trigger sear to move along the ramp surface until a point where the sear disengages and the firing pin fires. Moreover, the trigger sleeve may operationally engage an advance lever for automatically engaging cartridges. Additionally, the tool system may comprise a pole assembly having a secondary mechanism such as an external sleeve for firing the tool.