Powered Fastener Depth Shutoff for Multi-Strike Cable Fastening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing powered fastening devices face challenges in driving heavy-duty fasteners to a desired depth with precision and control, especially in remote locations where standard power sources are unavailable, and there is a need for improved methods to affix cables or wires to utility poles without pinching or crushing them.
Innovation Solution
A powered fastening device with a main housing, fastener drive assembly, drive motor, feeder assembly, adjustable depth selector, and motor control, which allows for multiple strikes and precise depth control by enabling the drive motor only when the feeder assembly reaches a predetermined stop position, using a user-actuated trigger switch and a mechanically actuated switch to manage the depth and prevent over-driving.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a single driving stroke is used to drive a fastener into a work piece, then the operation is quick and simple, but the depth control is poor and it is difficult to drive heavy-duty fasteners to the desired depth
Solution Approach 1:
The device employs a dynamic multi-strike mechanism where the drive motor is enabled and disabled in sequence during operation. The system transitions from a static single-strike approach to a dynamic multi-strike process with automatic depth monitoring, allowing the fastener to be driven incrementally to the precise depth while maintaining operational simplicity through automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates a depth sensor that continuously monitors the fastener penetration depth and provides feedback to the control system. This feedback mechanism enables the controller to automatically disable the drive motor when the predetermined depth is reached, ensuring precise depth control without requiring complex manual intervention or overly complicated mechanical depth-limiting structures.
2Manufacturing precision
If the drive motor is continuously enabled during fastener driving, then the fastener can be driven deep into the work piece, but the risk of pinching or crushing cables or wires increases
Solution Approach 1:
The depth sensor provides real-time feedback on fastener penetration depth, enabling the control system to automatically disable the drive motor when the predetermined depth is reached. This feedback-controlled stopping mechanism ensures precise depth control and prevents over-driving that could pinch or crush cables or wires, eliminating the harmful effects while maintaining the ability to drive fasteners to the required depth.
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-establishes the desired depth parameter before the fastening operation begins. By programming the target depth in advance and using the depth sensor to monitor progress, the system proactively prevents cable damage before it can occur, rather than relying on reactive measures after damage has started.
3Productivity
If a common hammer is used to drive U-shaped nails or staples into structural members, then the device is simple and widely available, but the process is time consuming and prone to mishits or deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the manual hammering process with an automated powered fastening device that uses a drive motor and controlled striking mechanism. This substitution eliminates the variability and inconsistency of manual hammering while significantly increasing fastening speed. The automated system delivers consistent, controlled strikes that prevent deformation and ensure reliable fastener installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates automatic depth monitoring and motor control that enables the system to self-regulate the fastening process. The depth sensor and controller work together to automatically stop the driving action at the predetermined depth, eliminating the need for operator judgment and ensuring consistent, reliable results without requiring skilled operation.
4Strength
If multiple strikes are used to drive heavy-duty fasteners to the desired depth, then the fastening capability is improved, but the time required for each fastening operation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device maintains continuous useful action by automatically sequencing multiple strikes without requiring manual intervention between blows. The drive motor is rapidly enabled and disabled in sequence, delivering multiple controlled strikes that drive the fastener to the desired depth in a continuous, efficient process. This automated multi-strike sequence eliminates idle time and maintains productive action throughout the fastening operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs periodic action through the rhythmic enabling and disabling of the drive motor during the fastening process. The motor operates in periodic cycles, delivering controlled strikes at optimized intervals that efficiently drive the fastener to depth. This periodic operation pattern maximizes fastening capability while minimizing total operation time compared to manual methods.
Data Source
AI summary
A powered fastening device is provided and is capable of applying multiple strikes to a fastener to drive the fastener to a preselected depth in a work piece and then automatically stopping the strikes when the preselected depth has been achieved.