Fastener Driver Using Extensible Polymer Energy Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fastener driving apparatuses face issues such as complexity, high cost, unreliability, poor ergonomics, non-portability, high reaction force, short life, and safety hazards due to reliance on fuel cells, air hoses, mechanical springs, and complicated mechanisms, limiting their ability to drive longer fasteners efficiently and safely.
Innovation Solution
A fastener driving apparatus powered by rechargeable batteries using an extensible polymer assembly to store energy in a single linear stroke, eliminating the need for seals and complex mechanisms, with a motor-driven linear motion converter and a retention mechanism to release energy for driving fasteners into a substrate, minimizing recoil and enhancing safety and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If a fuel cell system is used to provide portable fastener driving capability, then portability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the complex fuel cell system, combustion chamber, and associated components from the fastener driver. Instead, it uses a simple rechargeable battery-powered motor to drive a piston that compresses a return spring, which then drives the fastener. This extraction of the problematic subsystem resolves the contradiction by maintaining portability while dramatically reducing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the combustion-based mechanical system with an electric motor-driven mechanical system. The motor compresses a spring through a piston, and the spring provides the driving force for the fastener. This substitution eliminates combustion chambers, fuel tanks, and ignition systems, resolving the contradiction between portability and complexity.
2Device complexity
If a solenoid or mechanical spring system is used to drive fasteners, then device simplicity is improved, but the ability to drive full-size fasteners and reduce reaction force deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a dynamic spring compression system where the spring is progressively compressed by a motor-driven piston during the trigger pull, then rapidly expands to drive the fastener. This dynamic approach allows the system to build up sufficient force for full-size fasteners while maintaining simplicity, resolving the contradiction between device simplicity and driving force capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses periodic motor activation to compress the spring during the trigger hold phase, then releases the stored energy in a single rapid action to drive the fastener. This periodic action allows the simple mechanical system to accumulate sufficient force for full-size fasteners while maintaining operational simplicity.
3Force
If pneumatic systems with air hoses are used, then driving force capability is improved, but portability and ease of operation deteriorate due to tethering
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the power source from the driving mechanism by using a self-contained battery-powered motor system within the tool itself, eliminating the need for external air compressors and hoses. This segmentation achieves full portability while maintaining sufficient driving force through the spring-compression mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the pneumatic system with an electric motor-driven spring compression system. The motor compresses a powerful return spring that then drives the fastener, eliminating air hoses and external compressors while maintaining portability and sufficient driving force.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple impact mechanisms are used to drive fasteners, then driving capability for various fastener sizes is improved, but device complexity and reaction force increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a single impact mechanism with variable spring compression levels. By adjusting the compression distance of the return spring through controlled motor activation, the system can adapt to different fastener sizes and substrate conditions. This parameter-based adaptation maintains mechanism simplicity while achieving versatility across fastener sizes.
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 portable, cost-effective, and efficient fastener driving system with reduced reaction force, improved safety, and increased energy delivery, enabling the efficient driving of full-size fasteners without the need for air compressors or complex mechanisms, while maintaining high system efficiency and simplicity.
Implementation Method 1
an extensible polymer assembly (which includes an extensible polymer) to store energy in a single linear stroke
Data Source
AI summary
A fastener driving apparatus includes an extensible polymer assembly and a fastener drive assembly, such that when said extensible polymer assembly is actuated (by a motor and linear motion converter), energy is stored as an extensible polymer of the polymer assembly extends in length and force from said extensible polymer is applied on said fastener drive assembly. When said extensible polymer reaches a sufficient extension, a retention means releases said fastener drive assembly and wherein said fastener drive assembly moves from a first position to a second position such that an anvil of the fastener drive assembly is capable of driving a fastener into a substrate.