Fastener Driving Tool Combustion Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fastener driving tools suffer from inefficient combustion, leading to reduced power and poor fastening quality, and are not adaptable to varying environmental conditions such as atmospheric pressure and temperature.

Innovation Solution

A fastener driving tool with a combustion chamber that includes two inlet ports for different fluids, actuated by controllers to adjust the mass flow rates based on ambient conditions, ensuring an optimal stoichiometric ratio for efficient combustion, independent of environmental changes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a simple fuel injection system is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the combustion efficiency deteriorates and the tool cannot adapt to varying environmental conditions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecombustion control systemVSAvoidcombustion efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic control of the fuel injection system by adjusting the injection duration based on detected ambient conditions (temperature, humidity, altitude). The controller modifies the injection pulse width in real-time to maintain optimal stoichiometric ratio, transforming a static system into a dynamically adaptive one that responds to environmental changes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs feedback control by using sensors to detect ambient conditions and feeding this information back to the controller, which then adjusts the fuel injection parameters accordingly. This closed-loop system ensures the combustion process adapts to varying environmental conditions while maintaining high efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Device complexity

If the fuel injection duration is fixed, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability to different environmental conditions deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol systemVSAvoidadaptability to environmental conditions
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system transitions from fixed injection duration to variable injection duration controlled by environmental conditions. The controller dynamically adjusts the injection pulse width based on real-time sensor data about temperature, humidity, and altitude, enabling the system to adapt to diverse operating environments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the injection duration parameter based on ambient conditions. By modifying this critical parameter in response to temperature, humidity, and altitude variations, the system maintains optimal combustion stoichiometry across different environmental conditions without requiring complex hardware changes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Device complexity

If combustion is not optimized for environmental conditions, then the device complexity remains low, but the power output and fastening quality deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecombustion optimization systemVSAvoidpower output
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses feedback from environmental sensors to continuously monitor and adjust combustion parameters. The controller receives data about ambient conditions and modifies fuel injection accordingly, ensuring optimal power output is maintained across varying environments rather than operating at reduced efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent optimizes power output by dynamically changing the fuel injection duration parameter in response to environmental conditions. This parameter adjustment ensures the combustion process operates at peak efficiency for each set of ambient conditions, maximizing power delivery without requiring complex mechanical modifications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 tool achieves efficient combustion and consistent fastening performance across different altitudes and temperatures by optimizing the fluid mixture, ensuring sufficient driving force for fasteners regardless of ambient conditions.

Implementation Method 1

a first actuator, operably coupled to said first inlet port, adapted to switch between a first open state, allowing said first fluid to move into said combustion chamber at a first mass flow rate that is dependent on said at least one variable fluid characteristic

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFluid flow control:

Implementation Method 2

a second actuator, operably coupled to said second inlet port, adapted to switch between a second open state, allowing said second fluid to move into said combustion chamber at a second mass flow rate

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFluid flow control:

Implementation Method 3

a controller, configured to operate any one of said first and second actuators and to control a time interval of said first open state and/or said second open state based on at least one predetermined parameter, so as to provide a predetermined mass ratio of said first and second fluid within said combustion chamber

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectStoichiometric ratio control:

Implementation Method 4

The tool is gas-powered, i.e. the housing 1 is provided with an internal combustion engine 2 to generate a driving force for propulsion of a piston

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCombustion: Combustion

Implementation Method 5

Igniting the mixture by an internal ignition device provides a driving force, thereby propelling the piston to drive the nail through the exit of a guide tip 5. Ignition of the ignition device is initiated by the user depressing the trigger 10, generating an electric arc in the combustion chamber.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectric arc: Electric Arc

Data Source

PatentEP3954504B1Fastener driving tool
Publication Date: 2024.01.17 ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC
  • EP3954504B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3954504B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3954504B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A fastener driving tool (100) for fixation of parts by way of nails or staple propelled by a driving piston under the effect of the combustion of one or more fluids. More specifically, the present invention involves a device of controlling the relative proportions of the fluids used for combustion including a combustion chamber having a first inlet port for inputting a first fluid having at least one variable fluid characteristic, and a second inlet port for inputting a second fluid. A first actuator (122) is operably coupled to said first inlet port, adapted to switch between a first open state, allowing said first fluid to move into said combustion chamber (110) at a first mass flow rate that is dependent on said at least one variable fluid characteristic, and a first closed state, preventing or at least limiting said first fluid from moving into said combustion chamber. A second actuator (132) is operably coupled to said second inlet port, adapted to switch between a second open state, allowing said second fluid to move into said combustion chamber at a second mass flow rate, and a second closed state, preventing said second fluid from moving into said combustion chamber (110). A controller is configured to operate any one of said first and second actuators and to control a time interval of said first open state and/or said second open state based on at least one predetermined parameter, so as to provide a predetermined mass ratio of said first and second fluid within said combustion chamber (110).