Fastener Driving Tool with Releasable Lock

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current fastener tools, such as powder actuated, gas, and air tools, face operational difficulties when applying insulation due to premature cocking, which can lead to improper fastener insertion into substrates, especially when dealing with medium to hard density insulation, and result in tiring recoil for operators, particularly when working from below.

Innovation Solution

A fastener driving tool with a releasable lock or control circuitry that prevents cocking during the insertion of the fastener body through insulation, allowing for safe engagement with the substrate before firing, using a cam system or modified control circuitry to ensure proper alignment and timing of the combustion process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual pressure is applied to push the fastener body through insulation, then the fastener can be inserted into the substrate, but the tool may cock prematurely causing improper fastener insertion

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveproper fastener insertionVSAvoidmanual pressure application

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

A decoupling mechanism is introduced between the fastener guide and the firing mechanism. The fastener guide can move independently to allow fastener insertion without triggering cocking, while a separate trigger mechanism controls the firing action. This intermediary mechanism prevents the direct coupling that causes premature cocking.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The tool operation is segmented into distinct independent actions: fastener insertion (moving the fastener guide) and firing (trigger mechanism). The cocking action is separated from the insertion process, allowing these functions to be performed independently without interfering with each other.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Strength

If conventional p.a. tools are used to drive fasteners into hard substrates, then the fastener pin can withstand high forces, but the tool generates substantial recoil causing operator fatigue

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefastener pin strengthVSAvoidoperator fatigue

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

A recoil absorption mechanism is implemented that provides a counteracting force to the recoil generated during firing. This could be through a spring-loaded system, gas damper, or other energy absorption mechanism that counterbalances the rearward force, reducing the impact transmitted to the operator's hand and arm.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #8Anti-weight (Counterweight)

Solution Approach 2:

Energy absorption elements are pre-positioned in the tool to cushion the recoil effect before it reaches the operator. The mechanism is designed to absorb and dissipate the recoil energy through controlled deformation or damping, protecting the operator from the full force of the recoil.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Reliability

If the fastener guide is displaced inwardly to cock the tool, then the tool is ready for firing, but the insulation resistance causes sufficient loading to displace the fastener guide prematurely

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefiring readinessVSAvoidfastener guide displacement force

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The tool employs dynamic control where the cocking and firing functions are activated through different mechanical actions. The fastener guide movement is dynamically separated from the trigger mechanism, allowing the operator to control when cocking occurs independently from when firing occurs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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

Enables efficient and controlled insertion of fasteners into substrates without premature firing, reducing operator fatigue and ensuring proper fastening, suitable for various insulation densities and types, including those with reduced fastener pin sizes.

Implementation Method 1

a driving piston driven along the fastener guide by gas pressure to engage and drive the pin

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGas pressure: Pressure Increase

Implementation Method 2

a driving piston driven by firing of an explosive charge

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectExplosive force: Explosion

Implementation Method 3

the piston is driven by explosive combustion of a gas, for example propane and/or butane

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCombustion: Combustion

Implementation Method 4

the piston is driven by rapid expansion of compressed air from a compressed air source

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRapid expansion: Pressure Increase

Data Source

PatentEP2349651B1A tool for applying insulation fasteners

Publication Date: 2017.08.30 ITW AUSTRALIA

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AI summary

A tool for driving a fastener pin into a substrate to secure a fastener body to the substrate for fixing insulation or other cladding, the tool being of the type comprising a fastener guide and a driving piston driven along the fastener guide by gas pressure to engage and drive the pin, the fastener guide being displaceable axially inwardly relative to the body of the tool in order to cock the tool for firing of the driving piston, wherein the tool comprises means for enabling the tool to push the fastener body through insulation or other cladding into engagement with the underlying substrate without putting the tool into a condition in which firing can occur, the tool being thereafter able to be put into a condition to permit firing to take place.