Fastener-Driving Tool Trigger Control Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional fastener-driving tools require manual adjustment to switch between contact actuation and sequential actuation modes, which can be cumbersome and time-consuming, especially for professionals like carpenters who need to alternate between these modes frequently.

Innovation Solution

A fastener-driving tool with a trigger control mechanism that automatically switches between contact actuation and sequential actuation modes without manual adjustment, using a combination of a movable workpiece-contacting element, a trigger, a control valve, and an actuation lever, where the actuation lever is held in an actuating position by a magnetic attraction when in contact actuation mode and moves in a designated sequence when in sequential actuation mode.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If manual adjustment mechanism (lever, latch, or switch) is provided to switch between contact actuation and sequential actuation modes, then mode switching capability is achieved, but device complexity and time consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemode switching capabilityVSAvoidtrigger assembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The actuation lever automatically switches between contact actuation mode and sequential actuation mode based on the position of the workpiece-contacting element, eliminating the need for manual adjustment mechanisms. The system self-regulates the actuation mode according to operational conditions, reducing device complexity while maintaining adaptability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The trigger control mechanism senses the position of the workpiece-contacting element and automatically adjusts the actuation mode accordingly. When the workpiece-contacting element is depressed, the system transitions to contact actuation mode; when released, it returns to sequential mode, creating a feedback-based automatic switching system

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Adaptability or versatility

If manual adjustment mechanism is provided to switch between actuation modes, then mode selection is possible, but time consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemode selection capabilityVSAvoidtime for mode switching
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically determines and switches between actuation modes based on the workpiece-contacting element position, eliminating the time required for manual mode selection. The actuation lever responds instantaneously to the operational state, making the switching process rapid and effortless

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The trigger control mechanism is pre-configured to automatically transition between modes based on predetermined conditions (workpiece-contacting element position), so no time is spent on manual adjustment during operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Productivity

If actuation lever is held in actuating position by magnetic attraction for contact actuation mode, then rapid actuation is achieved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveactuation speedVSAvoidtrigger control mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical locking mechanisms with a magnetic field-based control system. The trigger control mechanism uses magnetic attraction to hold the actuation lever in the actuating position, eliminating complex mechanical latches or springs while achieving rapid and reliable actuation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 rapid and effortless switching between actuation modes, allowing for efficient fastener driving without the need for manual manipulation of the tool, improving operational efficiency and convenience for users.

Implementation Method 1

a magnet assembly (180, 184) positioned within the trigger and configured to repel the actuation lever (130) and hold the actuation lever (130) in the actuating position

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic repulsion: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentEP3055105B1Fastener-driving tool including a reversion trigger
Publication Date: 2017.06.14 ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC
  • EP3055105B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3055105B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3055105B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A fastener-driving tool (112) includes a housing (114) and a workpiece-contacting element (116) movable between a rest position and an activated position. The tool (112) also includes a trigger (136) connected to the housing (114) and movable between a rest position and an activated position, a control valve (122) including an actuating pin, an actuation lever (130) movably connected to the trigger (136) and movable between a rest position and an actuating position adjacent to the actuating pin, and a trigger control mechanism associated with the actuation lever (130) and configured for moving and holding the actuation lever (130) in the actuating position. In a powered mode, the trigger control mechanism causes the actuation lever (130) to move and remain in the actuating position such that the tool (112) is actuated each time the workpiece-contacting element (116) contacts a workpiece and moves to the activated position causing the actuation lever (130) to contact the actuating pin and initiate an actuation of the tool (112).