Lightweight Fastener Insertion Device with Wear-Resistant Liners

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing hand-operable devices for inserting fasteners into substrates are heavy, labor-intensive, and prone to blockages, leading to occupational health issues and reduced efficiency, especially when used on uneven or sloping ground.

Innovation Solution

A hand-operable device with a lightweight design using sacrificial liners and bearings to reduce wear and prevent blockages, composed of materials like aluminum and synthetic polymers, which allows for easier handling and maintenance, and incorporates a magazine system with adhesive and paper to secure fasteners without jamming.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If heavy materials are used in fastener insertion devices, then durability and wear resistance are improved, but operator strain and portability are worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewear resistanceVSAvoiddevice weight

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The device is divided into multiple components with different material properties. The frame and handle use lightweight materials (aluminum alloy, synthetic polymers) while only the critical guiding means and pushing means contact surfaces use wear-resistant materials (through liners or coatings). This segmentation allows the device to achieve sufficient wear resistance at contact points without making the entire device heavy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different parts of the device have different material properties tailored to their specific functions. The guiding means and pushing means, which require wear resistance due to repeated contact, are provided with protective liners or coatings. The bulk of the device structure uses lightweight materials to reduce overall weight and operator strain.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Productivity

If traditional fastener holding methods are used, then fastener insertion capability is maintained, but blockages and operational interruptions increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinsertion efficiencyVSAvoidblockage frequency

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A magazine system with adhesive and paper is introduced as an intermediary mechanism between the operator and the fasteners. The adhesive secures fasteners in the magazine, preventing them from shifting or jamming during transport and insertion. The paper provides a stable backing that further prevents fastener movement and blockages in the guiding means.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

Fasteners are pre-secured in the magazine using adhesive and paper before insertion begins. This preliminary securing action prevents fasteners from moving or jamming during the insertion process, ensuring smooth and continuous operation without interruptions for clearing blockages.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of manufacture

If uniform material composition is used throughout the device, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but wear protection and component longevity are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidcomponent longevity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The device uses composite construction where the main body is made of lightweight materials (aluminum alloy, synthetic polymers) and the wear-prone components (guiding means, pushing means) are protected with separate wear-resistant liners or coatings. This composite approach combines the advantages of lightweight materials with the benefits of wear-resistant materials, extending component longevity without significantly complicating manufacturing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

4Productivity

If manual hammering method is used, then fastener insertion is achieved, but operator injury risk and labor intensity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation speedVSAvoidoperator injury risk

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The manual hammering method is replaced with a mechanical pushing system. The device includes a pushing means that mechanically drives fasteners into the substrate without requiring the operator to strike them with a hammer. This substitution eliminates the repetitive impact motions that cause back, joint, and muscle injuries while maintaining installation speed and productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentEP2358503B1Apparatus and method for inserting a fastener

Publication Date: 2018.01.03 LACY CHRISTOPHER JOHN

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AI summary

The present invention provides a device for the insertion of fasteners into the ground for the purpose of anchoring sheet-like materials such as geotechnical mats in soil stabilization or for securing forms of netting to prevent crop wastage. A further aspect of this invention provides a form of securing fasteners by a method that reduces damage or impediment in the operation of the fastener insertion device.