Electrically-Mechanical Fastener Tool With Helical Spring Energy Store
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tools for driving in fasteners, such as staples or nails, are either heavy and difficult to maneuver, especially in hard-to-reach terrain, or require frequent maintenance and generate waste and emissions. Additionally, electromechanical tools face issues with motor lifespan and inefficient energy storage.
Innovation Solution
A tool that utilizes a mechanical energy store, like a helical spring, to transfer energy to fasteners, eliminating the need for pneumatic or gas-powered devices. The tool features an ejecting device with a driver element and shooting device, controlled by an electric motor and spindle drive, which allows for efficient loading and firing of fasteners with a purely mechanical mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If pneumatic or gas-powered tools are used to drive fasteners, then sufficient energy can be delivered to drive fasteners, but the tools become very heavy and difficult to maneuver
Solution Approach 1:
The tool separates the heavy power source (mechanical energy store) from the light operating mechanism (ejecting device). The mechanical energy store can be detached and replaced, allowing the main tool body to remain lightweight while still delivering sufficient energy through the stored mechanical energy.
Solution Approach 2:
Energy is stored in advance in the mechanical energy store before operation. The helical spring is pre-compressed or pre-tensioned to store mechanical energy, which is then released during fastener driving. This preliminary energy storage eliminates the need for heavy pneumatic systems during actual operation.
2Ease of operation
If gas-powered tools are used to drive fasteners, then portability is improved, but gas cartridges accumulate as waste and exhaust gases are emitted
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces chemical energy systems (gas cartridges, combustion) with a mechanical energy storage system (helical spring). The mechanical spring stores and releases energy without combustion, eliminating exhaust gases and waste cartridge accumulation while maintaining portability.
3Ease of operation
If electromechanical tools with mechanical energy stores are used, then portability and environmental friendliness are improved, but the motor lifespan is negatively affected due to operating in maximum load torque conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The electric motor operates in periodic cycles: during loading of the mechanical energy store, the motor runs at moderate load, then during the actual fastener driving, the pre-stored mechanical energy is released. This periodic operation with energy storage buffers prevents continuous maximum load operation, extending motor lifespan.
4Ease of manufacture
If decentralized arrangement of clamping device and locking device is used, then ease of assembly is improved, but wedging and guiding problems occur in the shooting device
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping device and locking device are integrated into a unified locking mechanism that combines both functions. This merging ensures proper alignment and guiding of the shooting device while maintaining ease of assembly through modular design elements.
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 provides a convenient, lightweight, and energy-efficient means to drive fasteners into substrates, reducing the need for heavy equipment and minimizing environmental impact. The mechanical energy storage system allows for reliable operation with fewer parts, enhancing tool durability and reducing maintenance requirements.
Implementation Method 1
a mechanical energy store for storing mechanical energy, in particular with a helical spring
Implementation Method 2
an electric motor and a spindle drive driven by the electric motor for converting a rotational movement of the electric motor into a linear movement of the ejecting device
Implementation Method 3
a spindle drive driven by the electric motor for converting a rotational movement of the electric motor into a linear movement of the ejecting device
Data Source
AI summary
A tool includes a mechanical energy storage such as a helical spring, and an ejecting device to be linearly moved between a clamping position and an ejecting position. The ejecting device has a driver element and a shooting device, and an electric motor and a spindle drive driven by the electric motor converts a rotational movement of the electric motor into a linear movement of the ejecting device. A control device controls the rotation of the electric motor, and the ejecting device can move toward the clamping position by rotation of the spindle drive in a first direction of rotation. A locking device can lock the shooting device in the clamping position, and the shooting device can be released and moved toward the ejecting position by actuating the locking device. The driver element can be moved toward the ejecting position by rotating the spindle drive in a second direction.