Fastening Tool Release Valve for Consistent Air Pressure Timing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current fastening tools suffer from inconsistent air pressure release due to temperature sensitivity, leading to misalignment and incomplete returns, which can cause failure to execute a drive cycle or result in insufficient force for driving fasteners.
Innovation Solution
A fastening tool with a piston position biased release valve assembly that includes a spring-biased valve stem and O-ring configuration, allowing controlled air release based on piston position to ensure consistent driving force.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional air pressure release valve is used, then the valve can release air pressure, but the release is inconsistent due to temperature sensitivity causing misalignment and incomplete returns
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the conventional temperature-sensitive mechanical valve with a solenoid actuated release valve. The solenoid uses electromagnetic actuation rather than temperature-sensitive mechanical components, eliminating the temperature sensitivity issue that caused inconsistent air pressure release and misalignment problems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating parameter of the release valve from temperature-dependent mechanical actuation to electrically-controlled solenoid actuation. This parameter change allows precise control of the air pressure release timing through electrical signals, ensuring consistent and reliable operation regardless of temperature variations.
2Reliability
If air pressure is released early or incompletely, then the drive cycle may fail or force is insufficient, but maintaining pressure requires more energy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a controller that monitors the compression piston position and controls the solenoid actuated release valve accordingly. This feedback system ensures air pressure is released at the precise moment needed for the drive cycle, preventing both early release (which would cause failure) and excessive pressure buildup (which would waste energy). The controller adjusts the release timing based on real-time piston position feedback.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the controller to anticipate the needed pressure release by monitoring piston position. The solenoid valve is actuated at the precise moment when pressure release is needed for the drive cycle, rather than releasing pressure continuously or at fixed intervals. This preliminary control action ensures energy is not wasted while maintaining reliable drive cycle execution.
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 solution provides improved control and efficiency in fastening operations, delivering power only when needed, reducing energy consumption, and protecting tool components from damage.
Implementation Method 1
a spring-biased valve stem and O-ring configuration
Data Source
AI summary
A fastening tool comprises a driver member, a controller configured to control a supply of power from a power source to a motor and to initiate a drive cycle, a piston configured to travel between at least two positions in a compression cylinder, a drive assembly, a drive cylinder, and a valve assembly operatively connected with drive cylinder and the compression cylinder. The driver member is at least partially disposed within the drive cylinder for movement along a drive axis to drive a lead fastener into a workpiece. The piston is configured to engage with and open the valve assembly to release the buildup of air in the compression cylinder, due to the travel of the piston between the at least two positions in the compression cylinder, to the drive cylinder so as to move the driver member along the drive axis to drive the lead fastener into the workpiece.