Flywheel Fastening Tool Timeout Control for Faster Ready-to-Fire
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Solution Overview
Problem
Flywheel driven fastening tools face inefficiencies in fastener firing speed due to the time required for the flywheel to spool up to the necessary RPM, and existing systems lack effective control mechanisms for stopping the flywheel motor without user input.
Innovation Solution
A controller is implemented to manage the flywheel motor, stopping it after specific timeout periods based on user input conditions, allowing for two distinct timeout durations and adjusting flywheel speed for efficient fastener driving.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the flywheel motor is allowed to return to rest without user input, then the maximal wait time for spooling up the flywheel is experienced by the user, but the motor can be deactivated without user input
Solution Approach 1:
The controller implements a timeout mechanism that automatically deactivates the motor after a predetermined period without user input. This preliminary action prevents indefinite waiting and establishes a maximum wait time, resolving the contradiction between automatic deactivation and user wait time.
2Reliability
If the flywheel is spooled up to target RTF speed, then the fastener can be driven successfully, but the time it takes to fire the fastener is limited by the time to spool-up the flywheel
Solution Approach 1:
The controller maintains the flywheel at or above target RTF speed for a predetermined period after reaching the speed threshold, before deactivating the motor. This preliminary maintenance action ensures the fastener can be driven successfully while minimizing the overall time required, as the flywheel is already at the required speed when the fastener is fired.
3Reliability
If the controller maintains flywheel speed continuously, then the fastener can be driven reliably, but energy is consumed continuously
Solution Approach 1:
The controller operates the motor in periodic intervals: activating it to bring the flywheel to target speed, maintaining it briefly to ensure reliability, then deactivating it. This periodic action pattern ensures the fastener can be driven reliably while minimizing continuous energy consumption, as the motor is off during most of the operation cycle.
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
This approach enhances the efficiency of fastener driving by optimizing flywheel speed and reducing wait times, enabling faster and more controlled operation of the fastening tool.
Implementation Method 1
a drive motor assembly can include an electric motor coupled to the flywheel to rotate the flywheel
Implementation Method 2
a rotating flywheel that engages a driver to impart energy to the driver, causing the driver to move
Data Source
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AI summary
A controller for a flywheel driven fastening tool that keeps the flywheel active at or near a ready-to-fire state, for a defined period of time without the continuous user input into the trigger switch or contact trip. The controller controls two (2) or more different timeout periods and flywheel speeds that occur due to different scenarios, such as variations in the user input at the trigger and contact trip. As a result, the controller reduces the wait time for the flywheel to return to a target speed. Thus, user time for performing a nailer application with a flywheel nailer is decreased.