External Fuel Metering Valve Shuttle for Consistent Combustion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Corded and battery-powered fastening tools face limitations in convenience and runtime due to cord constraints and battery life, while combustion tools offer a favorable alternative but require precise fuel metering for consistent operation.
Innovation Solution
An external fuel metering valve system with a shuttle mechanism and seals, allowing controlled fuel delivery to a combustion chamber, ensuring consistent fuel supply and operation by alternately opening and closing fuel paths based on actuation forces and pressure differentials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If a corded fastening tool is used, then continuous operation is possible as long as power is available, but the tool becomes cumbersome and limited by cord length
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the fuel metering function from the main tool body and places it in an external valve assembly that couples to the fuel canister. This separation allows the tool to operate without being constrained by cord length while maintaining precise fuel control, as the external valve can be positioned optimally for fuel delivery without affecting tool ergonomics or mobility.
Solution Approach 2:
The external fuel metering valve acts as an intermediary component between the fuel canister and the combustion system. It mediates the fuel delivery process by controlling flow through the shuttle mechanism, enabling the tool to achieve extended operation without cords while maintaining precise metering control through the intermediate valve assembly.
2Ease of operation
If a battery-powered fastening tool is used, then cordless operation is achieved, but operating period is limited by battery life and the tool becomes heavier
Solution Approach 1:
The external fuel metering valve assembly serves multiple functions: it meters fuel precisely for consistent combustion, extends operational duration by efficiently managing fuel from the canister, and maintains mobility by being externally coupled rather than integrated into the tool body. This multi-functional design allows the tool to achieve unlimited operation duration without sacrificing the mobility benefits of cordless operation.
3Duration of action of moving object
If combustion powered tools are used, then extended operation and lightweight design are achieved, but precise fuel metering is required for consistent operation
Solution Approach 1:
The fuel metering function is segmented into a separate external valve assembly with its own shuttle mechanism and sealing system. This segmentation isolates the precision metering requirements from the main tool, allowing the valve to be optimized specifically for fuel control while the rest of the tool maintains simplicity and mobility. The segmented design enables consistent operation through dedicated fuel metering without increasing overall tool complexity.
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 system provides reliable, efficient, and consistent fuel delivery to combustion-powered tools, enabling prolonged operation without the limitations of cords or battery life, with the fuel metering valve ensuring precise fuel volumes for sustained performance.
Implementation Method 1
the discharge flow path is closed in response to a differential between pressure exerted on the shuttle and a lack of pressure at an outlet stem of the valve
Data Source
AI summary
A handheld combustion powered fastening tool may include a driving system that drives fasteners into workpieces in response to combustion of fuel by the driving system. A fuel delivery system may supply fuel to the driving system. The fuel delivery system may include a fuel canister storing liquid fuel, such as liquid hydrocarbons such as propane, and a fuel metering valve supplying a previously set amount, or volume, of fuel from the fuel canister to the driving system for combustion.