Gas Spring Fastener Driver with Staged Lifting Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current electromechanical fastener driving devices face issues such as complex and expensive designs, poor ergonomics, high reaction force, short life, safety concerns, and inefficient return mechanisms, leading to user fatigue and reduced efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A fastener driving device utilizing a gas spring actuated by a motor with a multi-stage lifting mechanism, including a first and second lifter to control the gas spring's potential energy, and a sensor system for detecting jams and adjusting power to prevent damage and ensure user safety, along with a compact design using a rod seal and compliance to enhance efficiency and safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single-stage lifting mechanism is used to actuate the gas spring, then the device structure is simpler, but the control precision and energy management efficiency are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The lifting mechanism is divided into a first lifting mechanism and a second lifting mechanism that operate at different stages. The first lifter acts during an initial portion of the operation cycle, and the second lifter acts during a subsequent portion, allowing precise control of gas spring potential energy at different phases of the fastener driving process.
2Force
If the gas spring is continuously compressed to high energy levels, then the fastener driving force is stronger, but the reaction force on the user increases causing fatigue and safety concerns
Solution Approach 1:
The lifting mechanisms operate in periodic stages during the operation cycle. The first lifter compresses the gas spring during an initial portion, then the second lifter continues compression during a subsequent portion. This staged periodic action builds up the necessary driving force while distributing the reaction force over time, reducing peak user fatigue and improving safety.
3Power
If the device uses a larger gas spring to increase driving power, then the fastener driving capability is improved, but the device weight and size increase reducing portability
Solution Approach 1:
The gas spring compression is segmented into two stages using separate lifting mechanisms. This allows the gas spring to be smaller and lighter while still achieving the necessary driving power, because the staged compression optimizes energy delivery efficiency and reduces the total energy storage requirement compared to a single large gas spring.
4Productivity
If the device operates at high speed to increase productivity, then the fastening efficiency is improved, but the risk of jams and safety incidents increases
Solution Approach 1:
A sensor system provides feedback during operation to detect jams and control the motor that drives the lifting mechanisms. The sensor system monitors the operation cycle and can detect abnormal conditions such as jams, allowing the control system to adjust motor power or stop operation to prevent damage and ensure user safety while maintaining high productivity during normal operation.
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 device achieves improved efficiency, safety, and reduced size by effectively managing gas spring energy, minimizing reaction force, and preventing damage during jam clearing, while maintaining high operational pressure and extending the life of components.
Implementation Method 1
the at least one gas spring capable of moving to an energized position upon being engaged by the drive mechanism... the at least one gas spring releases a portion of its potential energy and accelerates the anvil to drive a fastener
Data Source
AI summary
A fastener driving device includes a fastener and at least one gas spring. Additionally, the fastener driving device includes a drive mechanism, the drive mechanism being capable of selectively engaging and disengaging the at least one gas spring, the at least one gas spring capable of moving to an energized position upon being engaged by the drive mechanism. Additionally, the device includes an anvil, wherein the drive mechanism includes a first lifting mechanism and a second lifting mechanism, wherein the first lifting mechanism actuates the at least one gas spring for a portion of an operation cycle, and the second lifting mechanism thereafter actuates the at least one gas spring for a subsequent portion of the operation cycle before the drive mechanism ceases applying a force on the at least one gas spring and the at least one gas spring releases a portion of its potential energy and accelerates the anvil to drive a fastener.