Gas Spring Fastener Driver Using Mass Differential
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fastener driving apparatuses face issues such as complexity, high cost, unreliability, poor ergonomics, non-portability, high reaction force, short life, and safety hazards due to reliance on fuel cells, air hoses, mechanical springs, and complicated mechanisms, limiting their ability to drive longer or larger fasteners efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A portable, electrically powered fastener driving apparatus using a gas spring with a mass differential between the piston and anvil assembly, where the piston actuates the anvil to drive fasteners with minimal pressure increase, enhancing efficiency and safety by reducing seal friction and reactionary force.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a fuel cell system is used to achieve portability, then the device can operate without air hoses, but the complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the combustion chamber and fuel system from the overall device, replacing them with a pneumatic system that uses compressed air stored in a tank. This removes the complex fuel cell, spark ignition system, and fuel delivery mechanisms while maintaining portability through the air tank and pneumatic drive mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the chemical energy conversion system (fuel cell with combustion) with a mechanical pneumatic system. Compressed air stored in a tank is released to drive a piston or diaphragm that directly actuates the fastener driving mechanism, eliminating the need for combustion, electrical sparks, and complex fuel management systems.
2Use of energy by moving object
If a solenoid driven system is used to drive fasteners, then the device can be electrically powered, but the fastener length is limited to short distances
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a reciprocating pneumatic piston that periodically compresses and releases stored air energy. This periodic action allows the system to build up sufficient force over the compression stroke and then release it in a powerful, rapid driving stroke capable of propelling long fasteners into substrates, overcoming the limitations of continuous solenoid actuation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary compression of air in a storage tank before the fastening operation. This pre-stored compressed air provides the necessary energy reservoir to drive long fasteners in a single powerful stroke, eliminating the need for continuous electrical power during the driving action and enabling longer fastener lengths than solenoid systems can achieve.
3Productivity
If a pneumatic system with air compressor is used, then fasteners can be driven rapidly, but the device requires tethering to an air compressor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the pneumatic system into a portable compressed air tank integrated with the fastener driver, separating it from the external air compressor. This allows the high-speed pneumatic actuation to be maintained while the air supply is contained within the handheld device, enabling portability without sacrificing driving speed or power.
4Productivity
If a flywheel mechanism is used to drive fasteners, then long fasteners can be driven quickly, but the device weight and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a pneumatic system with a compact compressed air tank and piston mechanism to replace the heavy flywheel system. The compressed air provides the necessary energy storage and rapid release capability to drive long fasteners at high speed, while the pneumatic components are significantly lighter and more compact than equivalent flywheel mechanisms.
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 achieves high efficiency with over 80% conversion of potential to kinetic energy, reduces tool size and weight, and enhances safety by dissipating kinetic energy in case of jams, providing a cost-effective, ergonomic, and reliable fastener driving mechanism.
Implementation Method 1
uses a gas spring with a mass differential between the piston and anvil assembly, where the piston actuates the anvil to drive fasteners
Implementation Method 2
A portable, electrically powered fastener driving apparatus using a gas spring
Data Source
AI summary
A fastener driving apparatus comprises a gas spring or spring, a drive mechanism, an anvil assembly, and an anvil. The drive mechanism permits transition from engagement with the gas spring, spring or anvil assembly to disengagement from the gas spring, spring or anvil assembly. The anvil and/or anvil assembly are operatively coupled to the gas spring or spring such that after the drive mechanism disengages them, the gas spring piston or the spring moves to imparts a force on the anvil to cause the anvil to move and drive a fastener. The mass of the anvil assembly is preferably greater than 50% of the total mass of the anvil assembly and gas spring moving mass. The gas spring is configured such that the pressure increase during the movement of the gas spring piston by the drive mechanism is less than 30% of the initial pressure in the gas spring.