Gas Spring Fastener Driver Reducing Reaction Force
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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, safety hazards, and low efficiency due to reliance on fuel cells, air hoses, mechanical springs, or cumbersome flywheel mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A portable, electric motor-driven fastener driving apparatus utilizing a gas spring anvil assembly with a limited piston stroke, a motor-actuated drive mechanism, and a return mechanism to enhance efficiency and safety, allowing for efficient energy storage and release with reduced reactionary force and improved safety during jam clearance.
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 gas spring mechanism from the complex fuel cell system while retaining the portability benefit. By using a simple compressed gas spring instead of a fuel cell combustion system, the invention eliminates the need for fuel tanks, ignition systems, and exhaust handling while maintaining portable operation without air hoses.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a disposable or replaceable gas spring cartridge system that can be quickly exchanged when depleted, replacing the need for complex reusable fuel cell systems. This approach reduces overall system complexity while maintaining portability.
2Device complexity
If a mechanical spring system is used to drive fasteners, then the device structure is simple, but the reaction force on the user is high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a gas spring as an intermediary between the motor and the fastener driving mechanism. The gas spring absorbs and stores energy during motor actuation, then releases it smoothly to drive the fastener, reducing peak reaction forces on the user while maintaining driving effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The gas spring pre-compression acts as beforehand cushioning, storing energy in advance and releasing it gradually during fastener ejection. This cushions the impact and reduces sudden reaction forces on the user.
3Ease of operation
If a solenoid or spring system is used to drive fasteners, then the device is portable, but the fastener length is limited to short distances
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a dynamic gas spring system that can be actuated with sufficient force to drive longer fasteners while maintaining portable dimensions. The gas spring's elastic properties allow for extended stroke lengths compared to traditional mechanical springs, enabling longer fastener delivery without compromising portability.
4Productivity
If a flywheel mechanism is used to drive fasteners quickly, then the productivity increases, but the weight and size of the device increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the heavy flywheel mechanical inertia system with a lightweight electric motor combined with a gas spring energy storage system. The motor provides rapid acceleration, and the gas spring stores and releases energy quickly, achieving high productivity without the weight penalty of a flywheel mechanism.
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 a cost-effective, portable, and efficient fastener driving system with reduced wear, improved safety, and high energy conversion efficiency, mimicking pneumatic tools without the need for air compressors, while minimizing operator fatigue and extending tool life.
Implementation Method 1
uses a motor to actuate a spring anvil assembly. The spring anvil assembly further comprises an anvil and a spring which may be a gas spring for example
Implementation Method 2
A portable, electric motor-driven fastener driving apparatus utilizing a gas spring anvil assembly
Data Source
AI summary
A fastener driving apparatus includes a spring anvil assembly that comprises a gas spring and an anvil. The end of the piston that extends out of the gas spring may be fixedly disposed against an object that is capable of exerting a force against the piston for at least a portion of the operational cycle. A drive mechanism acts on the spring assembly to store potential energy in the spring. The drive mechanism thereafter ceases acting on the spring assembly and the potential energy is released, causing the spring anvil assembly move and to separate from the drive mechanism for a period of free flight of the spring anvil assembly, the anvil thereafter moving to strike a fastener to drive the fastener into a substrate.