Gas Spring Fastener Tool Lifter and Latch Mechanisms
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fastener driving tools are either cumbersome due to separate motor and cable systems or require gas replenishment, leading to potential gas leaks and complexity in operation.
Innovation Solution
A portable, electrically powered fastener driving tool utilizing a gas spring principle with a substantially gas-tight system, featuring a rotary-to-linear lifter and a self-locking gearbox, which eliminates the need for gas replenishment and reduces moving parts for simplicity and safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If a separate motor and cable system is used to drive the fastener, then the driving force can be generated, but the tool becomes cumbersome and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the motor, cable system, and fastener driving mechanism into a single integrated tool body. The motor is mounted within the tool housing and directly drives the cable mechanism that actuates the fastener, eliminating the need for separate external components and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining sufficient driving force.
Solution Approach 2:
The tool is designed as a multi-functional device that can drive various types of fasteners (staples, nails, screws) through a universal driving mechanism. The same motor and cable system can accommodate different fastener types by changing the driver element, making the tool versatile while reducing the need for multiple specialized devices.
2Speed
If a gas spring system is used to drive the fastener, then the driving speed increases, but gas leakage may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a gas spring (pneumatic element) to provide rapid driving force for the fastener. The gas spring is sealed within a cylinder and bladder assembly that is integrated into the tool housing. The sealed environment prevents gas leakage while maintaining the high-speed driving capability provided by the pneumatic expansion force.
Solution Approach 2:
The gas spring is enclosed by a flexible bladder and sealed housing that contain the pressurized gas. The bladder acts as a flexible barrier that expands and contracts to drive the piston while maintaining seal integrity. This flexible sealing mechanism prevents gas leakage while allowing the pneumatic system to operate at high speeds.
3Ease of operation
If multiple moving parts are used in the fastener driving mechanism, then the driving function can be achieved, but the number of components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The driving mechanism is divided into distinct functional segments: the gas spring assembly for power generation, the piston for force transmission, the driver element for fastener engagement, and the cable system for return motion. Each segment performs a specific function and is designed to minimize interfering components, reducing overall complexity while maintaining operational simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable system is designed to automatically return the driver element to its starting position after driving the fastener, eliminating the need for a separate manual reset mechanism. The gas spring naturally expands to drive the piston, and the cable system passively returns the driver, creating a self-service mechanism that reduces the number of active components required.
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 tool provides a quick and efficient driving stroke with reduced gas leakage risks, enhanced safety through self-locking mechanisms, and improved operational simplicity by integrating the gas spring system within a portable, electrically powered device.
Implementation Method 1
a cylinder filled with compressed gas is used to quickly force a piston through a driving stroke movement
Implementation Method 2
the piston is then moved back to its starting position by use of a rotary-to-linear lifter, which again compresses the gas above the piston
Data Source
AI summary
A portable linear fastener driving tool is provided that drive staples, nails, or other linearly driven fasteners. The tool uses a gas spring principle, in which a cylinder filled with compressed gas is used to quickly force a piston through a driving stroke movement, while a driver also drives a fastener into a workpiece. The piston/driver is then moved back to its starting position by use of a rotary-to-linear lifter, and the piston again compresses the gas above the piston, thereby preparing the tool for another driving stroke. An improved lifter design has modified lifting pins that reduce the side-forces on the driver. A pivotable latch acts as a safety device, by preventing the driver from making a full driving stroke at an improper time. An improved latch design has a more durable catching surface.