Glue Gun Stroke Adjustment for Precise Glue Dispensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing glue guns lack a mechanism to precisely control the amount of glue dispensed, leading to inconsistent application and potential waste.
Innovation Solution
A glue gun with a stroke adjustment mechanism, including a knob and a ram, allows users to adjust the distance the carrier moves along the axis, thereby controlling the amount of glue dispensed by rotating the knob, which translates to translational motion of the ram, and adjusts the stroke length of the carrier.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a fixed stroke mechanism is used, then the device complexity is low, but the manufacturing precision and consistency of glue application deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic stroke adjustment mechanism where the carrier's stroke length can be modified by rotating a knob that moves a cam profile. This allows the system to transition from a fixed stroke to an adjustable stroke, enabling precise control over the amount of glue dispensed while maintaining reasonable device complexity through a mechanical cam-based system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of stroke length by allowing the carrier to move different distances along the axis depending on the cam profile position. The knob rotation adjusts the cam profile, which in turn changes the stroke length parameter, enabling precise control over glue quantity without requiring complex electronic controls.
2Quantity of substance
If the carrier stroke length is increased, then the quantity of glue dispensed increases, but the loss of substance (glue waste) increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent allows precise control over the quantity of glue dispensed by changing the stroke length parameter through knob rotation. Users can adjust the cam profile position to match the exact glue quantity needed for each application, preventing both insufficient and excessive glue dispensing, thereby reducing waste while ensuring adequate adhesive application.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates visual feedback through indicia on the housing that indicate the current stroke length or glue quantity setting. This feedback mechanism allows users to monitor and adjust the stroke length to achieve the desired glue quantity, preventing over-dispensing and associated waste while ensuring sufficient glue for the application.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a stroke adjustment mechanism is added, then the adaptability of the device improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic adjustment system where the carrier's stroke length can be modified during operation through knob rotation. The cam profile mechanism allows smooth, continuous adjustment of the stroke length, providing high adaptability for different glue quantities while keeping the mechanism structure relatively simple and mechanically straightforward.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a cam profile as an intermediary element between the knob and the carrier. The cam profile translates rotational motion of the knob into linear motion of the carrier, providing a simple yet effective mechanism for stroke adjustment. This intermediary approach avoids complex linkages or electronic controls while achieving the desired adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
A glue gun including a housing, an actuator, a carrier, and a stroke adjustment mechanism. The housing extends along an axis and includes a first end and a second end opposite the first end. The first end includes an outlet configured to dispense glue from the housing. The actuator is coupled to the housing. The carrier is supported by the housing and is configured to support a glue stick. The carrier is coupled to the actuator and movable a distance along the axis in response to actuation of the actuator to guide the glue stick toward the first end. The stroke adjustment mechanism is coupled to the carrier to adjust the distance that the carrier is movable along the axis.