Grip-Housed Electromagnetic Valve Layout for Pneumatic Tool Timing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Pneumatic tools actuated by electromagnetic valves face challenges in controlling actuation timing, preventing malfunctions, and reducing power consumption, particularly due to the impact of mechanical components and inefficient arrangement of electric components, leading to operability issues and increased costs.

Innovation Solution

A pneumatic tool design with an electromagnetic valve positioned on the opposite side of the body housing, away from the drive mechanism, and a control unit integrated into the grip housing, allowing for precise control of compressed air supply and minimizing the impact of mechanical stress on electronic components, while also incorporating a safety mechanism to prevent unintentional operation and reduce standby power consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the electromagnetic valve is arranged in a place easily affected by impact, then the control of compressed air supply is improved, but the movable iron core is moved due to impact causing malfunction

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol of compressed air supplyVSAvoidmalfunction prevention
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The pneumatic tool is divided into two separate housing sections: the body housing containing the drive mechanism and the grip housing containing the electromagnetic valve. This segmentation isolates the electromagnetic valve from impact zones while maintaining control functionality through pneumatic coupling between the sections.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A communication passage is provided between the body housing and grip housing to transmit compressed air as an intermediary medium. This allows the electromagnetic valve in the grip housing to control the drive mechanism in the body housing without being physically exposed to impact forces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If a high load spring is used to prevent movable iron core movement, then malfunction is prevented, but the electromagnetic valve enlarges and power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemalfunction preventionVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The electromagnetic valve is positioned in the grip housing away from impact sources before impact occurs. This preemptive positioning eliminates the need for high-load springs to protect against impact, thereby reducing spring force requirements and associated power consumption while preventing malfunction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Manufacturing precision

If electric components are added to control actuation timing, then precise timing control is achieved, but attaching property and maintenance property deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveactuation timing controlVSAvoidattaching and maintenance property
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The electromagnetic valve is integrated into the grip housing structure, merging the control component with an existing housing element. This consolidation maintains precise timing control while improving attaching properties by reducing the number of separate components and simplifying maintenance through unified housing design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 enables precise control of actuation timing, reduces the risk of malfunctions, and minimizes power consumption by buffering the electromagnetic valve from mechanical impacts and optimizing the arrangement of electric components, thereby enhancing safety and production efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

an electromagnetic valve configured to control supply of the compressed air to the drive mechanism

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic actuation: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP3698925B1Pneumatic tool
Publication Date: 2021.10.06 MAX CO LTD
  • EP3698925B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3698925B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B
  • EP3698925B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A pneumatic tool includes a drive mechanism configured to be actuated by a pneumatic pressure of compressed air, a body housing having the drive mechanism embedded therein, a grip housing connected to the body housing, and an electromagnetic valve configured to control supply of the compressed air to the drive mechanism, wherein the electromagnetic valve is arranged on an opposite side to the body housing, as seen in an extension direction of the grip housing.