Hoseless Fastener Cap Driver With Self-Reversing Screw Feed
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fastener cap driving tools require an external source of pressurized gas, limiting their maneuverability due to the need for a hose connected to a compressor and external power source.
Innovation Solution
A hoseless fastener cap driving tool with a storage chamber that reuses pressurized gas as a gas spring, a battery-powered first motor for a self-reversing lead screw, and a cap feeder assembly with a follower and feed pawl that advances caps sequentially.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If an external source of pressurized gas is used to operate the tool, then the driving force is sufficient, but the maneuverability is limited due to the need for a hose connected to a compressor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the pressurized gas storage from the external environment and incorporates it into the tool itself through a self-contained storage chamber. This eliminates the need for external hoses and compressors, allowing the tool to be maneuvered freely while maintaining sufficient driving force through the stored pressurized gas that acts as a gas spring during the driving stroke.
Solution Approach 2:
The tool becomes self-sufficient by including an integrated storage chamber that holds pressurized gas for operation. The system no longer requires external gas supplies or power sources, enabling independent operation and improved maneuverability while maintaining the necessary driving force through the self-contained gas spring mechanism.
2Use of energy by moving object
If a hose is connected to an external compressor, then pressurized gas is supplied, but the tool becomes cumbersome and less maneuverable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the pressurized gas storage function directly into the tool body through an integrated storage chamber. This combination eliminates the separate external compressor and hose assembly, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining the pressurized gas supply necessary for operation. The tool becomes a self-contained unit without requiring external connections.
3Power
If external power source and compressor are required, then the tool can operate, but the user mobility is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the power supply requirements from external sources and incorporates self-contained energy storage and generation systems into the tool. The storage chamber provides pressurized gas for operational power, and the battery-powered motor provides electrical power, eliminating the need for external compressors and power sources. This enables full operational power while maximizing user mobility and freedom of movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The tool achieves self-service by integrating both pneumatic and electrical power systems within its own structure. The storage chamber supplies pressurized gas and the battery-powered motor supplies electrical power, allowing the tool to operate independently without external infrastructure. This self-sufficiency maintains full operational capability while completely eliminating restrictions on user mobility.
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
Enables maneuverable operation without external gas sources, allowing for efficient and continuous driving of fasteners and caps onto a surface using a self-reversing lead screw mechanism.
Implementation Method 1
a storage chamber that stores and reuses pressurized gas to be used as a gas spring during a driving stroke
Implementation Method 2
a battery that energizes a first motor, and the first motor rotates a self-reversing lead screw
Implementation Method 3
the lead screw rotates, which forces the follower to move forward within the path of the grooves
Data Source
AI summary
A fastener cap driving tool with a pressurized gas storage chamber that uses that pressurized gas as a gas spring to quickly force a piston and a driver into contact with a fastener. The pressurized gas is not vented to atmosphere, but is instead reused, and a motor powers a lifter to return the piston and the driver for the next driving stroke. The tool has a fastener magazine, and a separate cap magazine which includes an additional motor that powers a self-reversing lead screw. The lead screw acts as a feed pawl, and advances a collated strip of caps from the cap magazine towards an exit end of the tool. During a driving stroke, one fastener is driven through one cap, securing both to a workpiece.