Multi-Stage Trigger Assembly for Pneumatic Tools

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional pneumatic tools lack a clear indication of the opening degree of the flow channel as the trigger member moves from the first to the second position, making it difficult for users to perceive the progressive unblocking of the airflow.

Innovation Solution

A multi-stage trigger assembly is introduced, featuring a driving member, a trigger member, and a positioning unit with first and second positioning structures that provide an indication when the driving member moves from the first to an intermediate position, allowing users to easily perceive the increased opening degree of the flow channel.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If a conventional trigger member is used to control the valve unit, then the flow channel can be unblocked gradually, but the user cannot perceive the opening degree of the flow channel

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveopening degree indicationVSAvoidtrigger assembly structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A positioning unit with positioning structures is introduced as an intermediary between the trigger member and the tool body. When the trigger member moves to specific positions (intermediate position and second position), the positioning structures engage with corresponding structures on the tool body to provide tactile feedback and visual indication, allowing users to perceive the opening degree without adding complex display mechanisms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The positioning unit provides tactile feedback through engagement of positioning structures at specific trigger positions. The first positioning structure engages at the intermediate position and the second positioning structure engages at the second position, giving users distinct tactile cues that correspond to different opening degrees of the flow channel, enabling perception of airflow progression

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Ease of operation

If the trigger member moves continuously from first to second position, then the valve unit unblocks gradually, but there is no distinct indication for users

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser perception of opening degreeVSAvoidnumber of positioning structures

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The continuous movement of the trigger member is segmented into distinct stages through the positioning unit. The first positioning structure marks the intermediate position and the second positioning structure marks the second position, dividing the continuous trigger travel into discrete perceptible stages that correspond to different opening degrees, making it easier for users to understand the airflow progression without adding excessive components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS9975236B2Multi-stage trigger assembly for use in a pneumatic tool

Publication Date: 2018.05.22 BASSO IND CORP

AI summary

A trigger assembly used in a pneumatic tool that includes a valve unit removably blocking a flow channel, includes a driving member, a trigger member and a positioning unit. The driving member is movable for actuating the valve unit to gradually unblock the flow channel. The trigger member is pressable to move relative to a tool body of the pneumatic tool and the driving member to drive movement of the driving member. The positioning unit includes first and second positioning structures inter-engaged for providing an indication when the trigger member is pressed to move the driving member to a certain position.