Combustion Nailer Temperature Sensor PCB Mounting
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Combustion-powered fastener-driving tools experience performance issues due to elevated operating temperatures, leading to overheating, reduced piston return speed, and increased maintenance needs, which affect tool performance and battery life.
Innovation Solution
A temperature sensor is strategically mounted on a printed circuit board within the tool's engine compartment, protected from vibrational and thermal stresses, to monitor and regulate engine temperatures, ensuring efficient cooling and prolonged tool operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If the fan run time is minimized to prolong battery life and reduce wear, then battery life and component durability are improved, but the tool's ability to manage operating temperature deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a temperature sensor that continuously monitors engine temperature and feeds this information back to the control system. The controller adjusts fan operation based on real-time temperature readings, running the fan only when temperature thresholds are exceeded. This feedback mechanism allows minimal fan operation under normal conditions (preserving battery life) while ensuring adequate cooling when temperatures rise.
2Temperature
If the fan run time is extended to improve cooling, then tool operating temperature is reduced, but battery life and component durability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of continuous fan operation, the system employs periodic cooling cycles triggered by temperature thresholds. The controller activates the fan in periodic intervals only when the temperature sensor detects elevated operating temperatures, and deactivates it when temperatures return to normal ranges. This periodic action provides necessary cooling while minimizing battery consumption and component wear.
3Measurement precision
If the temperature sensor is placed in close proximity to the engine for accurate monitoring, then temperature measurement accuracy is improved, but the sensor's reliability deteriorates due to shock and heat exposure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a sensor mounting structure that acts as an intermediary between the temperature sensor and the harsh engine environment. This mounting structure positions the sensor close enough to the combustion engine for accurate temperature monitoring while providing physical protection against direct exposure to extreme heat, vibrations, and shock. The intermediary structure enables the sensor to function reliably without direct contact with the most severe environmental factors.
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 effectively manages tool temperatures, reducing the likelihood of 'skip' events, extending tool life, and maintaining reliable performance even under high-cycle and elevated temperature conditions.
Implementation Method 1
at least one temperature sensor mounted on the at least one printed circuit board for monitoring tool temperature and for signaling sensed temperature to the control unit
Implementation Method 2
The fan performs cooling by drawing air though the tool between firing cycles
Implementation Method 3
The engine is powered by a canister of pressurized fuel gas, also called a fuel cell
Implementation Method 4
a small internal combustion engine or power source
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A combustion nailer (10) includes a housing (12) substantially enclosing a combustion engine (14) having a cylinder head (42) , a control unit (62) associated with the housing (12) for controlling operation of the tool, at least one printed circuit board (66) electrically connected to the control unit (62) for maintaining tool operation, and at least one temperature sensor (60) mounted on the at least one printed circuit board (66) for monitoring tool temperature and for signaling sensed temperature to the control unit (62) .