Pneumatic Impact Tool Generator for Integrated Work Light

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Solution Overview

Problem

Pneumatic impact tools lack an integrated lighting solution, forcing users to rely on external light sources in low-light environments, which is inconvenient and dangerous due to the high-torque output and complex machinery involved.

Innovation Solution

Integration of an electric generator within the pneumatic impact tool that converts rotational movement from the pneumatically driven motor into electrical power to power an on-board light, using a generator stator and rotor with inductive coils and magnets, allowing for self-sustaining illumination without an external electrical power source.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If an on-board light is added to a pneumatic impact tool, then illumination intensity is improved, but device complexity worsens due to requiring additional power generation components

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveillumination intensityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the lighting system with the existing pneumatic motor by integrating an electric generator that utilizes the motor's rotational movement. The generator is positioned within the same housing as the pneumatic motor, and both systems share the same rotational axis and power source (compressed air), merging two functions into one integrated unit rather than adding a separate lighting system

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The pneumatic motor's rotational movement serves dual purposes: driving the impact mechanism and generating electrical power for the on-board light through the electric generator. The system uses its own operational movement to power the lighting, eliminating the need for external batteries or power sources

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Use of energy by moving object

If an electric generator is integrated into the pneumatic tool, then power availability is improved, but device complexity worsens due to additional components

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower availabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The pneumatic motor's rotational output serves multiple functions simultaneously: it drives the impact mechanism for tool operation and rotates the electric generator to produce electrical power. This multi-functionality allows the same mechanical movement to power both the primary tool function and the auxiliary lighting system

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The electric generator is integrated within the pneumatic motor housing, sharing the same rotational axis and space. The generator rotor is positioned to be rotated by the motor's output shaft, combining power generation with the existing motor structure rather than adding a separate power generation system

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If a clutch is added to protect the generator from rapid deceleration, then reliability is improved, but device complexity worsens

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovereliabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A clutch mechanism is integrated to protect the electric generator from sudden deceleration forces during impact operations. The clutch acts as a cushioning element that allows relative movement between the motor shaft and generator rotor when rapid deceleration occurs, preventing damage to the generator while maintaining normal power generation during steady operation

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

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 users to operate the tool with integrated lighting, enhancing safety and convenience by providing illumination directly on the work area without the need for external light sources, while maintaining the tool's high-torque functionality.

Implementation Method 1

The generator rotor is rotated by the pneumatically driven motor, impact mechanism, or other component relative to the generator stator. Electrical power is electromagnetically induced across a magnetic air gap between the two

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS11806848B2Pneumatic impact with light
Publication Date: 2023.11.07 INGERSOLL RAND IND US INC
  • US11806848B2 patent drawing
  • US11806848B2 patent drawing
  • US11806848B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A pneumatically driven tool (e.g., an impact tool) includes a pneumatically driven motor; an electric generator generating electrical power from movement of the pneumatically driven motor, or an impact mechanism connected thereto; and an on-board light that is powered by the generated electrical power. The pneumatically driven motor is rotated by compressed air or gas and drives an impact mechanism with one or more hammers and an anvil. Impact of the hammer(s) with the anvil, in turn, move an output shaft of the pneumatically driven tool. The electric generator harnesses the rotational movement of the pneumatically driven motor and/or the impact mechanism to electrically power the on-board light.