Pneumatic Regulator for Continuous Nail Driving
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Solution Overview
Problem
Nailing machines driven by compressed air lack a mechanism to enable continuous strike operations without electricity, as they rely on electrical timers for time measurement, which are not suitable for use in non-electric power sources.
Innovation Solution
A driving tool with a trigger, contact arm, and regulator, where the regulator uses fluid flow rate control to maintain the contact lever in an operation standby position for a predetermined time, allowing continuous strike operations without releasing the trigger, utilizing compressed air as the power source.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If an electrical timer is used to measure time for continuous strike operations, then time measurement stability is improved, but the device complexity increases due to requiring power source and circuit
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the electrical timer system with a purely mechanical time measurement mechanism. The regulator uses compressed air pressure to control a valve that maintains the contact lever in the standby position for a predetermined time period. This mechanical substitution eliminates the need for electrical power sources and circuits while achieving stable time measurement through pneumatic pressure control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies pneumatic principles by using compressed air as the power source for the regulator. The regulator controls the flow rate of compressed air to the valve, using air pressure to maintain the contact lever in the operation standby position for a predetermined time. This pneumatic system replaces the electrical timer and provides time measurement without requiring electrical components.
2Productivity
If continuous strike mode is enabled by maintaining trigger ON state, then productivity is improved, but safety decreases due to risk of careless operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by requiring the operator to press the contact arm against the driven member before the continuous strike mode can be activated. This preliminary contact action ensures that the workpiece is properly positioned and ready for nailing before the automated continuous operation begins, thereby preventing careless operations while maintaining productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses feedback through the contact arm mechanism that must maintain contact with the driven member to sustain the continuous strike mode. The system continuously monitors the contact state, and if contact is lost or improper positioning is detected, the mode terminates automatically. This feedback mechanism ensures safety while enabling high-speed continuous operation.
3Reliability
If single shot mode is used to prevent careless operation, then safety is improved, but productivity decreases due to requiring multiple manipulations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamics by allowing the operating mode to change automatically based on the timing and sequence of operations. The system dynamically switches between single-shot and continuous strike modes depending on whether the contact arm is held in contact with the driven member for the predetermined time period. This dynamic adaptation enables the system to optimize for safety or productivity based on operational conditions without requiring manual mode selection.
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 continuous nail driving operations for a predetermined time period using compressed air, eliminating the need for an electrical power source and enhancing operational efficiency by stabilizing time measurement mechanically.
Implementation Method 1
The regulator is configured to operate with a fluid for operating the striking mechanism, and to keep a position of the contact lever at an operation standby position where the contact lever is operated by a manipulation of the contact arm for a predetermined time period by controlling a flow rate of the fluid.
Data Source
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AI summary
A driving tool (1A) drives a fastener by a striking mechanism (2). The driving tool includes a trigger (6), a contact arm (8), a contact lever (7) and a regulator (9). The trigger and the contact arm receive manipulations which operate the striking mechanism. The contact lever is movable according to operations of the trigger and the contact arm and switches operating states of the striking mechanism. The regulator regulates a movement of the contact lever according to a movement of the contact arm in which another manipulation is released. The regulator operates with a fluid for operating the striking mechanism, and keeps the contact lever at an operation standby position where the contact lever is operated by manipulation of the contact arm for a predetermined time period by controlling a flow rate of the fluid.