Pneumatic Trigger Actuation via Direct Piston

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing pneumatic tool actuation devices are large, complex, and heavy, often interfering with tool operation and requiring elaborate assembly, necessitating a simpler, lightweight, and cost-effective solution for repetitive use.

Innovation Solution

A pneumatic tool actuation device featuring a lightweight housing with a slidably movable piston and O-ring seal within a drive chamber, actuated by pressurized air to depress the tool's trigger, utilizing a one-piece housing and integral attachment arms for attachment to the tool.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If elaborate pulley systems are used for trigger actuation, then the actuation function is achieved, but the device becomes heavy and complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetrigger actuation functionVSAvoidpulley system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and eliminates the complex pulley system from the actuation device, retaining only the essential trigger actuation function through a simplified direct pneumatic piston mechanism that moves the trigger without intermediate pulleys

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical pulley system with a pneumatic system where compressed air directly actuates a piston that moves the trigger, substituting complex mechanical transmission with simpler pneumatic force application

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If elaborate pulley systems are used for trigger actuation, then the actuation function is achieved, but the device becomes heavy

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetrigger actuation functionVSAvoidactuation device weight

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the heavy pulley components from the actuation device, reducing weight by eliminating unnecessary mechanical transmission elements while maintaining the trigger actuation capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent substitutes the heavy mechanical pulley system with a lighter pneumatic piston mechanism that achieves the same actuation function through compressed air pressure rather than mechanical leverage

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of operation

If elaborate pulley systems are used for trigger actuation, then the actuation function is achieved, but the device interferes with tool use

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetrigger actuation functionVSAvoidtool operation interference

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and removes the bulky pulley system that caused interference with tool operation, leaving only the essential actuation mechanism that does not obstruct the pneumatic tool's movement or operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

4Device complexity

If simple actuation mechanism is used, then the device becomes lightweight and simple, but the reliability for repetitive use is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveactuation mechanism simplicityVSAvoidrepetitive use reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs an O-ring seal that can be easily replaced if worn, accepting that simple sealing components may have limited service life but providing reliable operation throughout their intended lifespan without complex maintenance requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses a pneumatic piston actuated by compressed air, leveraging the reliable and repeatable nature of pneumatic force application to ensure consistent trigger actuation for repetitive use without the complexity of mechanical linkages

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

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 provides a compact, reliable, and cost-effective actuation mechanism that can withstand repetitive use, enhancing operational efficiency and reducing tool interference.

Implementation Method 1

The housing has a gas inlet/outlet which is configured to be connected to a hose through which a gas travels and enters the drive chamber to slidably move the piston within the drive chamber

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGas pressure: Pressure Increase

Implementation Method 2

an O-ring disposed in a groove formed in the piston and forming a seal between the piston and the drive chamber

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSealing:

Data Source

PatentUS7690546B2Pneumatic tool actuation device

Publication Date: 2010.04.06 ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC

AI summary

The present invention is directed to a pneumatic tool actuation device comprising a housing configured to be attached to a pneumatic tool, a piston slidably moveable within a drive chamber formed within the housing and an air inlet chamber formed within housing and configured to accept a pressurized gas and direct it to the drive chamber. The piston further comprises an O-ring disposed in an annular groove formed in the piston and forming a seal between the piston and the drive chamber. The air inlet chamber is operably connected to a hose through which a pressurized gas travels and enters the housing to move the piston. The movement of the piston actuates a trigger located on the pneumatic tool.