Releasable Work Contact Element for Power Tool Impact Protection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Power tools used for driving fasteners often suffer damage from high impact forces, making the work contact element (WCE) prone to bending or deformation, rendering the tool unusable, and the replacement process is not straightforward due to the rigid connection with the extension member.

Innovation Solution

A releasable connection arrangement between the work contact element and the extension member, utilizing clips or a resilient spring clip, allows the WCE to disconnect during high impact events, preventing damage and enabling easy replacement with a cost-effective solution.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If the work contact element is rigidly connected to the extension member, then the connection is strong and stable during normal operation, but the work contact element cannot withstand high impact forces and is difficult to replace when damaged

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection strengthVSAvoidimpact resistance

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The connection between the work contact element and extension member is segmented into a releasable connection that can separate into first and second portions during high impact events, allowing the work contact element to detach and absorb impact independently while maintaining a strong connection during normal operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The connection transitions from a static rigid connection to a dynamic releasable connection that can change state based on impact conditions, allowing it to be rigid during normal operation and separable during high impact events

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Stability of the object's composition

If the work contact element is rigidly connected to the extension member, then the structural integrity is maintained, but the replacement process becomes complex and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural integrityVSAvoidreplacement ease

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The releasable connection allows the work contact element to be segmented from the extension member, enabling independent replacement of the work contact element without affecting the extension member or other tool components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The work contact element can be extracted from the tool assembly through the releasable connection mechanism, allowing for easy removal and replacement while maintaining structural integrity during normal operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Reliability

If the work contact element is made robust to absorb normal operating forces, then it serves its purpose effectively, but it becomes vulnerable to damage from high impact events like drops

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational reliabilityVSAvoidimpact damage susceptibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The releasable connection converts the harmful high impact force into a beneficial separation mechanism, where the connection intentionally fails under excessive force to protect the work contact element and other tool components from damage

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The releasable connection acts as a pre-designed failure point that cushions against high impact events by allowing controlled separation, preventing more severe damage to the work contact element and other critical components

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

The tool can withstand high impact forces without significant damage to the WCE, and the releasable connection facilitates easy replacement, ensuring continued functionality and reducing maintenance costs.

Implementation Method 1

A resilient spring clip may be used to connect the WCE and the extension member. In this way, the resilient spring clip may break upon experiencing a high impact force

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS8146788B2Fastening tool with releasable work contact element

Publication Date: 2012.04.03 DE POAN PNEUMATIC CORP

AI summary

A tool for driving fasteners includes a work contact element configured to move between a first position and a second position. The tool is prevented from driving fasteners when the work contact element is in the first position. The tool further includes an extension member rigidly connected to the work contact element in a releasable connection arrangement. The releasable connection arrangement is configured to maintain a rigid connection between the work contact element and the extension member during normal operation of the tool. The releasable connection arrangement is further configured to release the rigid connection between the work contact element and the extension member during high impact events that are not associated with normal operation of the tool.