Rotary Impact Tool Phase-Based Torque Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing rotary impact tools prolong the time required to fix drill screws by reducing motor rotation speed during both internal thread formation and tightening steps, leading to poor usability due to excessive impact force reduction.

Innovation Solution

A rotary impact tool with a motor-driven impact mechanism that detects impacts using a detection unit, reducing motor driving force only after a predetermined count of impacts, allowing higher torque during internal thread formation and controlled reduction during tightening to prevent excessive force.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If the motor rotation speed is reduced immediately when impact is detected, then the impact force is reduced to prevent screw head damage, but the time required to fix drill screws is prolonged

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimpact force on screw headVSAvoidtime required to fix drill screws
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the screw fixing process into two distinct phases: internal thread formation (where impact is beneficial and motor speed should be maintained) and tightening (where impact control is needed and motor speed should be reduced). This segmentation allows the system to apply different control strategies to different operational phases, resolving the contradiction by enabling high-speed operation during thread formation while still providing impact protection during tightening.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic control of motor rotation speed based on the operational phase and impact detection. During internal thread formation, the motor operates at high speed regardless of impact detection. During tightening, the motor speed is reduced when impact is detected. This dynamic adjustment of operational parameters resolves the contradiction by adapting the control strategy to the specific operational context.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Object-affected harmful factors

If the motor rotation speed is reduced during internal thread formation, then the impact force is reduced, but the productivity is decreased due to prolonged fixing time

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveexcessive impact forceVSAvoidfixing speed of drill screws
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the screw fixing operation into distinct phases (internal thread formation and tightening) and applies different control strategies to each. During internal thread formation, the system maintains high motor speed to maximize productivity, as impact forces are beneficial for thread creation. During tightening, the system reduces motor speed when impact is detected to prevent screw head damage. This phase-based segmentation resolves the contradiction by enabling high productivity during thread formation while still providing protection during tightening.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent maintains continuous high-speed motor operation during the internal thread formation phase, even when impact is detected, because the impact is useful for forming threads. This continuous useful action maximizes productivity during the thread formation phase. The system only reduces speed during the tightening phase when impact becomes harmful, thus maintaining productivity overall while preventing damage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

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

This approach shortens the time to fix drill screws by maintaining higher torque during internal thread formation and reducing motor speed only when necessary, enhancing tool usability and preventing screw head damage.

Implementation Method 1

a rotary impact tool configured to be rotationally operated by a rotational force of a motor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic conversion: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

when a torque equal to or greater than a specified value is applied externally, the hammer comes off the anvil to rotate idle, and impacts the anvil in a rotation direction thereof

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCentrifugal force: Centrifugal Force

Data Source

PatentUS10343268B2Rotary impact tool
Publication Date: 2019.07.09 MAKITA CORP
  • US10343268B2 patent drawing
  • US10343268B2 patent drawing
  • US10343268B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A rotary impact tool according to one aspect of the present invention includes a motor, an impact mechanism, a drive unit, an impact detection unit, and a control unit. The control unit reduces a driving force for the motor caused by the drive unit when a count of impacts detected by the impact detection unit has reached a determination count set in advance, which is a value greater than one.