Nose Positioner Assembly for Repeatable Fastener Edge Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fastener driving tools often result in improper placements of fasteners relative to workpieces, and there is a need for a tool that assists operators in accurately positioning the barrel of the workpiece contact element (WCE) during the fastener driving process.
Innovation Solution
A nose positioner is introduced, which includes a barrel connector, rotational bearing, probe supporter, and probe, allowing the probe to self-position relative to the workpiece edge, ensuring consistent and accurate placement of fasteners by aligning the tool's barrel with the desired distance from the workpiece edge.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a nose positioner with rotational bearing is added to enable self-positioning, then positioning precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rotational bearing enables the probe supporter to automatically rotate and position itself based on gravity, allowing the system to self-position without external intervention. The heavier probe supporter naturally rotates to a vertical position under gravitational force, eliminating the need for complex positioning mechanisms or operator adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The probe supporter is designed with asymmetric mass distribution where one side is heavier than the other. This weight imbalance creates a gravitational moment that drives the rotational bearing to rotate until the heavier side reaches the lowest position, achieving automatic positioning through gravitational counterbalancing.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the probe supporter is made heavier to function as a counterweight, then positioning stability is improved, but weight of moving object increases
Solution Approach 1:
The probe supporter utilizes its own weight as a counterweight mechanism. By positioning the center of gravity offset from the rotational axis, the heavier portion of the probe supporter creates a gravitational moment that stabilizes the positioning system, eliminating the need for additional counterweight components.
Solution Approach 2:
The system achieves gravitational equipotential positioning where the probe supporter naturally settles into a stable equilibrium position under gravity. The heavier side seeks the lowest potential energy state, creating a self-stabilizing mechanism that maintains consistent positioning without active control.
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 nose positioner enables precise and repeatable positioning of the fastener driving tool, minimizing errors in fastener placement and ensuring that each fastener is driven at the correct distance from the workpiece edge.
Implementation Method 1
a rotational bearing connected to and supported by the barrel connector, wherein the rotational bearing enables the probe supporter to rotate relative to the barrel connector
Data Source
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AI summary
A fastener driving tool including a nose positioner that enables an operator of the tool to consistently and repeatedly accurately position the tool in desired positions relative to an edge of a workpiece and to hold the tool in each of such desired positions prior to and during the firing processes. In various embodiments, the nose positioner is removably attachable to a barrel of the fastener driving tool. Various embodiments relate to the nose positioner itself and thus provide a nose positioner for a fastener driving tool.