Rotating Pipe Hook for Powered Fastener Tools

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing powered fastener driving tools, such as powder-actuated tools, face issues with belt hooks that are either rotatable and interfere with operation, prone to snagging, or add significant weight, leading to operator fatigue due to improper hanging and repeated use.

Innovation Solution

A powered fastener driving tool with a rotatable pipe hook assembly that can be stored retracted to avoid interference and extended for secure hanging without adding weight, and a fixed belt hook assembly that minimizes snagging and allows secure belt attachment without increasing tool weight.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a rotatable belt hook is attached to the tool, then the tool can be hung on various surfaces, but the belt hook may interfere with tool operation and get caught on objects

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehanging capabilityVSAvoidoperation safety

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The pipe hook is designed to be rotatable relative to the tool body, allowing it to dynamically adjust its position. The hook can rotate between a first position for hanging on pipes and a second position for clearing the work area, eliminating interference with tool operation while maintaining hanging capability on various surfaces

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Stability of the object's composition

If a belt hook is made rigid and fixed, then it provides stable hanging, but it cannot adapt to different hanging surfaces and may break on round objects

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehanging stabilityVSAvoidsurface adaptability

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The pipe hook incorporates rotational movement capability, transitioning from a fixed rigid structure to a dynamic one. This allows the hook to adapt its orientation to match different hanging surfaces (pipes, scaffolding, ladders) while maintaining structural integrity through controlled rotation rather than forced rigid attachment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If a belt hook assembly is added to the tool, then hanging functionality is provided, but the tool weight increases causing operator fatigue

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehanging functionalityVSAvoidtool weight

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The pipe hook assembly integrates the hanging function directly into the tool body structure, combining multiple functions (hanging, clearing, and structural support) into a single integrated component rather than adding separate attachments, thereby minimizing additional weight while providing comprehensive hanging functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The pipe hook serves multiple functions: it provides hanging capability on various surfaces, clears the work area when rotated to the second position, and acts as a structural component of the tool assembly. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, minimizing overall weight addition

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS10926391B2Powered fastener driving tool having hook assemblies

Publication Date: 2021.02.23 ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC

AI summary

A powered fastener driving tool, and particularly a powder-actuated tool, including in various embodiments both a pipe hook assembly including a pipe hook, and a belt hook assembly including a belt hook.