Hand-held Setting Tool Safety Device with Inclined Blocking Channels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing setting tools face challenges in safely preventing actuation at orientations other than vertical, requiring high pressing forces and varying limiting angles, and are prone to premature release when tilted or pressed against surfaces.
Innovation Solution
A safety device with three separate channels and pin-shaped blocking members, inclined relative to the longitudinal axis, ensures secure actuation only within a predetermined angular region, providing a suitable force-path ratio and preventing premature release.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single channel with a ball blocking member is used, then the device structure is simple, but the safety device can only prevent actuation when oriented exactly vertical to gravitational force
Solution Approach 1:
The single channel is divided into three separate channels (first, second, and third channels) that are inclined at different angles relative to the longitudinal axis. Each channel contains its own blocking member (first, second, and third blocking members). This segmentation allows the safety device to prevent actuation across multiple orientations rather than just one exact vertical position, resolving the contradiction between reliability and complexity by distributing the safety function across multiple simpler elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The three channels are inclined at different angles (first channel at angle α, second channel at angle β, third channel at angle γ) rather than being symmetrically arranged. This asymmetric configuration ensures that at least one blocking member will effectively block actuation regardless of the tool's orientation within a range, improving safety reliability while maintaining reasonable structural complexity.
2Reliability
If the channel is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, then the blocking mechanism is simple, but the limiting angle varies widely and premature release occurs when tilted or pressed against surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The channels are inclined at specific angles (α, β, γ) relative to the longitudinal axis rather than being perpendicular, creating a dynamic blocking system that adapts to different tool orientations. This inclined configuration ensures consistent blocking functionality across a range of angles while preventing premature release when the tool is tilted or pressed against surfaces, resolving the contradiction between reliability and ease of operation.
3Force
If the ball diameter defines the maximum movement path, then the structure is compact, but a very high pressing force is needed for the short movement path
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a ball blocking member that moves along a short radial path defined by its diameter, the invention uses pin-shaped blocking members that move along inclined channels. This changes the dimension of movement from a short radial distance to a longer inclined path, reducing the pressing force required while maintaining a compact overall structure. The inclined channels provide a mechanical advantage that reduces the force needed compared to a perpendicular arrangement.
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 allows for safe actuation within a predetermined angular region with reduced force expenditure and prevents premature release, maintaining consistent blocking functionality across rotational positions.
Implementation Method 1
A safety device for preventing actuation of the actuation switch of the setting tool at an orientation of the setting tool other than a predetermined orientation
Data Source
AI summary
A hand-held setting tool (10) includes a connection element (16) for connecting the setting tool (10) with a positioning device (20) having a switching link (30) for connecting the actuation element (24) to the actuation switch (13) of the setting tool (10), and a safety device (50) for preventing actuation of the actuation switch (13) at an orientation of the setting tool (10) other than a predetermined orientation and including at least three blocking members (55a, 55b, 55c) displaceable in at least three separate channels (56) respectively, and receivable in a recess (51) formed in a first, switching element (34) of the switching link (30) with the channels (56) being inclined with respect to a plane (E) extending perpendicular to a longitudinal axis (A) of the positioning device, and with at least three channels (56) intersecting, in some regions, an axial projection of the switching element (34).