Strip-Fed Fastener Driving With Integrated Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fastening element driving devices are complex and heavy due to numerous elements like levers, rockers, and rollers, making them unsuitable for handheld tools, and lack precise alignment mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A simplified apparatus with a transport element and driving-in element that aligns fastening elements precisely before insertion, using a flexible strip and a nose device with a moveable guiding element to ensure correct positioning without additional retaining elements, reducing complexity and weight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a complex transport mechanism with levers, rockers, and rollers is used, then the fastening element can be transported and positioned, but the device becomes heavy and complex, making it unsuitable for handheld tools
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates unnecessary components (levers, rockers, rollers, retaining elements) from the transport mechanism, retaining only the essential transport element that engages with the fastening element strip. This simplification reduces device complexity and weight while maintaining the core function of transporting and positioning fastening elements.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a complex mechanism to actively push and position fastening elements, the patent inverts the approach by using a simple transport element that passively engages with the fastening element strip and allows natural feeding through the receptacle. The driving-in element then performs the positioning function, rather than a complex transport mechanism.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple components like feed levers, lifters, clutch sliders, and paddle levers are used, then precise positioning can be achieved, but the device becomes heavy and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the positioning function into the driving-in element itself, which engages with the fastening element to block movement in the transport direction and ensure precise alignment. This eliminates the need for separate positioning components while achieving the same precision through the integrated design of the driving-in element and receptacle.
Solution Approach 2:
The driving-in element serves multiple functions: it drives the fastening element into the substrate, positions the fastening element by blocking transport direction movement, and ensures precise alignment. This multi-functionality replaces multiple specialized components with a single versatile element.
3Manufacturing precision
If a retaining element is added to block movement of the fastening element, then positioning accuracy improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the retaining function into the driving-in element, which blocks movement of the fastening element in the transport direction through its engagement with the fastening element or strip. This integration eliminates the need for a separate retaining element while maintaining positioning accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The driving-in element performs multiple functions including driving the fastening element, positioning it by blocking transport direction movement, and ensuring alignment. This multi-functionality replaces what would otherwise require separate retaining and positioning components.
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
Enables precise alignment and efficient driving of fastening elements into substrates with reduced complexity, suitable for handheld tools, ensuring accurate insertion and minimizing material loss.
Implementation Method 1
a first spring force to transport the fastening element in a transport direction into the receptacle
Implementation Method 2
a second spring force, in order to block a movement of the fastening element against the transport direction
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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Figure 7~8
AI summary
The invention discloses an apparatus for driving fastening elements 31, 31a into a substrate, comprising a receptacle 41 for a fastening element 31, 31a, a driving-in element 21, which drives the fastening element 31, 31a from the receptacle 41 into the substrate, and a transport element 45, which may be brought into engagement with the fastening element 31, 31a or a strip 30 comprising the fastening element 31, 31a in order to transport the fastening element 31, 31a in a direction of transport 32 into the receptacle 41. The driving-in element 21 may be brought into engagement with the fastening element 31, 31a or the strip 30 in order to block a movement of the fastening element 31, 31a or the strip 30 in the direction of transport 32. Furthermore, a nose device 40 and a method for driving fastening elements 31, 31a into a substrate is disclosed.