Tangential Impact Mechanism Hammer Mass Segmentation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Tangential impact mechanisms in hand-held power tools, such as impact wrenches, are limited by their resonant operation within a narrow torque range, leading to a restricted effective operating point and increased counter-torque requirements, which complicates handling and requires engine speed adjustments.

Innovation Solution

The introduction of an additional mass coupled to the hammer via a second spring within the tangential impact mechanism, allowing for an increased total mass and spring force while maintaining a constant impact frequency, thereby expanding the torque range without significantly increasing the holding torque or requiring motor speed changes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Force

If the spring force is increased to increase impact force, then the impact force increases, but the triggering moment increases and counter-torque increases, worsening handling

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimpact forceVSAvoidhandling
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The hammer mass is segmented into a main mass and an additional mass that can be detachably coupled. The additional mass is equipped with a second spring that has a smaller spring constant than the first spring. This segmentation allows the system to increase total mass and spring force while the softer second spring compensates for triggering moment increases, resolving the contradiction between impact force and handling ease.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The spring system uses a composite arrangement of two springs with different characteristics (first spring with higher stiffness, second spring with lower stiffness). This composite spring system provides a compromise between the need for high impact force and the need to maintain acceptable triggering moment, allowing both objectives to be partially achieved simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Power

If the spring force is increased to increase impact force, then the impact force increases, but the triggering torque increases, requiring higher holding torque from the user

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetorque outputVSAvoidholding torque
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The spring system is segmented into two springs with different stiffness characteristics. The second spring has a smaller spring constant and is designed to have a triggering torque that is at most half of the first spring's triggering torque. This segmentation allows the system to achieve higher total spring force for increased torque output while the softer second spring keeps the additional triggering torque requirement minimal, resolving the contradiction between power output and ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Power

If additional mass is added to increase torque output, then the torque range increases, but the impact frequency changes, affecting operation quality

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetorque outputVSAvoidimpact frequency
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system changes the spring constant parameter by introducing a second spring with a smaller spring constant to compensate for the added mass. The second spring is specifically designed with a spring constant that is at most half of the first spring's spring constant. This parameter change in spring stiffness compensates for the mass increase, maintaining the impact frequency within an acceptable range while achieving higher torque output through increased total mass.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

4Force

If the tangential impact mechanism is adapted for resonant operation, then the torque range is limited, but the impact force is maximized within that range

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimpact forceVSAvoidtorque range
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system transitions from a fixed resonant operation to a dynamic, adjustable configuration. The additional mass with its softer second spring creates a more compliant hammer assembly that can operate effectively across a broader torque range. This dynamic adaptation allows the mechanism to maintain effective operation beyond the narrow resonant point, increasing versatility while preserving impact force capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 adaptation enables a broader applicable torque range with minimal change in handling torque and motor speed, allowing the tool to be easily switched between operating states, enhancing usability and efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

the additional mass is under the force of a second spring

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring force: Spring

Implementation Method 2

a tangential impact mechanism of the hand-held power tool—similar to a spring-mass system—can be adapted for resonant operation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectResonant operation: Resonance

Implementation Method 3

Tangential impact mechanisms are usually designed for resonant operation within the framework of a spring-mass system

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring-mass system: Harmonic Oscillator

Data Source

PatentEP2457694B1Power tool
Publication Date: 2019.05.15 HILTI AG
  • EP2457694B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2457694B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B
  • EP2457694B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B

AI summary

The tool has a drive shaft (30) displaced in a rotary and partial tangentially striking motion by a tangential striking mechanism (10). The mechanism is driven by a drive e.g. motor and/or gear. The mechanism includes an anvil (60) associated to the shaft, and a hammer (70) associated to the drive. The anvil and the hammer are movable axially under force application of a spring (81), and tangentially and strikingly under twisting of the anvil and the hammer against each other. An auxiliary mass is coupled to a main mass (71) of the hammer and stands under force application of another spring.