Vacuum Piston Fastener Driver Reducing Reaction Force
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fastener driving apparatuses face issues with complexity, high cost, unreliability, poor ergonomics, non-portability, high reaction force, short life, and safety hazards due to reliance on fuel cells, air compressors, mechanical springs, and complicated mechanisms, limiting their ability to drive longer fasteners efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A fastener driving apparatus powered by rechargeable batteries using a single stroke linear vacuum generator to create a vacuum that drives a piston and anvil, eliminating the need for air compressors and reducing reactionary force, with a simplified design that increases efficiency and safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If a fuel cell system is used to drive fasteners portably, then portability is achieved, but the device becomes complicated and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the fuel cell system from the fastener driver, replacing it with a simpler spring-loaded mechanism. This removes the combustion chamber, fuel cartridges, and associated control systems while retaining portable operation capability through battery-powered motor assistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the complex fuel cell combustion system with a mechanical spring-driven system assisted by an electric motor. The motor winds the spring during idle periods, and the spring provides the driving force, eliminating the need for fuel storage and combustion mechanisms.
2Device complexity
If a solenoid or mechanical spring system is used to drive fasteners, then the device is simpler, but it is limited to short fasteners and produces high reactionary force
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic system where the spring tension is continuously adjustable through motor assistance. The motor can wind the spring to different tensions based on the fastener size and material density, allowing the system to adapt its force output rather than being fixed at high levels.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses periodic motor action to wind the spring during idle periods between fastener drives. This allows the system to build up energy gradually and deliver it in controlled bursts, reducing the peak reactionary force compared to continuous high-tension spring systems.
3Productivity
If a flywheel mechanism is used to drive fasteners quickly, then productivity increases, but the device becomes heavier and more complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the motor to perform preliminary action by winding the spring during idle periods before the fastener is actually driven. This pre-charges the energy storage mechanism, allowing rapid successive drives without requiring a heavy flywheel to maintain continuous rotational momentum.
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 significantly enhances efficiency by over 50% in energy consumption per fastener driven, reduces tool weight and reaction force, and improves safety by eliminating the need for complex mechanisms and consumable fuels, while enabling the driving of longer fasteners with reduced latency and increased production speed.
Implementation Method 1
A fastener driving apparatus is described which derives its power from an electrical source, preferably rechargeable batteries, and uses a motor to transfer energy through a single stroke linear vacuum generator that creates a vacuum in a simile linear stroke.
Implementation Method 2
The vacuum acts on a drive piston, which piston is detained by a retention device until a sufficient volume of vacuum is created.
Data Source
AI summary
A fastener driving apparatus includes a vacuum piston and a drive piston, which vacuum piston, when moved (by way of a motor and linear motion converter), draws a vacuum against the drive piston, which drive piston may be held in place by retention means. An anvil is coupled to the drive piston. The retention means is released electrically or mechanically at or near the point of maximum vacuum volume. This drive piston and anvil assembly is then driven by atmospheric pressure and may strike a fastener to drive it into a substrate. At least one position sensor may be used. Once the fastener is driven, the apparatus may reset to an initial position. At least one parasitic loss seal may be provided to reduce drag force on the drive piston, and a timed dwell may be provided for the vacuum piston for operation.