NZ720404B2 - Stud miss indicator for fastener driving tool - Google Patents
Stud miss indicator for fastener driving tool Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- NZ720404B2 NZ720404B2 NZ720404A NZ72040412A NZ720404B2 NZ 720404 B2 NZ720404 B2 NZ 720404B2 NZ 720404 A NZ720404 A NZ 720404A NZ 72040412 A NZ72040412 A NZ 72040412A NZ 720404 B2 NZ720404 B2 NZ 720404B2
- Authority
- NZ
- New Zealand
- Prior art keywords
- fastener
- tool
- sensor
- output signal
- driven
- Prior art date
Links
- 239000000789 fastener Substances 0.000 title claims abstract description 74
- 230000002349 favourable Effects 0.000 claims description 6
- 238000002485 combustion reaction Methods 0.000 description 13
- 230000000007 visual effect Effects 0.000 description 6
- 239000000446 fuel Substances 0.000 description 4
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 4
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 3
- 238000011156 evaluation Methods 0.000 description 3
- 238000009432 framing Methods 0.000 description 3
- 239000007789 gas Substances 0.000 description 3
- 239000000843 powder Substances 0.000 description 3
- 210000000282 Nails Anatomy 0.000 description 2
- 239000011120 plywood Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000000758 substrate Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000006227 byproduct Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000003086 colorant Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000000875 corresponding Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000010304 firing Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000002737 fuel gas Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000006011 modification reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000002000 scavenging Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000035939 shock Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000001340 slower Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000007787 solid Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000000153 supplemental Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000001960 triggered Effects 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B25—HAND TOOLS; PORTABLE POWER-DRIVEN TOOLS; MANIPULATORS
- B25C—HAND-HELD NAILING OR STAPLING TOOLS; MANUALLY OPERATED PORTABLE STAPLING TOOLS
- B25C1/00—Hand-held nailing tools; Nail feeding devices
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B25—HAND TOOLS; PORTABLE POWER-DRIVEN TOOLS; MANIPULATORS
- B25C—HAND-HELD NAILING OR STAPLING TOOLS; MANUALLY OPERATED PORTABLE STAPLING TOOLS
- B25C1/00—Hand-held nailing tools; Nail feeding devices
- B25C1/008—Safety devices
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B25—HAND TOOLS; PORTABLE POWER-DRIVEN TOOLS; MANIPULATORS
- B25C—HAND-HELD NAILING OR STAPLING TOOLS; MANUALLY OPERATED PORTABLE STAPLING TOOLS
- B25C1/00—Hand-held nailing tools; Nail feeding devices
- B25C1/04—Hand-held nailing tools; Nail feeding devices operated by fluid pressure, e.g. by air pressure
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B25—HAND TOOLS; PORTABLE POWER-DRIVEN TOOLS; MANIPULATORS
- B25C—HAND-HELD NAILING OR STAPLING TOOLS; MANUALLY OPERATED PORTABLE STAPLING TOOLS
- B25C1/00—Hand-held nailing tools; Nail feeding devices
- B25C1/08—Hand-held nailing tools; Nail feeding devices operated by combustion pressure
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B25—HAND TOOLS; PORTABLE POWER-DRIVEN TOOLS; MANIPULATORS
- B25C—HAND-HELD NAILING OR STAPLING TOOLS; MANUALLY OPERATED PORTABLE STAPLING TOOLS
- B25C1/00—Hand-held nailing tools; Nail feeding devices
- B25C1/08—Hand-held nailing tools; Nail feeding devices operated by combustion pressure
- B25C1/082—Hand-held nailing tools; Nail feeding devices operated by combustion pressure generated by detonation of a pellet
- B25C1/085—Hand-held nailing tools; Nail feeding devices operated by combustion pressure generated by detonation of a pellet trigger operated
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B25—HAND TOOLS; PORTABLE POWER-DRIVEN TOOLS; MANIPULATORS
- B25F—COMBINATION OR MULTI-PURPOSE TOOLS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; DETAILS OR COMPONENTS OF PORTABLE POWER-DRIVEN TOOLS NOT PARTICULARLY RELATED TO THE OPERATIONS PERFORMED AND NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B25F5/00—Details or components of portable power-driven tools not particularly related to the operations performed and not otherwise provided for
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01P—MEASURING LINEAR OR ANGULAR SPEED, ACCELERATION, DECELERATION, OR SHOCK; INDICATING PRESENCE, ABSENCE, OR DIRECTION, OF MOVEMENT
- G01P15/00—Measuring acceleration; Measuring deceleration; Measuring shock, i.e. sudden change of acceleration
Abstract
Disclosed is a fastener driving tool having a stud miss indicator system. The tool has an accelerometer generating at least one signal based on impact forces generated by a fastener driving operation. The tool also includes a computer processor having a software program (32) configured for receiving the at least one signal to evaluate whether the fastener has been either improperly driven or properly driven. The program is also configured to generate at least one appropriate output signal (38, 40, 42, 44) to indicate whether the fastener was properly or improperly driven. ng the at least one signal to evaluate whether the fastener has been either improperly driven or properly driven. The program is also configured to generate at least one appropriate output signal (38, 40, 42, 44) to indicate whether the fastener was properly or improperly driven.
Description
STUD MISS INDICATOR FOR FASTENER DRIVING TOOL
RELATED APPLICATION
The present application claims priority pursuant to 35 USC 119(e)
from US Serial No. 61/488,990 filed May 23, 2011.
This application is a divisional application derived from New
Zealand Patent Application No. 617550, the entire contents of which, as
originally filed, are incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND
The present invention relates generally to fastener driving tools, and
particularly to such tools being powered electrically, by compressed gas,
combustion or powder.
Combustion-powered tools are known in the art, are also referred to
as combustion nailers, and one type of such tools, also known as IMPULSE
brand tools for use in driving fasteners into workpieces, is described in commonly
assigned patents to Nikolich U.S. Pat. Re. No. 32,452, and U.S. Pat. Nos.
4,522,162; 4,483,473; 4,483,474; 4,403,722; 5,197,646; 5,263,439 and 6,145,724,
all of which are incorporated by reference herein. Similar combustion-powered
nail and staple driving tools are available commercially from ITW-Paslode of
Vernon Hills, Illinois under the IMPULSE® and PASLODE® brands.
Combustion nailers incorporate a tool housing enclosing a small
internal combustion engine. The engine is powered by a canister of pressurized
fuel gas, also called a fuel cell. A battery-powered electronic power distribution
unit produces a spark for ignition, and a fan located in a combustion chamber
provides for both an efficient combustion within the chamber, while facilitating
processes ancillary to the combustion operation of the device. Such ancillary
processes include: inserting the fuel into the combustion chamber; mixing the fuel
and air within the chamber; and removing, or scavenging, combustion by-
products. The engine includes a reciprocating piston with an elongated, rigid
driver blade disposed within a single cylinder body.
Upon the pulling of a trigger switch, which causes the spark to ignite
a charge of gas in the combustion chamber of the engine, the combined piston and
driver blade is forced downward to impact a positioned fastener and drive it into
the workpiece. The piston then returns to its original, or pre-firing position,
through differential gas pressures within the cylinder. Fasteners are fed magazine-
style into the nosepiece, where they are held in a properly positioned orientation
for receiving the impact of the driver blade.
Other fastener driving tools operate similarly in that a reciprocating
driver blade drives fasteners fed to a nosepiece by a biased magazine. The power
source varies, with pneumatic, electric and powder operated tools being well
known in the art.
Combustion nailers and other types of powered fastener driving tools
are used in construction framing, where building panels such as plywood,
wallboard, roof sheathing or other construction panels are secured to framing studs
with fasteners, typically nails. A common problem for installers is making sure
that the fastener is driven into a stud to effectively secure the panel in place.
Fasteners not engaging the stud represent a wasted effort, as well as wasted
materials, and wasted fuel in the case of the combustion tool.
Many installers employ separate stud finders to facilitate location of
the studs, which entails additional effort and inconvenience in carrying and
maintaining an extra battery-powered device. Also, the installer cannot always
easily see the stud finder’s readout while working, and the use of these devices
slows production, so professional installers do not typically use separate stud
finders. Alternatively, other installers measure the spacing of the studs from a
corner or panel edge, often using a chalk line, since studs are conventionally built
on 16 inch centers or some other standard depending on the geographic location.
However, the latter method is not foolproof, and studs are still missed by driven
fasteners.
Also, conventional fastener driving tools are available with built in
stud finders. Such devices locate the stud, but do not indicate whether the fastener
was properly driven into both the panel and the supporting stud, or improperly,
only into the panel. As such, the available techniques for accurately driving
fasteners are not consistently accurate, and the problem of misdirected fasteners
persists in the context of framing construction.
SUMMARY
The above-listed needs are met or exceeded by the present stud miss
indicator for a fastener tool, which preferably features an accelerometer
electronically connected to the tool to measure the difference in signals generated
respectively when a tool drives a fastener into solid substrate, such as decking
fastened to a stud, resulting in a proper fastener application, and also when the
fastener is driven into a substrate backed by air. The latter condition occurs when
the fastener does not engage the stud, or engages the stud incompletely, resulting
in an improper fastener application. A program in the tool analyzes the
accelerometer signal and provides a perceptible warning (audible, tactile and/or
visual) which indicates to the user whether or not the fastener has been driven into
the stud.
In accordance with the present invention there is provided a fastener tool,
comprising: at least one sensor electronically connected to the tool and configured
for sensing the amount of force generated during the fastener driving operation;
wherein the at least one sensor is an accelerometer constructed and arranged for
sensing the amount of impact forces generated during the fastener driving
operation; a computer processor directly connected to said at least one sensor and
having a software program constructed for evaluating signals generated by said at
least one sensor, for determining whether the fastener driving operation was
favorable or unfavorable, and for generating an appropriate output signal; and said
software program is configured such that said at least one output signal is
generated when the fastener is either properly or improperly driven, the output
signal being differentiated as to the nature of the output.
There is also disclosed a stud miss indicator system for a fastener driving
tool, comprising: at least one sensor electronically connected to the tool and
configured for generating at least one signal based on impact forces generated by a
fastener driving operation; a processor connected to said at least one sensor and
having a software program constructed for receiving the at least one signal
generated by the sensor, evaluating the at least one signal as to a fastener being
either improperly driven or properly driven; and generating at least one
appropriate output signal reflective of the evaluation; and said software program
being independent of a tool control program, such that the tool is operative
regardless of the status of said sensor-generated output signal.
There is also disclosed a stud miss indicator system for a fastener driving
tool including at least one sensor generating at least one signal based on forces
generated by a fastener driving operation, a software program configured for
receiving the at least one signal, for evaluating the at least one signal as to a
fastener being either improperly driven or properly driven, and the program
generating at least one appropriate output signal reflective of the evaluation.
- 5A -
There is disclosed a fastener tool, including at least one sensor configured
for sensing the amount of force generated during a fastener driving operation, a
processor connected to the at least one sensor and having a software program
constructed for evaluating signals generated by the at least one sensor and
determining whether the fastener driving operation was favorable or unfavorable,
and for generating an appropriate output signal.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
is a perspective view of a fastener tool suitable for use with the
present system; and
is a flow chart depicting the present fastener drive sensing system.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Referring now to the present stud miss indicator system 10 is
schematically shown mounted to a fastener driving tool or fastener tool, generally
designated 12 and constructed according to the general disclosure of the patents
incorporated by reference. It will be understood that while the present discussion
relates to a depicted combustion tool, the present application is directed to
powered fastener driving tools regardless of their power source, and including
pneumatic, electrical, powder activated tools and the like. More specifically, the
tool 12 includes a housing 14 defining a power source enclosure 16, and a
nosepiece 18 depending from the enclosure and having a vertically reciprocating
workpiece contact element 20. The housing 14 also defines a handle 22 with a
trigger 24 and a mount for a magazine 26, constructed and arranged for storing a
supply of fasteners (not shown) to be urged toward, and driven from, the
nosepiece 18.
Referring now to FIGs. 1 and 2, included in the system 10 is at least
one sensor 30, preferably an accelerometer or similar sensor conventionally
available and capable of sensing shock, impact or other forces such as those
generated during a fastener driving operation. The sensor 30 is mounted to the
tool 12 at a desired location that is suitable for measuring the impact forces
generated in the fastener driving process. Further, the sensor 30 is constructed and
arranged for generating at least one signal corresponding to the sensed forces.
Presently contemplated mounting locations for the sensor 30 include at least one
of the housing 14 on or near the power source enclosure 16, the nosepiece 18, or
the magazine 26; however any location is suitable provided that the sensor can
properly measure the forces generated during the fastener driving operation.
As seen in the sensor 30 is connected to a software program
32, incorporated into a programmable microprocessor, other computer chip or the
like, which is preferably part of a central processing unit (CPU) 34 constructed
and arranged for operating other tool functions, and is conventionally located in
the tool handle 22 (. Other locations for the CPU 34 are considered
suitable depending on the application. More specifically, the software program 32
is programmed for receiving the at least one signal generated by the sensor 30 and
for evaluating and distinguishing those signals between high (improperly driven
fastener), versus low (properly driven) “g” forces generated during the fastener
driving operation. An appropriate output signal is generated by the software
program 32 that is reflective of the evaluation of the sensor signals. When the
fastener is improperly driven, the tool 12 absorbs excess energy produced by the
driving function which is not absorbed in the course of driving the fastener into the
workpiece. This excess energy results in greater “g” force readings.
Once the program 32 determines the type of signal (high or low “g”
forces), an output or alarm signal is generated from an output 36 of the
microprocessor 34 and is connected to an indicating device, preferably, at least
one of an audible alarm 38, a vibrating device 40, a visual indicator 42 such as an
illuminated light or an LED, or a visual display 44 on a screen 46 located on the
tool 12.
It is contemplated that the software program 32 is configured such
that the output is generated both when the impact sensor signal data is favorable or
low (fastener properly driven) as well as unfavorable or high (fastener improperly
driven), and different types of alarm or indicator signals are triggered depending
on the nature of the output signal. For example, a first color such as a green visual
indicator 42 is illuminated when the signal data is favorable, and a second, distinct
color such as a red indicator is illuminated when the signal data is unfavorable.
Naturally, the particular colors may vary to suit the situation. Different audible
alarms 38, vibrating alarm pulses 40, and visual display messages 44 are also
contemplated depending on whether the signal is indicative of a favorable or an
unfavorable fastener driving operation. Alternatively, the program 32 is
configured such that the output 36 is generated to trigger an indication such as an
alarm (visual, audible and/or tactile) only when the impact signal is interpreted to
be unfavorable (fastener is improperly driven).
Thus, by using the present stud miss indicator system 10, an operator
of a fastener driving tool can more efficiently determine whether or not a fastener
was properly driven into the immediate workpiece, such as a plywood board or
structural panel and into an underlying stud. If the system indicates that a stud
was missed, the user can rapidly correct the error by correctly driving a
supplemental fastener.
While a particular embodiment of the stud miss indicator for fastener
driving tool has been described herein, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the
art that changes and modifications may be made thereto without departing from
the invention in its broader aspects and as set forth in the following claims.
While various embodiments of the present invention have been
described above, it should be understood that they have been presented by way of
example only, and not by way of limitation. It will be apparent to a person skilled
in the relevant art that various changes in form and detail can be made therein
without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Thus, the present
invention should not be limited by any of the above described exemplary
embodiments.
Throughout this specification and the claims which follow, unless
the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise", and variations such as
"comprises" and "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a
stated integer or step or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any
other integer or step or group of integers or steps.
The reference in this specification to any prior publication (or
information derived from it), or to any matter which is known, is not, and should
not be taken as an acknowledgment or admission or any form of suggestion that
that prior publication (or information derived from it) or known matter forms part
of the common general knowledge in the field of endeavour to which this
specification relates
Claims (4)
1. A fastener tool, comprising: at least one sensor electronically connected to the tool and configured for sensing the amount of force generated during the fastener driving operation; wherein the at least one sensor is an accelerometer constructed and arranged for sensing the amount of impact forces generated during the fastener driving operation; a computer processor directly connected to said at least one sensor and having a software program constructed for evaluating signals generated by said at least one sensor, for determining whether the fastener driving operation was favorable or unfavorable, and for generating an appropriate output signal; and said software program is configured such that said at least one output signal is generated when the fastener is either properly or improperly driven, the output signal being differentiated as to the nature of the output.
2. The fastener tool of claim 1 wherein said software program is configured such that said at least one output signal is generated only when the fastener is improperly driven.
3. The fastener tool of claim 1 wherein said software program is independent of a tool control program, such that the tool is operative regardless of the status of said sensor- generated output signal.
4. A fastener tool, substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the H:\txb\Interwoven\NRPortbl\DCC\TXB\11885428_1.docx-4/
Applications Claiming Priority (5)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US201161488990P | 2011-05-23 | 2011-05-23 | |
US61/488,990 | 2011-05-23 | ||
US13/463,561 US10442065B2 (en) | 2011-05-23 | 2012-05-03 | Stud miss indicator for fastener driving tool |
US13/463,561 | 2012-05-03 | ||
NZ617550A NZ617550B2 (en) | 2011-05-23 | 2012-05-22 | Stud miss indicator for fastener driving tool |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
NZ720404A NZ720404A (en) | 2017-01-27 |
NZ720404B2 true NZ720404B2 (en) | 2017-04-28 |
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