Alignment tool and method of aligning components using same

Abstract

Alignment tools and methods for assembling planetary gear sets are provided. The alignment tool includes a handle and an elongated pin having a tip configured to be inserted through a mounting hole of a housing of the planetary gear set, through a first hole in a first gasket, through a hole of the planetary gear between planetary gear needles arranged in a tubular pattern within the hole of the planetary gear, and through a second hole of a second gasket. The elongated pin is configured to align the first washer, the planetary gear, the planetary gear needle, and the second washer during insertion through the first washer, the planetary gear, the planetary gear needle, and the second washer. The elongate pin is retractable relative to the handle in response to a force applied to the tip in a first direction along a longitudinal axis of the elongate pin.

Description

[0001] TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates generally to the assembly of planetary gear trains and, more particularly, to a method of manually assembling a planetary gear set using an alignment tool. Background Art

[0002] A planetary gear set includes multiple gears that work together to achieve various speed and torque ratios. Typically, a planetary gear set includes a sun gear connected to an input shaft or an output shaft, a pinion gear (i.e., a planet gear) that surrounds the sun gear and meshes with the sun gear, and a ring gear that surrounds the planet gear and meshes with the planet gear.

[0003] Proper alignment of the many components of a planetary gear set can be challenging. Therefore, there is a constant need for improved methods of assembling planetary gear sets. Moreover, other desirable features and characteristics of the present invention will become apparent from the subsequent detailed description and the appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and the foregoing technical field and background. Summary of the invention

[0004] An alignment tool for assembling a planetary gear set is provided. In one embodiment, the alignment tool includes a handle and an elongated pin having a tip, the tip being configured to be inserted through a mounting hole of a housing of the planetary gear set, through a first hole in a first washer, through a hole of the planetary gear between planetary gear needles arranged in a tubular pattern within the hole of the planetary gear, and then through a second hole of a second washer, wherein the elongated pin is configured to align the first washer, the planetary gear, the planetary gear needle, and the second washer during the insertion of the elongated pin through the first hole, the hole between the planetary gear needles, and the second hole. In response to a force applied to the tip in a first direction along the longitudinal axis of the elongated pin, the elongated pin can be retracted relative to the handle.

[0005] In various examples, the alignment tool includes a body having a first end, a second end distal to the first end, and an inner surface defining a cavity within the body between the first end and the second end; and a biasing member positioned within the cavity of the body and configured to apply a biasing force on the elongated pin along a longitudinal axis of the elongated pin in a second direction from the second end of the body toward the first end of the body. A tip extends outwardly from the first end of the body, wherein at least a portion of the elongated pin is configured to retract into the cavity of the body in response to a force applied to the tip of the elongated pin that is greater than the biasing force.

[0006] In various examples, a body of the alignment tool defines at least a portion of the handle.

[0007] In various examples, the alignment tool includes a sliding member positioned and retained within a cavity of the body and configured to slide within the cavity between a first end and a second end. The elongated pin includes a proximal end disposed opposite a tip of the elongated pin, wherein the proximal end of the elongated pin is in a fixed relationship with the sliding member such that when the sliding member slides toward the second end of the body, the elongated pin is at least partially retracted into the cavity, and when the sliding member slides toward the first end of the body, the elongated pin is extended from the cavity.

[0008] In various examples, at least a portion of the body of the alignment tool is transparent such that the sliding member is visible from outside the body.

[0009] In various examples, the alignment tool includes at least one marking on a transparent portion of the body configured to facilitate noticing retraction of the elongated pin.

[0010] In various examples, at least one mark on the alignment tool indicates a threshold force sufficient to damage the first washer, the second washer, the planetary gear roller, or the planetary gear, or indicates contact between the tip of the elongated pin and at least one of the first washer, the planetary gear roller, the planetary gear, and the second washer.

[0011] In various examples, the alignment tool includes at least one marking on the elongated pin configured to facilitate noting retraction of the elongated pin.

[0012] In various examples, at least one marking of the alignment tool indicates a threshold force sufficient to damage the first washer, the second washer, or the planetary gear, or indicates contact between the tip of the elongated pin and at least one of the first washer, the planetary gear, and the second washer.

[0013] In various examples, the alignment tool includes a stop member configured to limit insertion of the elongated pin through the mounting hole.

[0014] In various examples, the stop member of the alignment tool includes a hole, and the elongated pin extends through the hole such that the stop member surrounds a portion of the elongated pin.

[0015] In various examples, the biasing member of the alignment tool is configured to apply a biasing force on the sliding member in a second direction toward the first end of the body, wherein, when the slender pin is fully retracted, the biasing force is less than a threshold force that may damage the first washer, the second washer, or the planetary gear roller when the tip contacts the first washer, the second washer, or the planetary gear roller.

[0016] A method for assembling a planetary gear set. In one embodiment, the method includes: inserting an assembly of a planetary gear, a planetary gear needle roller arranged in a tubular pattern in a hole of the planetary gear, at least a first washer adjacent to a first end of the planetary gear, and at least a second washer adjacent to a second end of the planetary gear into a cavity of a housing, the housing being configured to rotatably support the assembly, wherein the first washer and the second washer each include a hole that aligns with the hole of the planetary gear when arranged in the assembly, the hole extending between the first end and the second end of the planetary gear, wherein the hole of the planetary gear having the planetary gear needle roller therein, the first hole of the first washer and the second hole of the second washer are all aligned with the mounting hole of the housing; inserting an elongated pin of an alignment tool through the mounting hole, through the first washer, and the second hole of the first washer. a first hole of the planetary gear, a hole of the planetary gear between the planetary gear rollers, and a second hole of the second washer, wherein the elongated pin is configured to retract relative to the handle of the alignment tool when a force is applied to the tip of the elongated pin; in response to the elongated pin being retracted relative to the handle of the alignment tool, the elongated pin is removed from the mounting hole, and the planetary gear, the planetary gear roller, the first washer, and the second washer are arranged to align the hole of the planetary gear having the planetary gear roller therein, the first hole of the first washer, and the second hole of the second washer; and in response to the elongated pin completely passing through the hole of the planetary gear between the planetary gear rollers, the first hole of the first washer, and the second hole of the second washer without being retracted relative to the handle of the alignment tool, the elongated pin is removed from the mounting hole.

[0017] In various examples, an alignment tool used in the method includes a body having a first end, a second end disposed opposite the first end, and an inner surface defining a cavity within the body between the first end and the second end, wherein a tip of the elongated pin extends outwardly from the first end of the body, wherein at least a portion of the elongated pin is configured to retract into the cavity of the body in response to a force applied to the tip of the elongated pin, the method further comprising monitoring the retraction of the elongated pin into the body of the alignment tool through a transparent portion of the body as the elongated pin of the alignment tool is inserted through the mounting hole and into the assembly.

[0018] In various examples, the method includes removing the elongated pin from the mounting hole in response to the elongated pin being retracted into the body of the alignment tool beyond a mark positioned on a transparent portion of the body, and arranging the planetary gear, the planetary gear roller, the first washer, and the second washer to align the hole of the planetary gear having the planetary gear roller therein, the first hole of the first washer, and the second hole of the second washer.

[0019] In various examples, at least one mark on a transparent portion of the body of the alignment tool used in the method indicates a threshold force sufficient to damage the first washer, the second washer, the planetary gear roller, or the planetary gear, or indicates contact between the tip of the elongated pin and at least one of the first washer, the planetary gear, and the second washer.

[0020] In various examples, a body of an alignment tool used in the method defines at least a portion of a handle.

[0021] In various examples, the method includes monitoring retraction of the elongated pin relative to the handle of the alignment tool by observing a marking positioned on the elongated pin as the elongated pin of the alignment tool is inserted through the mounting hole and into the assembly.

[0022] In various embodiments, the method includes applying a biasing force on the elongated pin along the longitudinal axis of the elongated pin in a second direction from the end of the elongated pin toward the tip of the elongated pin, wherein, when the elongated pin is fully retracted, the biasing force is less than a threshold force that may damage the first washer, the second washer, or the planetary gear roller when the tip contacts the first washer, the second washer, or the planetary gear roller.

[0023] In various examples, the method includes inserting an elongated pin of the alignment tool through the mounting hole and into the assembly until contact occurs between an outer surface of the housing and a stop member of the alignment tool. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] Exemplary embodiments will be described below with reference to the following drawings, wherein like reference numerals denote like elements, and wherein:

[0025] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional side view of an alignment tool for assembling components of a planetary gear set according to an embodiment;

[0026] Figure 2 Schematically showing the assembly process according to the embodiment Figure 1 the relationship between an alignment tool and certain components of a planetary gear set;

[0027] Figure 3 A partially assembled planetary gear set is inserted during assembly according to an embodiment Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of an alignment tool;

[0028] Figure 4 A partially assembled planetary gear set is inserted during assembly according to an embodiment Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of an alignment tool showing a reaction of the alignment tool in response to misalignment of components of a planetary gear set; and

[0029] Figure 5 is a flow chart representing a method for assembling certain components of a planetary gear set according to an embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the application and uses. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any expressed or implied theory presented in the preceding technical field, background, summary or the following detailed description.

[0031] Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of a handheld alignment tool 100 is shown, and the alignment tool 100 is configured to align components of a planetary gear set during assembly of the planetary gear set. The alignment tool 100 includes a body 110, and the body 110 has a first end 122 and a second end 124 disposed opposite the first end 122. An inner surface 126 of the body 110 defines a cavity within the body 110 between the first end 122 and the second end 124. An opening in the first end 122 of the body 110 provides access to the cavity in the body 110. In this example, the body 110 is configured as a handle that is configured to be grasped by a user. However, in various examples, a separate handle can be fixed relative to the body 110.

[0032] The elongated pin 112 extends outwardly from a first end 122 of the body 110. The pin 112 includes a distal end 120 and a proximal end 121 opposite the distal end 120, the distal end 120 defining a tip of the pin 112, and the proximal end 121 positioned adjacent to or within the body 110. The tip may have a variety of shapes, such as but not limited to a circular shape as shown. The proximal end 121 of the pin 112 is in a fixed relationship with and / or directly fixed to the sliding member 114. The sliding member 114 is positioned and retained within the cavity of the body 110 and is configured to slide within the cavity between the first end 122 and the second end 124 of the body 110. The biasing member 118 is positioned within the cavity of the body 110 and is configured to apply a biasing force on the sliding member 114 along the longitudinal axis 130 of the pin 112 in a direction from the second end 124 of the body 110 toward the first end 122 of the body 110. For example, the biasing member 118 may include a preloaded spring.

[0033] Since the sliding member 114 is positioned between and in contact with the pin 112 and the biasing member 118, the force applied to the sliding member 114 is transmitted between the biasing member 118 and the pin 112. Specifically, the biasing force is applied from the biasing member 118 to the pin 112 through the sliding member 114, and any force applied to the tip of the pin 112 is applied to the biasing member 118 through the sliding member 114. It should be noted that, with this arrangement, the pin 112 is configured to retract into the body 110 in response to a force applied to the tip in a direction from the distal end 120 toward the proximal end 121 thereof in a direction along the longitudinal axis 130 of the pin 112 (i.e., opposite in direction and greater in magnitude than the biasing force).

[0034] Figure 11 shows the alignment tool 100 in an initial state, wherein the pin 112 is fully extended from the body 110. In this initial state, the biasing force applied by the biasing member 118 positions the sliding member 114 in the cavity at the furthest position toward the first end 122 of the body 110. Applying a sufficient force exceeding the biasing force to the tip of the pin 112 causes the biasing member 118 to compress, the sliding member 114 to slide in a direction toward the second end 124 of the body 110, and at least a portion of the pin 112 to retract into the cavity ( Figure 4 If the force on the tip of the pin 112 is released or reduced to a magnitude less than the biasing force, the biasing member 118 will expand, the sliding member 114 will slide in a direction toward the first end 122 of the body 110, and at least a portion of the pin 112 will extend from the cavity.

[0035] In some examples, the alignment tool 100 includes one or more markings configured to facilitate ease of use of the tool, particularly for monitoring the retraction of the pin 112 into the cavity. In some examples, a portion or all of the body 110 is sufficiently transparent so that the retracted portion of the sliding member 114 and / or the pin 112 within the cavity is visible from the exterior of the body 110. Alternatively, or in addition to the above, the alignment tool 100 can include at least one marking on the elongated pin 112 that can be observed to note the retraction of the pin 112. For example, Figure 3 and Figure 4 A first marking 132 positioned on the transparent portion of the body 110 and a second marking 134 positioned on the outer surface of the pin 112 are shown.

[0036] The markings may indicate various relevant parameters. In various examples, the markings may indicate contact between the tip of the pin 112 and another item. In various examples, the markings may indicate that a force exceeding a predetermined threshold force has been applied to the tip of the elongated pin 112. In various examples, the alignment tool 100 may be configured to reduce the likelihood of damaging an item that contacts the tip of the alignment tool. In such an example, the predetermined threshold force may indicate a minimum force that may damage such an item. Alternatively, the alignment tool 100 may be configured such that when the elongated pin 112 is fully retracted, the biasing force is less than a predetermined threshold force that may damage the item when the tip contacts the item. In such an example, the pin 112 may be fully retracted into the body 110 before the predetermined threshold force is reached.

[0037] In various examples, the alignment tool 100 can include a stop member 116 configured to limit the insertion of the pin 112. The stop member 116 can have various structures. In some examples, the stop member 116 is configured to physically contact a portion of the differential to limit the insertion of the pin 112. Figures 1 to 4In the example of FIG. 1 , the stop member 116 is fixed to the first end 122 of the body 110. The stop member 116 includes a hole, and the pin 112 extends through the hole so that the stop member 116 surrounds a portion of the pin 112. Figure 3 As shown, the distal end 128 of the stop member 116 contacts a surface of the differential after the pin 112 passes completely through the component to be aligned and before the distal end 120 of the pin 112 contacts a surface of the differential positioned behind the component to be aligned.

[0038] As described above, the alignment tool 100 is configured to align components of a planetary gear set during manual assembly of the components of the planetary gear set. Figures 2 to 4 The use of the alignment tool 100 to assemble certain components of a planetary gear set of a vehicle differential is shown. Figure 5 In the flowchart, a method 300 of assembling a planetary gear set using the alignment tool 100 is provided according to an exemplary embodiment. It can be understood from the present disclosure that the use of the alignment tool 100 is not limited to Figures 2 to 4 The specific application shown, and the alignment tool 100 can be used to assemble planetary gear sets of various systems and can have various structures and components. In addition, the order of operations within the method 300 is not limited to the following. Figure 5 The embodiments are not performed in the order shown, but may be performed in one or more different orders as applicable and in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0039] When fully assembled, the differential includes a housing 210. An end 214 of the housing 210 serves as a carrier for the planetary gear set. Specifically, the end 214 of the housing 210 rotatably supports a set of planetary gears 216, which are supported on pins 217 fixed to the housing 210. A ring gear 220 and a sun gear (not shown) are intermeshed with the planetary gears 216. A plurality of washers 226, 228 are positioned between the planetary gears 216 and the end 214. The ring gear 220 surrounds the planetary gears 216 and is connected to a fixed element 230 (such as a housing of a transmission of a vehicle) for common rotation. The sun gear can be connected to an input shaft or an output shaft.

[0040] During assembly, each planetary gear 216 is arranged in the assembly 215 together with a plurality of washers 226, 228 and inserted into the housing 210 at their respective positions. Once in their respective positions, the alignment tool 100 can be used to ensure that the planetary gear 216 and the plurality of washers 226, 228 are properly aligned, as described in more detail below. After the alignment is completed, the planetary gears 216 can each be fixed with the above-mentioned pins. Although the assembly 215 is shown in this example as including a total of four washers, two washers in the first group of washers 226 and two washers in the second group of washers 228, it should be understood that the first group of washers 226 and the second group of washers 228 can include fewer or more washers, such as one washer, three washers, four washers, etc., and such washers can have the same or different structures.

[0041] Thus, the method 300 may begin at 310. At 312, the method 300 may include providing the differential in a partially assembled state, i.e., the planetary gears 216 are not installed in the housing 210. For convenience, each of the planetary gears 216 will be referred to as having a first end, a second end, and a bore extending between the first end and the second end. At 314, the method 300 may include providing an assembly of a first planetary gear 216, a plurality of planetary gear rollers 227 within the bore of the planetary gear 216, at least a first plurality of washers 226 adjacent to the first end of the first planetary gear 216, and at least a second plurality of washers 228 adjacent to the second end of the first planetary gear 216. The plurality of washers 226, 228 each include a hole that is preferably aligned with the bore of the first planetary gear 216 when the plurality of washers 226, 228 are arranged in the above-described assembly. At 316, method 300 may include inserting the assembly into a cavity of the housing 210 such that the holes of the first planetary gear 216 (having planetary gear rollers 227 arranged in a tubular pattern along the inner surface of the holes), the holes of the first set of washers 226, and the holes of the second set of washers 226 are all aligned with the mounting holes 232 of the housing 210.

[0042] At 318, the method 300 may include inserting the pin 112 of the alignment tool 100 through the mounting hole 232, through the hole of the first set of washers 226, into the hole between the pin rollers 227 of the first planetary gear 216, and through the hole of the second set of washers 228. During the insertion of the pin 112, the pin 112 is configured to align the first set of washers 226, the first planetary gear 216, the pin rollers 227, and the second set of washers 228 to a tolerance sufficient to operate the planetary gear set when the assembly of the planetary gear set is completed. To this end, the tip of the pin 112 may be rounded (as shown) or otherwise configured to facilitate lateral movement of any of the first set of washers 226, the first planetary gear 216, the pin rollers 227, and the second set of washers 228 that may deviate from proper alignment. The diameter of the pin 112 is sized to match the inner diameter of the first set of washers 228, the hole of the first planetary gear 216 having the planetary gear needle roller 227 therein, and / or the second set of washers 228, at least to the extent required to provide the desired alignment tolerance. However, if any of the first set of washers 226, the first planetary gear 216, the planetary gear needle roller 227, and the second set of washers 228 are offset to the extent that the insertion of the pin 112 is impeded, the pin 112 is configured to retract into the body 110 when sufficient force is applied by the user.

[0043] At 320, the method 300 may include determining whether the pin 112 is retracted into the body 110 during the insertion of the pin 112. In various examples, determining the retraction of the pin 112 may be performed by visually monitoring the retraction of the pin 112 into the body 110 of the alignment tool 100 via a transparent portion of the body 110. In such an example, the retraction of the pin 112 may be compared to a first mark 132 positioned on the transparent portion of the body 110. In various examples, determining the retraction of the pin 112 may be performed by observing a second mark 134 positioned on the pin 112 relative to another portion of the alignment tool 100, for example.

[0044] If the pin 112 is fully retracted or retracted to a predetermined size, the method 300 may include, at 322, removing the pin 112 from the mounting hole 232 and rearranging the first set of washers 226, the first planetary gear 216, the planetary gear needle roller 227, and the second set of washers 228 to realign the hole of the first planetary gear 216 having the planetary gear needle roller 227 therein and the hole of the first set of washers 226 and the hole of the second set of washers 228. Thereafter, steps 318 and 320 may be repeated until proper alignment is achieved. In various examples, the method 300 may include continuing to insert the pin 112 of the alignment tool 100 through the mounting hole 232 and into the hole of the first planetary gear 216 until contact occurs between the outer surface of the housing 210 and the stop member 116 of the alignment tool 100.

[0045] If at 320 , the pin 112 does not retract at all or does not retract by a predetermined amount, the method 300 may include, at 324 , removing the pin 112 from the mounting hole 232 and completing assembly of the differential. The method 300 may end at 326 .

[0046] The alignment tool 100 and method 300 provide various benefits over certain existing systems and methods. For example, assembly of a planetary gear set with a fixed tool (i.e., a tool that does not retract) may result in unintended forces being applied to misaligned components, such as one or more of the planetary gear 216, the planetary gear needle 227, the first set of washers 226, or the second set of washers 228. The alignment tool 100 provides the ability to align components without applying unintended forces thereto by ensuring that the pin 112 retracts relative to the body 110 in response to contact of the distal end 120 with a surface. As such, the alignment tool 100 and method 300 achieve an improvement in the art of planetary gear set assembly technology.

[0047] Although at least one exemplary embodiment has been proposed in the foregoing detailed description, it should be understood that there are a large number of variations. It should also be understood that one or more exemplary embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the scope, applicability or configuration of the present disclosure in any way. On the contrary, the foregoing detailed description will provide a convenient roadmap for implementing one or more exemplary embodiments for those skilled in the art. It should be understood that various changes may be made to the functions and arrangements of the elements without departing from the scope of the present disclosure as set forth in the attached claims and their legal equivalents.

Claims

1. An alignment tool for assembling a planetary gear set, comprising: handle; as well as A slender pin having a pointed end configured to be inserted through a mounting hole in a housing of the planetary gear set, through a first hole in a first washer, through the hole of the planetary gear between planetary gear needles arranged in a tubular pattern within the hole of the planetary gear, and then through a second hole of a second washer, wherein the slender pin is configured to align the first washer, the planetary gear, the planetary gear needle, and the second washer during the insertion of the slender pin through the first hole, the hole between the planetary gear needles, and the second hole, wherein the slender pin is retractable relative to the handle in response to a force applied to the pointed end in a first direction along the longitudinal axis of the slender pin.

2. The alignment tool according to claim 1, further comprising: a body having a first end, a second end distal from the first end, and an inner surface defining a cavity within the body between the first end and the second end; as well as a biasing member positioned within the cavity of the body and configured to apply a biasing force on the elongated pin along the longitudinal axis of the elongated pin in a second direction from the second end of the body toward the first end of the body, wherein the tip extends outwardly from the first end of the body, wherein at least a portion of the elongated pin is configured to retract into the cavity of the body in response to a force applied to the tip of the elongated pin that is greater than the biasing force.

3. The alignment tool according to claim 2, further comprising: a sliding member positioned and retained within the cavity of the body and configured to slide within the cavity between the first end and the second end, wherein the elongated pin comprises a proximal end disposed opposite to the tip of the elongated pin, wherein the proximal end of the elongated pin is in a fixed relationship with the sliding member such that when the sliding member slides toward the second end of the body, the elongated pin is at least partially retracted into the cavity, and when the sliding member slides toward the first end of the body, the elongated pin extends from the cavity.

4. The alignment tool according to claim 3, wherein: At least a portion of the body is transparent so that the sliding member is visible from outside the body.

5. The alignment tool of claim 1, further comprising at least one marking configured to facilitate noting the retraction of the elongated pin. 6 . The alignment tool of claim 1 , further comprising a stop member configured to limit insertion of the elongated pin through the mounting hole.

7. A method for assembling a planetary gear set, the method comprising: inserting an assembly of a planetary gear, a planetary gear needle roller arranged in a tubular pattern within a bore of the planetary gear, at least a first washer adjacent a first end of the planetary gear, and at least a second washer adjacent a second end of the planetary gear into a cavity of a housing configured to rotatably support the assembly, wherein the first washer and the second washer each include a hole aligned with the bore of the planetary gear when arranged in the assembly, the bore extending between the first end and the second end of the planetary gear, wherein the bore of the planetary gear having the planetary gear needle roller therein, the first hole of the first washer, and the second hole of the second washer are all aligned with the mounting hole of the housing; inserting an elongated pin of an alignment tool through the mounting hole, through the first hole of the first washer, through the hole of the planetary gear between the planetary gear needles, and through the second hole of the second washer, wherein the elongated pin is configured to retract relative to the handle of the alignment tool when a force is applied to a tip of the elongated pin; in response to the elongated pin being retracted relative to the handle of the alignment tool, removing the elongated pin from the mounting hole and arranging the planetary gear, the planetary gear needle roller, the first washer, and the second washer to align the hole of the planetary gear having the planetary gear needle roller therein, the first hole of the first washer, and the second hole of the second washer; and In response to the elongated pin completely passing through the hole of the planetary gear between the planetary gear rollers, the first hole of the first washer, and the second hole of the second washer without being retracted relative to the handle of the alignment tool, the elongated pin is removed from the mounting hole.

8. The method according to claim 7, wherein: The alignment tool includes a body having a first end, a second end disposed opposite the first end, and an inner surface defining a cavity within the body between the first end and the second end, wherein the tip of the elongated pin extends outwardly from the first end of the body, wherein at least a portion of the elongated pin is configured to retract into the cavity of the body in response to the force applied to the tip of the elongated pin, and the method further includes monitoring the retraction of the elongated pin into the body of the alignment tool through a transparent portion of the body as the elongated pin of the alignment tool is inserted through the mounting hole and into the assembly.

9. The method according to claim 8, further comprising: In response to the slender pin being retracted into the body of the alignment tool beyond the mark positioned on the transparent portion of the body, the slender pin is removed from the mounting hole, and the planetary gear, the planetary gear roller needle, the first washer and the second washer are arranged to align the hole of the planetary gear having the planetary gear roller needle therein, the first hole of the first washer and the second hole of the second washer.

10. The method according to claim 7, further comprising: As the elongated pin of the alignment tool is inserted through the mounting hole and into the assembly, retraction of the elongated pin relative to the handle of the alignment tool is monitored by observing indicia located on the elongated pin.

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