Engine part dismounting tool

Abstract

A removal tool for removing an insertable engine component from an engine assembly. The disassembly tool may include a coupling device, a drive member, and a lift member attached to the spindle. The coupling device is mounted on a holder that fixes the engine component, and the lifting member is positioned against an underside of a flange of the engine component. A rotational force exerted on the drive member is transmitted to the coupling device and causes the retainer to be unscrewed. When the holder is unscrewed, this causes the holder to generate a lift force that urges the coupling, causing the lift member to be urged upward, and further causing the engine component to be urged upward away from the engine assembly. This facilitates simultaneous removal of engine components and fixtures (e.g., in one operation).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to maintenance tools and, more particularly, to tool assemblies for disassembling components. Background Art

[0002] Engines are incredibly useful machines, enabling us to power other useful machines. For example, locomotive engines enable us to move railroad cars that carry a variety of goods over long distances. However, like all machines, these engines can malfunction, require maintenance, and require regular upkeep to keep them in good working order. In some cases, some engine components are mounted to the engine by inserting them into slots, cavities, or chambers. In these cases, maintenance on these components may require disassembly, which may involve extracting or removing them from their slots. For example, some engines include fuel injector assemblies. These fuel injector assemblies may include fuel injectors, which are typically mounted to the engine by inserting them into slots (e.g., in the cylinder head). Typically, retaining bolts or screws are used to secure the fuel injector in place. Most often, a clamp is used, followed by a clamping bolt or screw. In fact, most engine components that are inserted into corresponding slots are secured to the engine using at least one retaining bolt or screw.

[0003] Typically, removing an insertable engine component (e.g., a component inserted into a cavity, slot, or chamber of an engine, such as a fuel injector) involves removing a retaining bolt or screw (e.g., a clamping bolt or screw when a hold-down clamp is used), removing the hold-down clamp (if used), and then removing the insertable engine component from the slot. Most commonly, the insertable engine component is removed from the slot by pulling. For example, an operator may use force to remove the insertable engine component from the slot, such as by grasping the insertable engine component and pulling it out of the slot. However, this process can be dangerous because the engine and / or the insertable engine component may be damaged if excessive force is applied, the pulling force is uneven, and / or if the insertable engine component is simply grasped. Furthermore, in some cases, such as when removing a fuel injector, access to the retaining bolts may be difficult due to their location and / or the limited space available around the retaining bolts.

[0004] In some cases, such as with fuel injectors, the force required to remove the injector can be significant. However, due to the injector's position relative to other engine components, applying sufficient torque to remove the injector from its socket can be difficult. Failure to use the correct lever correctly when removing the injector can have serious consequences. For example, failure to use the correct lever correctly when removing the injector can cause the tool used to remove the injector to slip, potentially damaging the injector, other engine components, or causing the operator to lose balance. In some cases, failure to apply the correct lever correctly when removing the injector can result in a "jet-line release." When the injector is removed, the highly compressed, combustible mixture within the cylinder can suddenly release, potentially injuring maintenance personnel and / or damaging equipment.

[0005] Some fuel injector removal tools have been proposed, but these removal tools are often complex, difficult to use, and / or require removal of retaining bolts, which can be difficult, as described above. Consequently, these removal tools are not powerful enough to address the aforementioned issues. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The present invention provides a disassembly tool for removing an insertable engine component from an engine assembly. In one embodiment, the disassembly tool may include a spindle having a distal end, a middle portion, and a proximal end. The disassembly tool may include a lifting member disposed within the middle portion, a coupling device attached to the distal end, and a drive member attached to the proximal end.

[0007] In an embodiment, the disassembly tool can be configured to convert a rotational (e.g., torsional) force applied to the spindle into a lifting force applied to the insertable engine component, thereby extracting the insertable engine component from the engine slot. For example, in an embodiment, the coupling device can be configured to be mounted to a retaining member (e.g., a bolt, screw, or any other type of fastener or retainer) that secures the insertable engine component, or to a clamp that secures the insertable engine component to the engine frame. In an embodiment, the drive member can be configured to receive a rotational force (e.g., generated by an operator and / or a tool) and transmit the rotational force to the spindle. In an embodiment, the lifting member can be configured to engage with at least a portion of the insertable engine assembly (e.g., a flange, a socket, a cavity, a protrusion, etc.). The engagement between at least a portion of the insertable engine component and the lifting member can be such that the lifting force applied to the spindle is transmitted to a portion of the insertable engine component through the lifting member, thereby causing the insertable engine component to be separated or extracted from the slot in which the insertable engine component is mounted. For example, the coupling device can be configured to cause the retaining component to rotate and be screwed out of the threaded hole in which the retaining component can be mounted when a rotational force is applied to the spindle (e.g., by a drive member). When the retaining component is screwed out of the threaded hole, this action causes the spindle to move vertically when the retaining component is separated from the threaded hole. The vertical movement of the spindle includes a lifting force transmitted to the insertable engine component by the lifting component, thereby causing the insertable engine component to be pulled out or pulled out of the slot in which the insertable engine component is mounted. In this way, the removal tool can be configured to facilitate the removal of the insertable engine component from the engine frame while removing the retaining component (e.g., in a single operation).

[0008] In some embodiments, a removal tool implemented in accordance with the present disclosure can provide a solution to the current problem of removing insertable engine components from an engine, as described above. For example, a removal tool implemented in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure can allow for the removal of an insertable engine component (e.g., a fuel injector for a locomotive engine) by simultaneously removing a retaining member (e.g., a retaining bolt securing the fuel injector to the engine frame, or a clamping bolt securing a hold-down clamp securing the fuel injector to the engine frame) while simultaneously extracting the insertable engine component from a slot in the insertable engine component (e.g., a slot or seat in a cylinder head). In this manner, the removal tool of embodiments can allow for both the removal of the retaining member and the extraction of the insertable engine component from the slot in the insertable engine component. Due to the configuration of the removal tool of embodiments, the lifting force applied to the insertable engine component can be applied evenly and appropriately, thereby mitigating the risk of using excessive force to remove the insertable engine component, which can lead to the aforementioned problems (e.g., damage or injury). Furthermore, the structural design of the removal tool of embodiments of the present invention allows the operator to remove the insertable engine component without having to bend over into an awkward position, allowing for a more optimal working posture. This is because the tool can provide the required leverage, allowing an operator to remove the insertable engine component by simply applying a rotational force on the drive member (e.g., simultaneously loosening the retaining member and removing the insertable engine component). For example, in certain embodiments, a removal tool according to the present disclosure can be used to remove a fuel injector from an engine by applying a rotational force to the drive member using a single-handled actuator (e.g., a flexible handle, a ratchet handle of a socket wrench, an impact wrench, etc.) (this rotational force can be converted into a lifting force that can pull the fuel injector out of its seat in the cylinder head).

[0009] In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides a fuel injector removal tool capable of: (i) loosening and removing a fuel injector clamping bolt, and (ii) extracting the fuel injector from the cylinder head in a single step (e.g., in a single operation). This is because, with conventional tools, the injector retaining bolt, or clamping bolt, must first be removed before the injector can be removed from the cylinder head retainer. Without the present invention, this step requires a separate hand wrench to be reached down into an inconvenient position. In some cases, the limited position of the clamping bolt can make it difficult to apply the correct force smoothly. Furthermore, the fuel injector tool described herein allows the mechanic to adopt a better body posture and use a tool specifically adapted for the simultaneous loosening and extraction process, thereby reducing the potential for excessive force. Furthermore, using the removal tool can prevent the release of energy in the "hot line" of the engine cylinder and "pinch point" issues. Pinch points can occur, for example, when a mechanic's hand becomes trapped between a wrench bar or pry bar while trying to align the tool. Once the clamping bolt is removed, some means of gripping the fuel injector body must be provided. Without a special tool that fits the fuel injector body, this operation can be difficult and may damage the fuel injector. In one embodiment, a disassembly tool for removing an insertable engine component from a slot in an engine frame is provided. The disassembly tool includes a spindle having a distal end, a proximal end, and an intermediate region disposed within the distal end and the proximal end. The disassembly tool also includes a coupling device coupled to the distal end of the spindle. In an embodiment, the coupling device can be configured to be mounted around a retaining member that secures the insertable engine component to the engine frame. The disassembly tool also includes a drive member coupled to the proximal end of the spindle. In an embodiment, the drive member can be configured to receive a rotational force. The disassembly tool also includes a lifting member (e.g., a plate, rod, component, etc., configured to have an open end to receive the component while engaging the component at at least two points) coupled to the intermediate region of the spindle. In an embodiment, the lifting member can be configured to be positioned against at least a portion of the bottom surface of the insertable engine component. In an embodiment, the main shaft may be configured to transmit a rotational force from the drive member to the coupling device, thereby causing the coupling device to rotate about the longitudinal axis of the main shaft, and the rotation of the coupling device may cause the retaining component to loosen and separate from the hole in which the retaining component is mounted, thereby moving away from the distal end of the main shaft in a vertical direction, and the lifting member may be configured to transmit the vertical force as a lifting force to at least a portion of the underside of the insertable engine component, thereby causing the insertable engine component to be lifted out of the slot of the engine frame. In an embodiment, the main shaft may be configured to transmit a rotational force from the drive member to the coupling device, thereby causing the coupling device to rotate about the longitudinal axis of the main shaft to lift the insertable engine component from the engine.

[0010] In another embodiment, a method for removing an insertable engine component from a slot in an engine frame is provided. The method includes: mounting a coupling device attached to a distal end of a removal tool spindle around a retaining member that secures the insertable engine component to the engine frame, and positioning a lifting member attached to a mid-portion of the removal tool spindle around the insertable engine component. In one embodiment, the lifting member can be positioned to abut at least a portion of a bottom surface of the insertable engine component. The method also includes applying a rotational force to a drive member attached to a proximal end of the spindle of the removal tool. In one embodiment, the rotational force can be transmitted from the drive member to the coupling device via the spindle, thereby rotating the coupling device about a longitudinal axis of the spindle. The rotation of the coupling device can loosen and disengage the retaining member from a hole in which the retaining member is mounted, the retaining member being vertically away from the distal end of the spindle. The vertical force can be transmitted as a lifting force via the lifting member to at least a portion of an underside of the insertable engine component, thereby lifting the insertable engine component out of the slot in the engine frame.

[0011] In another embodiment, a method for manufacturing a removal tool for removing an insertable engine component from a slot in an engine frame is provided. The method includes disposing a coupling device at a distal end of a main shaft of the removal tool. In one embodiment, the coupling device is configured to be mounted around a retaining member that secures the insertable engine component to the engine frame. The method also includes disposing a drive member at a proximal end of the main shaft of the removal tool. In one embodiment, the drive member is configured to receive a rotational force. The method also includes disposing a lifting member at a central region of the main shaft, the central region being disposed between the distal and proximal ends. In one embodiment, the lifting member is configured to abut at least a portion of a bottom surface of the insertable engine component. In one embodiment, the main shaft can be configured to transmit a rotational force from the drive member to the coupling device, thereby rotating the coupling device about a longitudinal axis of the main shaft. The rotation of the coupling device can cause the retaining member to loosen and separate from the aperture in which the retaining member is mounted, vertically away from the distal end of the main shaft. The lifting member can be configured to transmit a vertical force as a lifting force to at least a portion of the underside of the insertable engine component, thereby lifting the insertable engine component out of the slot in the engine frame. In another embodiment, an engine component removal tool may include: a spindle having a first end and a second end; a coupling device coupled to the first end of the spindle, wherein the coupling device is configured to releasably engage a retaining member operably coupled to an engine frame; a lifting member coupled to a portion of the spindle, wherein the lifting member is configured to receive at least a portion of an insertable engine component; a drive member coupled to a proximal end of the spindle, wherein the drive member is configured to receive a rotational force to pull the retaining member from the engine frame and simultaneously pull the insertable engine component from the engine. wherein the insertable engine component comprises a fuel injector mounted in a cylinder head of a locomotive engine; wherein the spindle is a one-piece structure; wherein the spindle is comprised of separate components, wherein the separate components comprise an upper section and a lower section; wherein the upper section comprises a drive member and a distal end configured to couple to the proximal end of the lower section.

[0012] In another embodiment, a device for removing a fuel injector from a diesel engine may include: a ball and socket universal joint connected between a wrench socket and an extension shaft, the extension shaft being configured with a circular flange formed perpendicular to the extension shaft around an end opposite to the universal joint and having a first square drive mortise arranged in the center of the circular flange; an adapter shaft having a lower end configured with a square drive tenon for connecting to the first square drive mortise of the circular flange and having a second square drive mortise arranged at an end opposite to the lower end of the adapter shaft; and a lifting member having a hole arranged near the edge of the base and a first arm and a second arm extending from the edge of the base, wherein the adapter shaft can be received through the hole in the lifting member and the tenon at the lower end of the adapter plate can be inserted into the first square drive mortise of the circular flange.

[0013] The features and technical advantages of the present disclosure have been broadly outlined above so that the detailed description of the present disclosure below can be better understood. Additional features and advantages of the present disclosure will be described below, which form the subject of the claims of the present disclosure. It should be understood by those skilled in the art that the concepts and specific embodiments of the disclosure can be easily used as a basis for modifying or designing other structures to achieve the same purposes of the present disclosure. It should also be recognized by those skilled in the art that such equivalent constructions do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as described in the appended claims. The novel features of the organization and method of operation that are believed to be characteristic of the present disclosure, as well as further objects and advantages, can be better understood from the following description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. It should be expressly understood that each of the figures is for illustration and description purposes only and does not represent a definition of the scope of the present disclosure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] For a more comprehensive understanding of the present disclosure, please refer to the following description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings:

[0015] Figure 1 An exemplary removal tool configured with capabilities and functionality for removing an insertable engine component from a socket of an engine assembly is shown according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0016] Figure 2A and Figure 2B A specific configuration of a removal tool for removing an insertable engine component from a slot of an engine assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0017] Figures 3A to 3C A view showing a disassembly tool according to an embodiment of the present disclosure during operation is shown.

[0018] Figure 4A and Figure 4B A specific example of the operation of removing a removal tool insertable into an engine component from a slot of an engine assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0019] Figure 5 A high-level flow chart illustrating the operation of a removal tool for removing an insertable engine component from a socket of an engine assembly, configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure, is shown.

[0020] Figure 6 An exemplary flow chart illustrating operations for manufacturing a disassembly tool configured to function as an engine component inserted from a socket of an engine assembly, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0021] It should be understood that the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale and that the disclosed embodiments are sometimes shown in diagrammatic form and in fragmentary view. In some cases, details that are not necessary for an understanding of the disclosed methods and apparatuses or that render other details difficult to understand may have been omitted. It should be understood, of course, that the present disclosure is not limited to the particular embodiments shown herein. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] The disclosure and its various features and advantageous details set forth in the following written description will be more fully explained with reference to the non-limiting examples included in the accompanying drawings and the content detailed in the specification. Descriptions of well-known components are omitted herein so as not to unnecessarily obscure the main features described herein. The following examples are intended to facilitate an understanding of how the disclosure may be implemented and practiced. One of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the disclosure means that any suitable combination of the following functions or exemplary embodiments may be combined to achieve the claimed subject matter. The disclosure includes a representative number of species within the genus, or structural features common to members of the genus, so that one of ordinary skill in the art can identify members of the genus. Therefore, these examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the claims.

[0023] A person of ordinary skill in the art will understand that any system claim set forth herein encompasses all elements and limitations disclosed therein, and therefore each system claim is required to be considered as a whole. Any reasonably foreseeable item that has a functional relationship with the claim also falls within the relevant scope. After thoroughly understanding the disclosure and claims in the application as filed, the examiner searched for prior art disclosed in patents and other published documents (i.e., non-patent literature). Therefore, as evidenced by the issuance of this patent, the prior art fails to disclose or teach the elements and limitations set forth in the claims supported by the specification and drawings, and therefore the claims as filed are patentable under the applicable laws and rules of this jurisdiction.

[0024] Various embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to a removal tool configured for removing an insertable engine component from a slot of an engine assembly. Figure 1 An exemplary removal tool 100 is shown, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, configured with the capability and functionality to remove an insertable engine component from a slot in an engine assembly. Figure 1 As shown, the disassembly tool 100 may include a spindle 110, a coupling device 114, a drive member 112, and a lifting member 116. In embodiments, the various components of the disassembly tool 100 may be configured to provide functionality, such as removing an insertable engine component from a slot of an engine assembly through coordinated operation of the various components of the disassembly tool 100, as described in various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0025] In embodiments, the spindle 110 can be configured to provide structural support for the removal tool 100, for example by providing functionality for attaching various components of the removal tool 100. For example, the spindle 110 can have a distal end 124 and a proximal end 122. In embodiments, the spindle 110 can include an intermediate section 126 located at a portion or region between the distal end 124 and the proximal end 122.

[0026] In embodiments, distal end 124 may be configured to provide a connection point for coupling device 114. For example, coupling device 114 may be attached to distal end 124. In embodiments, coupling device 114 and distal end 124 may represent a unitary structure, such that coupling device 114 is integrated with distal end 122. In alternative embodiments, coupling device 114 and distal end 124 may be separate structures, such that coupling device 114 is a separate component from distal end 124 (e.g., a separate component from spindle 110). In such a case, coupling device 114 may be connected to distal end 124 by inserting, fastening, attaching, or otherwise attaching coupling device 114 to distal end 124. For example, in some embodiments, distal end 124 may include a tenon (e.g., a square, rectangular, or other suitable shape) configured to attach to a mortise of coupling device 114. In this example, coupling device 114 may be coupled to distal end 124 by inserting the tenon of distal end 124 into the mortise of coupling device 114. In an alternative embodiment, the coupling device 114 may include a tenon and the distal end 124 may include a mortise.

[0027] In embodiments, the proximal end 122 can be configured to provide a connection point for the drive member 112. For example, the drive member 112 can be attached to the proximal end 122. In embodiments, the drive member 112 and the proximal end 122 can represent a unitary structure, such that the drive member 112 is integrated with the proximal end 122. In alternative embodiments, the drive member 112 and the proximal end 122 can be separate structures, such that the drive member 112 is a separate component from the proximal end 122 (e.g., a separate component from the spindle 110). In such a case, the drive member 112 can be coupled to the proximal end 122 by being inserted, fastened, attached, or otherwise coupled to the proximal end 122. For example, in some embodiments, the proximal end 122 can include a tenon (e.g., a square, rectangular, or other suitable shape) configured to attach to a mortise of the drive member 112. In this example, the drive member 112 can be coupled to the proximal end 122 by inserting the tenon of the proximal end 122 into the mortise of the drive member 112. In an alternative embodiment, the drive member 112 may include a tenon and the proximal end 122 may include a mortise.

[0028] In an embodiment, the intermediate portion 126 can be configured to provide a connection point for the lifting member 116. For example, in an embodiment, the lifting member 116 can be attached to the intermediate portion 126 of the main shaft 110. In some embodiments, the lifting member 116 can be attached to the intermediate portion 126 in a semi-fixed manner. For example, the intermediate portion 126 can include a brake member 118 that is configured to prevent or resist vertical movement of the lifting member in a single direction (e.g., toward the distal end 124) while allowing vertical movement of the lifting member 116 in an opposite direction (e.g., toward the proximal end 122). In an embodiment, the configuration of the intermediate portion 126 can allow the lifting member to be slid into place (e.g., under a portion of an insertable engine component to be removed) while holding the lifting member in place. In addition, the configuration of the intermediate portion 126 allows the lifting member 116 to transmit the vertical movement of the main shaft 110 as a vertical force to the insertable engine component to be removed, for example by causing the stop member 118 to "push" the lifting member 116 toward the insertable engine component to "push" the insertable engine component in the direction of the lifting force, thereby pulling the insertable engine component out of the slot in the engine frame in which the insertable engine component can be mounted.

[0029] In some embodiments, the stop member 118 can be configured to have an adjustable position along the longitudinal axis of the spindle 110. For example, in some embodiments, the stop member 118 can be screwed around the spindle 110 and can be moved along the longitudinal axis of the spindle 110 by rotating the stop member 118. In this way, the stop member 118 can be adjusted up and down. This functionality of the stop member 118 can be utilized during operation of the removal tool 100 to allow the removal tool 100 to be positioned with sufficient maneuvering space, and then adjust a lifting member (e.g., a portion of the insertable engine component, such as a flange or other protrusion, that provides a surface for the lifting member 116 to push against) below the insertable engine component to be removed by moving the stop member 118 toward the insertable engine component.

[0030] In some embodiments, the spindle 110 can be constructed from a single piece. In alternative embodiments, the spindle can be constructed or assembled from a combination of various components. For example, the spindle 110 can include multiple sections that can be assembled together to form the spindle 110. In a specific example, the spindle 110 can include an upper portion and a lower portion. In this example, the distal end of the upper portion can be coupled to the proximal end of the lower portion to form the spindle 110. In some embodiments, the upper portion can be coupled to the lower portion using the mortise and tenon system described herein. In some embodiments, this non-unitary construction of the spindle 110 can allow for embodiments in which the upper portion of the spindle 110 can be inserted through an opening in the lifting member 116 to attach to the lower portion of the spindle 110. This can be utilized during operation by placing the lower portion of the spindle 110, including the coupling device 114, onto a retaining member of the insertable engine component to be removed, then placing the lifting member 116 below the insertable engine component, and then inserting the upper portion of the spindle 110 (e.g., including the drive member 112) into the opening in the lifting member 116 to attach to the lower portion of the spindle 110.

[0031] In an embodiment, the spindle 110 can be configured to transmit various forces during operation of the removal tool 100 to facilitate the removal of the insertable engine component. As will be described in greater detail below, the spindle 110 can be configured to transmit a rotational force (e.g., a rotational force applied via the drive member 112) to the coupling device 114. This rotational force can cause a retaining component (e.g., a retaining component to which the coupling device 114 can be mounted) to rotate and unscrew and separate from a threaded hole in which the retaining component can be mounted. As the retaining component is unscrewed from the threaded hole, the spindle is pushed upward in a vertical direction (e.g., away from the distal end 124). The vertical movement of the spindle 110 transmits a lift force (in the same upward direction) to and through the lift assembly 116, which can then be transmitted to the insertable engine component, thereby pushing the insertable engine component upward and away from the slot in which the insertable engine component can be mounted. In this manner, the spindle 110 can be configured to convert a rotational force into a lift force applied to the insertable engine component. Notably, in embodiments, extraction of the insertable engine component from the slot in the engine frame occurs simultaneously with removal of the retaining component (eg, in a single operation).

[0032] The drive member 112 may be configured to receive a rotational force and transmit the rotational force to the coupling device 114 through the main shaft 110. In an embodiment, the rotational force may represent a torsional force or a rotational force applied by an operator performing the removal of an insertable engine component. In some embodiments, the rotational force may be applied to the drive member 112 by a tool. The tool for applying the rotational force to the drive member 112 may include a ratchet, a driver, a wrench, an impact wrench, a screwdriver and / or any other tool (electric or manual) configured to provide a rotational force. In an embodiment, the drive member 112 may include a member for receiving the rotational force. For example, the drive member 112 may include a mortise 113, which may be used to rotate the drive member 112 when the rotational force is applied. In an embodiment, a tool may be attached to the drive member 112 by the mortise 113 to apply the rotational force.

[0033] In an embodiment, as described above, the drive member 112 can be coupled or attached to the proximal end 122 of the spindle 110. The rotational force received by the drive member 112 can be transmitted to the coupling device 114 through the spindle 110 via the coupling between the drive member 112 and the proximal end 122. In an embodiment, the coupling between the drive member 112 and the proximal end 122 can include a mortise system as described above, which can be operated to transmit the rotational force received by the drive member 112 through the spindle 110 to the coupling device 114.

[0034] In an embodiment, the drive member 112 can be made of any material suitable for withstanding the large rotational forces applied. For example, the drive member 112 can be made of steel, iron, high-strength carbon, etc., and / or can be upgraded for use with an impact wrench.

[0035] The coupling device 114 can be configured to receive a rotational force transmitted from the drive member 112 through the spindle 110 to a fixed component (e.g., a bolt, screw, etc.) that secures the insertable engine component or the clamp to the engine frame. In an embodiment, the coupling device 114 can be configured to be mounted to the retaining component in a rotationally fixed manner. For example, the coupling device 114 can be configured to firmly or tightly clamp the retaining component so that when the coupling device 114 rotates (e.g., the rotational force transmitted by the spindle 110), the retaining component also rotates. In an embodiment, the coupling device 114 can include a socket, a wrench and / or any other device configured to firmly clamp the retaining component and cause it to rotate when the coupling device 114 rotates. In a particular embodiment, the coupling device 114 can include a ball joint with a wrench socket that can be configured to be mounted to the retaining component.

[0036] In embodiments, coupling device 114 can be configured to receive a vertical force from the retaining component, which can cause coupling device 114 to be pushed away from distal end 124. For example, when a rotational force is applied to the retaining component via coupling device 114, the retaining component can rotate and unscrew and separate from the threaded hole in which the retaining component is mounted. When the retaining component is loosened, coupling device 114 is pushed "upward" away from distal end 124 and toward intermediate portion 126 by the vertical upward movement of the retaining component. The vertical force from the retaining component can then be transmitted to lifting member 116 via coupling device 114 via the main shaft. For example, as described above, coupling device 114 can be coupled or attached to distal end 124 of main shaft 110. The vertical force received by coupling device 114 from the retaining component (e.g., upward separation of the retaining component from the threaded hole in which it is mounted) can be transmitted to lifting member 116 via the coupling between coupling device 114 and distal end 124 through main shaft 110. In an embodiment, the coupling between the coupling device 114 and the distal end 124 may include a mortise and tenon system as described above, which may be operable to transfer vertical forces received by the coupling device 114 through the spindle 110 to the lifting member 116 .

[0037] In an embodiment, the coupling device 114 can be made of any material suitable for withstanding the large rotational and / or vertical forces applied. For example, the coupling device 114 can be made of steel, iron, high-strength carbon, etc., and / or can be upgraded for use with an impact wrench.

[0038] Lifting member 116 can be configured to receive a vertical force from coupling device 114 via spindle 110 and transmit this vertical force as a lifting force to at least a portion of the insertable engine component to be removed. For example, in embodiments, lifting member 116 can be configured to engage at least a portion of the insertable engine component. In embodiments, at least a portion of the insertable engine component can include a flange, a socket, a cavity, a protrusion, etc. In these embodiments, lifting member 116 can be configured to engage at least a portion of the insertable engine component, thereby "pushing" the insertable engine component in the direction of the lifting force. For example, lifting member 116 can be positioned against a flange, such as the underside, of the insertable engine component. In this example, lifting member 116 can receive the vertical force from coupling device 114 via spindle 110. Specifically, upward movement of spindle 110 in the direction of the vertical force can cause detent member 118 to move in the direction of the vertical force. This movement can cause detent member 118 to press against lifting member 116, thereby pushing the lifting member in the direction of the vertical force. This can generate a lifting force via the lifting member 116. The lifting member 116 can apply a lifting force to the flange, pushing the flange and pushing the insertable engine component in the direction of the lifting force, thereby moving the insertable engine component in an upward direction (e.g., in the direction of a perpendicular force). In this way, the insertable engine component can be pushed in the direction of the perpendicular force by the lifting member 116. This lifting force can cause the insertable engine component to separate from the slot in which the insertable engine component is mounted or be pulled out or removed.

[0039] In an embodiment, the lifting member 116 can freely rotate about the main shaft 110. For example, the lifting member 116 can include an opening ( Figure 1 10). The opening of the lifting member 116 can be configured to allow the spindle 110 to slide into the opening so that the lifting member 116 can move along the longitudinal axis of the spindle 110. In this way, when the spindle 110 is rotated about its longitudinal axis (e.g., in response to a rotational force applied via the drive member 112), the lifting member 116 may not rotate with the spindle 110, but can remain in place relative to the insertable engine component. In other words, the spindle 110 can rotate within the opening of the lifting member 116, but the lifting member can remain in place relative to the insertable engine component. This functionality allows the rotational force to be converted into a lifting force through the coordinated operation of the components of the removal tool 100.

[0040] Figure 2A and Figure 2B 1 shows a specific configuration of a disassembly tool 200 for removing an insertable engine component from a slot of an engine assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Specifically, Figure 2A and Figure 2BThe example shown in FIG. 2 shows a configuration in which the components of the disassembly tool 200 may be made of a non-unitary structure. For example, the disassembly tool 200 may include a spindle 110, which may be composed of an upper portion 70 and a lower portion 46. The upper portion 70 may include a distal end 72 and a proximal end 122. The proximal end 122 may be configured to include a drive component 112, which functions as described above with respect to Figure 1 . In this example, the upper portion 70 and the drive member 112 can be formed of a unitary structure, or can be separate components as described above. The distal end 72 of the upper portion 70 can be configured to attach to the proximal end 50 of the lower portion 46. For example, the lower portion 46 can include a distal end 124 and a proximal end 50. The proximal end 50 can be configured to attach (e.g., via a mortise system as described above) to the distal end 72 of the upper portion 70 to form the spindle of the removal tool 200. In an embodiment, the proximal end 50 of the lower portion 46 can also include a brake member 118, which can include a circular flange, as described above with reference to Figure 1 Functionally described, the circular flange is configured to support the lifting member 116 and apply the vertical force provided by the coupling device 114 to the lifting member 116 .

[0041] In an embodiment, the distal end 124 of the lower portion 46 may be configured to be attached (eg, via a mortise and tenon system as described above) to the coupling device 114. The coupling device 114 may include the coupling device 114 described above with respect to FIG. Figure 1 In this example, the coupling device 114 may include a ball joint, which may include a wrench socket 44 configured to be mounted on a retaining member that secures an insertable engine component to be removed, and a ball joint retainer 64 configured to be attached to the distal end 124 of the lower portion 46. In an embodiment, the ball joint structure of the coupling device 114 may allow for some tolerance in the coupling between the lower portion 46 and the coupling device 114, thereby facilitating the transfer of rotational force to the retaining member by providing a certain degree of tolerance even if the spindle is not perfectly aligned with the retaining member.

[0042] like Figure 2A As shown, in this example, the lifting member 116 may include a lifting plate that may have a shape that facilitates positioning the lifting member 116 around the body of the insertable engine component to be removed, just below the portion where the lifting force is to be applied, to lift the insertable engine component out of the slot in which the insertable engine component is to be installed. In this example, the lifting member 116 may include an opening 62 configured to allow the distal end 72 of the upper portion 70 to slide into the opening 62 and attach to the proximal end 50 of the lower portion 46. The function of the opening 62 may include Figure 1 The function is consistent with the description of the opening.

[0043] In some embodiments, the lifting plate of the lifting member 116 can include a U-shape configured to wrap around an insertable engine component to be removed. In a specific example, the insertable engine component can include a fuel injector, and the U-shaped lifting plate can be configured to be positioned around the body of the fuel injector, just below the flange of the fuel injector. When the U-shaped lifting plate applies lift toward the flange, the fuel injector may be pushed upward and potentially pulled out of the cylinder head in which the fuel injector is installed. Figure 2B A view of a fully assembled disassembly tool 200 is shown, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0044] The operation of a removal tool configured to remove an insertable engine component from a slot of an engine assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will now be discussed with reference to Figure 5 And refer to Figures 3A-3C . Figures 3A-3C A view showing a disassembly tool 100 during operation according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 5 A high-level flow chart 500 illustrating operations for removing a removal tool insertable into an engine component from a socket of an engine assembly, configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure, is shown.

[0045] like Figure 3A As shown, the insertable engine component 150 can be mounted into a slot 162 of the engine frame 160. In this example, the insertable engine component 150 can be inserted into the slot 162. Furthermore, in this particular example, the insertable engine component 150 can be secured to the engine frame 160 using a retaining member 157, which can be represented as a bolt or screw and can have a head 156. In this example, the retaining member can be mounted into a hole 164, which can include a threaded hole. In this example, the insertable engine component 150 can be secured to the engine frame 160 using a clamp 155, which can be coupled to the insertable engine component 150 and secured to the engine frame 160 using the retaining member 157. In this manner, the clamp 155 is used to secure the insertable engine component 150 to the engine frame 160.

[0046] In this example, the insertable engine component 150 may also include a flange 152, which may represent a flange on a portion of the underside of the insertable engine component 150 and may provide a point at which a lifting force may be applied to the underside of the insertable engine component 150 to push the insertable engine component 150 in a vertical direction 175, which may represent a direction away from the engine frame 160. As described above, the location of the retaining member 157 and the available space within the components of the engine frame 160 may present a very challenging situation, making it difficult and / or dangerous to remove the retaining member 157 and / or the insertable engine component 150. In such a situation, it may be decided to remove the insertable engine component 150 from the engine frame 160 using the removal tool 100.

[0047] During operation, at block 502 (e.g. Figure 5 ), the coupling device 114 of the removal tool 100 can be mounted around the retaining member 157. In an embodiment, as described above, the coupling device 114 can be configured to be mounted to the head 156 of the retaining member 157 in a rotationally fixed manner such that the head 156 can be firmly or tightly gripped by the coupling device 114. In this manner, when the coupling device 114 is rotated, the retaining member 157 can also rotate in response to the rotation of the coupling device 114.

[0048] During operation, at block 504 (e.g. Figure 5 152 ), the lifting member 116 can be positioned around the insertable engine component 150. For example, the lifting member 116 can be positioned on the underside or below the flange 152. In this manner, the lifting force exerted by the lifting member 116 on the flange 152 can push the insertable engine component 150 in the vertical direction 175, thereby pulling the insertable engine component 150 out of the slot 162.

[0049] During operation, at block 506 (e.g. Figure 5 As shown), a rotational force 170 (as shown) may be applied to the drive member 112. Figure 3B ). For example, an operator can rotate the drive member manually or using a tool mounted on the drive member 112. The rotational force 170 applied to the drive member 112 can be transmitted to the main shaft 110, thereby causing the main shaft 110 to rotate about the longitudinal axis of the main shaft 110. The rotational force 170 can be further transmitted to the coupling device 114 through the main shaft 110, thereby causing the coupling device 114 to also rotate in the direction of the rotational force 170, which may include a direction around the longitudinal axis of the main shaft 110. At this time, since the coupling device 114 is mounted on the head 156 of the retaining component 157, the rotational force 170 can be transmitted to the retaining component 157, thereby causing the retaining component 157 to rotate in the direction of the rotational force 170.

[0050] In an embodiment, Figure 3C As shown, rotation of retaining member 157 may cause retaining member 157 to be unscrewed or loosened from threaded hole 164. When retaining member 157 is unscrewed from hole 164 by rotational force 170, retaining member 157 may separate from hole 164 in an upward vertical direction 175, which is a direction away from engine frame 160 and along the longitudinal axis of main shaft 110. In an embodiment, separation of retaining member 157 in vertical direction 175 causes coupling device 114 to be subjected to lifting force 172 in vertical direction 175, which may cause coupling device 114 to be pushed in the direction of lifting force 172. When coupling device 114 is connected to main shaft 110, lifting force 172 is transmitted to main shaft 110, causing main shaft 110 to be pushed in the direction of lifting force 172. The spindle may transfer the lifting force 172 to the lifting member 116 via the braking member 118 , as the braking member may apply the lifting force to the lifting member 116 , and this may cause the lifting member 116 to be pushed in the direction of the lifting force 172 .

[0051] In an embodiment, when the lifting member 116 is positioned against the underside of the flange 152, a lifting force 172 can be transmitted by the lifting member 116 to the underside of the flange 152. This can cause the insertable engine component 150 to be pushed in the direction of the lifting force 172. Because the direction of the lifting force 172 is away from the engine frame 160, the lifting force 172 can cause the insertable engine component 150 to be extracted or pulled out of the slot 162. In this way, the insertable engine component 150 can be removed from the slot 162 simultaneously with the removal of the retaining member 164. In some embodiments, this can be characterized as a single-step operation because, after the operator installs the removal tool 152 to the operating environment (e.g., after installing the coupling device around the retaining member 157 and positioning the lifting member 116 around the insertable engine component 150 and against the underside of the flange 152), the operator can remove the insertable engine component 150 by simply rotating the drive member 112, which can remove the retaining member 157 from the hole 164 and pull the insertable engine component 150 out of the slot 162 in a single step of rotating the drive member 112.

[0052] Figure 4A and Figure 4B A specific example of the operation of a removal tool 200 for removing an insertable engine component from a slot of an engine assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 4A and Figure 4B In the example shown, the disassembly tool 200 may include Figure 2A and 2B The removal tool 200 is described.

[0053] like Figure 4A and Figure 4B As shown, a fuel injector 20 may be mounted on a cylinder head of a locomotive engine 16. In this example, the fuel injector 20 may be secured to the locomotive engine 16 using a clamp 26, which is secured to the locomotive engine 16 via clamp bolts 28. In this particular example, the fuel injector 20 may include a flange 22.

[0054] During operation, the coupling device 114 can be mounted around the clamping bolt 28 in a rotationally fixed manner so that the clamping bolt 28 can be firmly or tightly clamped by the coupling device 114. In this way, when the coupling device 114 is rotated, the clamping bolt 28 can also rotate in response to the rotation of the coupling device 114.

[0055] During operation, the lifting member 116 can be positioned around the insertable fuel injector 20. For example, the lifting member 116 can be positioned on the underside of or below the flange 22. In this manner, the lifting force exerted by the lifting member 116 on the flange 22 can push the fuel injector 20 upward and can pull the fuel injector 20 away from the cylinder head slot in which the fuel injector 20 can be installed.

[0056] During operation, a rotational force may be applied to drive member 112. This rotational force can be transmitted through main shaft 110 to coupling device 114, causing coupling device 114 to rotate about the longitudinal axis of main shaft 110. Since coupling device 114 is now mounted to clamping bolt 28, the rotational force can be transmitted to clamping bolt 28, causing clamping bolt 28 to rotate about the longitudinal axis of main shaft 110 in the direction of the rotational force. In this example, the rotation of clamping bolt 28 may cause clamping bolt 28 to unscrew from its threaded hole. When clamping bolt 28 is loosened under the action of the rotational force, clamping bolt 28 may separate from its threaded hole in a vertically upward direction away from locomotive engine 16 and along the longitudinal axis of main shaft 110. The vertical separation of clamping bolt 28 may cause coupling device 114 to be subjected to a vertical lifting force, which may cause coupling device 114 to be pushed in the direction of the lifting force. The lifting force may be transferred to the lifting member 116 via the braking member 118 through the main shaft 110 , as the braking member 118 may apply the lifting force to the lifting member 116 , and this may cause the lifting member 116 to be pushed in the direction of the lifting force.

[0057] In this example, the lifting force can be transmitted to the underside of the flange 22 by the lifting member 116, thereby causing the fuel injector 20 to be pushed in the direction of the lifting force. Because the lifting force is directed away from the locomotive engine 16, the lifting force can cause the fuel injector 20 to be extracted or pulled out of the cylinder head in which the fuel injector 20 is installed. In this way, the fuel injector 20 can be removed from the corresponding cylinder head of the locomotive engine 16 while the clamping bolts 28 are removed.

[0058] Now refer to Figure 6 A method of manufacturing a removal tool for removing an insertable engine component from a slot of an engine assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is discussed. Figure 6 An exemplary flowchart 600 of operations for manufacturing a disassembly tool configured to insert an engine component from a slot in an engine assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. For example, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, Figure 6 The example blocks shown in the figure are manufactured using the steps shown in Figure 1-5 disassembly tool 100 and / or disassembly tool 200 .

[0059] At block 602, a coupling device may be arranged on the distal end of the spindle of the removal tool. In an embodiment, the coupling device may be configured to fit around a retaining member that secures the insertable engine component to the engine frame. For example, the coupling device (e.g., Figure 1-5 The coupling device 114 shown in FIG. 1 may be provided on a disassembly tool (eg Figure 1-5 The spindle (eg, Figure 1-5 On the distal end of the main shaft 110 shown.

[0060] At block 604, a drive member may be disposed on the proximal end of the spindle of the removal tool. In an embodiment, the drive member may be configured to receive a rotational force. For example, a drive member (e.g., Figure 1-5 The coupling device 114 shown in FIG. 1 may be provided on a disassembly tool (eg Figure 1-5 The spindle (eg, Figure 1-5 On the distal end of the main shaft 110 shown.

[0061] At block 606, a lifting member may be positioned on the intermediate region of the spindle. In embodiments, the intermediate region may be disposed within the distal end and the proximal end, and the lifting member may be configured to be positioned against at least a portion of an underside of an insertable engine component. For example, a lifting member (e.g., Figure 1-5 The lifting member 116 shown in FIG. 1 may be provided on a disassembly tool (eg Figure 1-5 The spindle (eg, Figure 1-5On the distal end of the main shaft 110 shown.

[0062] In an embodiment, the spindle can be configured to transmit a rotational force from the drive member to the coupling device, thereby causing the coupling device to rotate about the longitudinal axis of the spindle. In an embodiment, the rotation of the coupling device can cause the retaining component to loosen and separate from the aperture in which the retaining component is mounted, thereby moving vertically away from the distal end of the spindle and away from the aperture. In an embodiment, the lifting member can be configured to transmit a vertical force as a lifting force to at least a portion of the underside of the insertable engine component, thereby lifting the insertable engine component out of the slot of the engine frame.

[0063] It will be appreciated that the engine component removal tool can thus be configured to remove the fuel injector clamping bolt and to pull the fuel injector from its seat in a single, simultaneous operation. This new engine component removal tool offers several advantages not previously available, such as (1) minimizing the effort required to use the fuel injector removal tool; (2) limiting the risk of "wire release"; (3) minimizing the effects of pinch points; (4) providing a single, compact tool at low cost and ease of use; and (5) being able to loosen and remove the fuel injector assembly in a single operation.

[0064] Although the present disclosure and its advantages have been described in detail, it should be understood that various modifications, substitutions and changes may be made to the disclosure without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure as defined by the appended claims. In addition, the scope of this application is not limited to the specific embodiments of the processes, machines, manufactures, material compositions, devices, methods and steps described in the specification. As one of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate from the contents of this disclosure, processes, machines, manufactures, material compositions, devices, methods or steps that are currently available or later developed and that perform substantially the same functions or achieve substantially the same results as the corresponding embodiments described herein may be utilized in accordance with the present invention. Therefore, the appended claims are intended to include such processes, machines, manufactures, material compositions, devices, methods or steps within their scope.

[0065] Furthermore, the description in this patent document should not be construed as implying that any particular element, step, or function is an essential or critical element that must be included within the scope of the claims. Furthermore, unless the exact words "means for" or "step for" are expressly used in a particular claim and followed by a participle phrase identifying the function, no claim is intended to invoke 35 U.S.C. §112(f) with respect to any additional claim or claim element. Terms used in the claims (such as, but not limited to, "mechanism," "module," "device," "unit," "component," "element," "member," "means," "machine," "system," "processor," "processing device," or "controller") should be understood and intended to refer to structures known to one skilled in the relevant art, and to be further modified or enhanced by the features of the claims themselves, and are not intended to invoke 35 U.S.C. §112(f). Even under the broadest reasonable interpretation, in the absence of the specific language described above, the claims are not intended to invoke 35 U.S.C. §112(f) in accordance with this paragraph of the specification.

[0066] The present disclosure may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. For example, each new structure described herein may be modified to accommodate specific local changes or requirements while retaining their basic configuration or structural relationship to each other, or while performing the same or similar functions described herein. Therefore, the present embodiments should be considered in all respects to be illustrative and not restrictive. Therefore, the scope of the present disclosure may be determined by the appended claims rather than the above description. Therefore, all changes within the meaning and range of equivalence of the claims should be included in the claims. In addition, the various elements in the claims are not well-known, conventional or traditional. Instead, the claims are directed to the unconventional inventive concepts described in the specification.

Claims

1. A removal tool for removing an insertable engine component from a slot in an engine frame, comprising: The main shaft has a distal end, a proximal end, and an intermediate region disposed within the distal and proximal ends; a coupling device coupled to a distal end of the main shaft, wherein the coupling device is configured to fit around a retaining member that secures the insertable engine component to the engine frame; a drive member connected to the proximal end of the main shaft, wherein the drive member is configured to receive a rotational force; and a lifting member coupled to the intermediate portion of the main shaft, wherein the lifting member is configured to abut at least a portion of a bottom surface of the insertable engine component, The spindle is configured to transmit a rotational force from the drive member to the coupling device, thereby causing the coupling device to rotate about a longitudinal axis of the spindle to lift the insertable engine component from the engine.

2. The removal tool of claim 1, wherein the insertable engine component comprises a fuel injector mounted in a cylinder head of a locomotive engine. 3 . The removal tool according to claim 1 , wherein the main shaft is a one-piece structure, comprising a distal end, a proximal end, and a middle portion disposed within the distal end and the proximal end.

4. The removal tool of claim 1, wherein the spindle is comprised of separate components, wherein the separate components include an upper portion and a lower portion.

5. The removal tool of claim 4, wherein the upper portion comprises a drive member and a distal end configured to be coupled to the proximal end of the lower portion.

6. The removal tool of claim 4, wherein the lower portion comprises the coupling device and a proximal end configured to be coupled to the distal end of the upper portion.

7. The removal tool of claim 1, further comprising a positioning member disposed within the intermediate portion and configured to resist downward sliding of the lifting member along the longitudinal axis of the spindle.

8. The disassembly tool according to claim 1, wherein: The lifting member includes an opening configured to receive the spindle and configured such that the lifting member is slidable along a longitudinal axis of the spindle and is freely rotatable about the longitudinal axis of the spindle.

9. The disassembly tool according to claim 1, wherein: Under the action of the rotational force applied to the drive member, the retaining assembly is loosened and separated from the hole, and the pluggable motor assembly is lifted from the slot of the motor frame, which represents a single-step operation to remove the retaining assembly and the pluggable motor assembly.

10. A method for removing an insertable engine component from a slot in an engine frame, comprising: installing a coupling device attached to a distal end of a removal tool spindle about the securing component to secure the insertable engine component to the engine frame; positioning a lifting member about the insertable engine component, the lifting member attached to a mid-portion of a spindle of the removal tool, wherein the lifting member is positioned against at least a portion of an underside of the insertable engine component; and A rotational force is applied to a drive member attached to a proximal end of a removal tool spindle, wherein: A rotational force is transmitted from the drive member to the coupling device through the main shaft, causing the coupling device to rotate about the longitudinal axis of the main shaft; Rotation of the coupling device causes the retaining member to loosen and separate from the hole in which the retaining member is mounted, moving away from the distal end of the main shaft in a vertical direction; The vertical force is transmitted as a lifting force through the lifting member, acting on at least a portion of the lower side of the insertable engine component, thereby lifting the insertable engine component out of the slot of the engine frame.

11. The method according to claim 10, wherein: The insertable engine component includes a fuel injector mounted in a cylinder head of a locomotive engine. 12 . The method of claim 10 , wherein positioning the lifting member about the insertable engine component comprises positioning the lifting member on an underside of a flange of the insertable engine component.

13. The method of claim 10, wherein positioning the lifting member about the insertable engine component comprises sliding the lifting member downwardly along the longitudinal axis of the main shaft until the lifting member is stopped by a stop member disposed within a mid-portion of the main shaft.

14. A method of making a removal tool for removing an insertable engine component from a slot in an engine frame, comprising: disposing a coupling device on a distal end of a spindle of the removal tool, wherein the coupling device is configured to fit around a retaining member that secures the insertable engine component to the engine frame; disposing a drive member onto a proximal end of a spindle of the removal tool, wherein the drive member is configured to receive a rotational force; and Disposing a lifting member on a mid-section of the main shaft, the mid-section being disposed within the distal end and the proximal end, wherein the lifting member is configured to abut at least a portion of an underside of an insertable engine component, wherein: The main shaft is configured to transmit a rotational force from the drive member to the coupling device so that the coupling device rotates about a longitudinal axis of the main shaft; Rotation of the coupling causes the retaining member to loosen and separate from the hole in which the retaining member is mounted, vertically away from the distal end of the main shaft; and The lifting member is configured to transmit the vertical force as a lifting force to at least a portion of the underside of the insertable engine component, thereby lifting the insertable engine component out of the slot of the engine frame.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein the insertable engine component comprises a fuel injector mounted in a cylinder head of a locomotive engine.

16. The method of claim 14, further comprising constructing the main shaft as a unitary structure comprising a distal end, a proximal end, and an intermediate portion disposed within the distal end and the proximal end.

17. The method of claim 14, further comprising constructing the main shaft from separate components, wherein the separate components include an upper section and a lower section.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein the upper portion comprises a drive member and a distal end configured to couple to the proximal end of the lower portion.

19. The method of claim 17, wherein the lower portion comprises the coupling device and a proximal end configured to couple to the distal end of the upper portion.

20. The method of claim 1, further comprising disposing a brake member within the intermediate portion and configuring the brake member to resist sliding downwardly of the lifting member along the longitudinal axis of the spindle.

21. An engine component removal tool comprising: a spindle having a first end and a second end; a coupling device coupled to the first end of the main shaft, wherein the coupling device is configured to releasably engage a retaining member operably coupled to the engine frame; a lifting member coupled to a portion of the main shaft, wherein the lifting member is configured to receive at least a portion of an insertable engine component; A drive member is coupled to the proximal end of the main shaft, wherein the drive member is configured to receive a rotational force to pull the retaining component out of the engine frame and simultaneously pull the insertable engine component out of the engine.

22. The removal tool of claim 21, wherein the insertable engine component comprises a fuel injector mounted in a cylinder head of a locomotive engine.

23. The removal tool of claim 21, wherein the spindle is a one-piece structure.

24. The removal tool of claim 21, wherein the spindle is comprised of separate components, wherein the separate components include an upper portion and a lower portion.

25. The removal tool of claim 24, wherein the upper portion comprises the drive member and a distal end configured to be coupled to the proximal end of the lower portion.

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