Adjustable Part Displacement Tool for Pitman Arm Separation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing pulling tools struggle to securely engage parts of different sizes, shapes, and configurations during vehicle maintenance, particularly when displacing a pitman arm relative to a drag link.

Innovation Solution

A part displacement tool with a frame, drive screw, and engaging arm assemblies that allow for adjustable engagement with parts of varying dimensions, enabling secure displacement by rotating the engaging screw to align with the frame's drive and grip axes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a rigid C-shaped frame with fixed geometry is used, then the structure is simple and strong, but it cannot accommodate parts of different sizes, shapes, and configurations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccommodation of different part sizes, shapes, and configurationsVSAvoidframe structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The frame is divided into a rigid body portion and a movable jaw portion that can be independently positioned and locked. This segmentation allows the movable jaw to adapt to different part geometries while the rigid body provides structural strength, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and structural simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The frame incorporates a movable jaw portion that can be adjusted to different positions and orientations relative to the rigid body. This dynamic capability allows the tool to accommodate various part sizes and shapes without requiring multiple fixed-frame designs, maintaining simplicity while increasing versatility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If a fixed-geometry frame is used, then manufacturing is simple, but the tool cannot securely engage parts with varying dimensions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecure engagement of partsVSAvoidframe manufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

By separating the frame into rigid and movable portions with independent adjustment mechanisms, the design achieves secure engagement for varied parts. The movable jaw can be precisely positioned to match different part geometries, ensuring reliable engagement without requiring complex custom-manufactured frames for each part type.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The frame design integrates multiple functions into a single structure: the rigid body provides structural support while the movable jaw handles adaptation to different part geometries. This multi-functionality ensures reliable engagement across various part types without requiring multiple specialized frames, simplifying manufacturing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the engaging member is fixed relative to the frame, then the structure is simple, but it cannot properly engage parts of different configurations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveengagement with diverse part configurationsVSAvoidengaging arm assembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The engaging arm assembly incorporates a movable jaw portion that can be adjusted relative to the rigid body to different positions and orientations. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the engaging member to properly contact and engage various part configurations, from small to large dimensions, while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure through modular design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Facilitates secure and adaptable engagement of parts, allowing for efficient detachment of a pitman arm from a drag link, accommodating diverse part configurations and sizes.

Implementation Method 1

The at least one engaging arm assembly is configured to be supported by the at least one arm opening and comprises an engaging member and an engaging screw. Operation of the engaging screw displaces the engaging member relative to the frame.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectScrew mechanism: Screw

Implementation Method 2

When the drive screw assembly is arranged in the drive opening, rotation of the drive screw assembly causes the drive screw to be displaced along the drive axis relative to the frame to engage the first part and displace the first part relative to the second part.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectScrew mechanism: Screw

Data Source

PatentEP4684915A1Systems and methods for displacing vehicle parts relative to each other
Publication Date: 2026.01.28 TIGER TOOL INT INC
  • EP4684915A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4684915A1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP4684915A1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A part displacement tool for displacing a first part relative to a second part, the part displacement tool comprising a frame, a drive screw, and at least one engaging arm assembly. The frame defines a drive opening and at least one arm opening. The drive screw is supported by the drive opening. The at least one engaging arm assembly is configured to be supported by the at least one arm opening and comprises an engaging member and an engaging screw. Operation of the engaging screw displaces the engaging member relative to the frame.