Adjustable Seal Tool With Impact Hammer And Engagement Slot
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tools are inadequate for adjusting seals in turbine systems, particularly in locations with limited access space, often resulting in unintended damage to seals and components due to the need for blind manipulation.
Innovation Solution
A tool with an engagement block and impact surface, featuring a slot to capture the seal and a hammer head movable along a strike axis, allowing for precise adjustment without additional tools, and including pivotable and rotatable components for improved accessibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If existing tools (hammers, crow bars, pliers) are used to adjust seals, then the seals can be removed, but the tools require significant access space and cause unintended damage to seals and components
Solution Approach 1:
The tool is divided into distinct functional segments: a hammer head for impact, a handle for leverage, and a jaw assembly with movable and fixed jaws for gripping the seal. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while working in confined spaces without requiring blind manipulation that causes damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The tool acts as an intermediary device between the worker and the seal. Instead of directly using crude tools like crow bars that cause damage, the specialized tool with its engineered jaw geometry and controlled movement mechanism provides a mediating interface that applies force precisely to the seal without damaging adjacent components.
2Ease of operation
If existing tools are used in confined spaces, then seal adjustment is possible, but the manipulation must be done blindly resulting in damage
Solution Approach 1:
The tool is designed with pre-configured geometric features including the angle of the movable jaw relative to the handle, the position of the fixed jaw, and the strike axis alignment. These preliminary design decisions ensure that when the tool is inserted into the confined space, the operator has immediate visual and tactile control over the seal engagement without needing to manipulate components blindly, thereby preventing damage.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a specialized tool is designed for confined space seal adjustment, then damage is prevented, but the tool complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tool merges multiple functions into a single integrated device: the hammer head provides impact force, the handle provides leverage and positioning, and the jaw assembly provides secure grip on the seal. By combining these functions into one tool rather than using multiple separate tools or complex mechanical systems, the design prevents damage while maintaining relative simplicity suitable for field use in turbine systems.
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
Enables safe and effective adjustment of seals in confined spaces, reducing the risk of damage to seals and system components, and eliminating the need for additional tools.
Implementation Method 1
a hammer head movable along a strike axis with respect to the engagement block and configured for striking the impact surface. Striking of the impact surface with the hammer head can cause movement of the seal.
Data Source
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AI summary
A tool (100) is disclosed for adjusting a seal. The tool (100) includes an engagement block (110). The engagement block (110) defines a slot (112) configured to capture a portion of the seal. The tool (100) further includes an impact surface (120) connected to the engagement block (110), and a hammer head (122) movable along a strike axis (126) with respect to the engagement block (110) and configured for striking the impact surface (120). Striking of the impact surface (120) with the hammer head (122) can cause movement of the seal.