Ball Stud Separator Tool Adapter Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for removing tapered ball studs or pin-cylinders from their corresponding bores in industrial vehicle steering assemblies often result in damage to other components, as the weight of the vehicle can drop onto a conventional industrial floor jack, causing bending or damage to steering components.
Innovation Solution
A ball stud separator tool system that includes a hydraulic breaker, adapter, and load-lock mechanism, which uses a hydraulic cylinder and guide posts to apply controlled force and alignment, minimizing the risk of component damage during separation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional industrial floor jack is used to remove the tapered ball stud, then the ball stud can be loosened, but the weight of the industrial vehicle may drop against the floor jack causing damage to steering components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a specialized adapter tool as an intermediary device between the ball stud and the removal mechanism. This adapter includes a curved seat that cradles the ball stud and a threaded portion that engages with the ball stud's threads. The adapter distributes the force and controls the separation process, preventing the vehicle weight from directly impacting the floor jack while still enabling effective ball stud removal.
2Ease of operation
If a hammer is used to strike the handle of the separation tool, then the ball joint can be loosened, but the potential for bending other vehicle components remains
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a curved seat design in the adapter that cradles the ball stud, providing a cushioning effect during the separation process. This curved seat absorbs and distributes the impact forces when the hammer strikes the tool handle, preventing excessive force from being transmitted to surrounding components. The geometry of the curved seat is specifically designed to accommodate the ball stud while protecting adjacent parts from damage.
3Productivity
If conventional floor jacks are used for ball stud separation, then the process can be performed, but increased downtime occurs due to repairing or replacing damaged components
Solution Approach 1:
The specialized adapter serves as a mediator that enables effective ball stud removal while protecting the steering assembly components from damage. By distributing forces appropriately and controlling the separation process, the adapter eliminates the need for subsequent repairs or replacements, thereby reducing vehicle downtime and improving overall service productivity.
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
The system effectively separates ball studs or pin-cylinders from their bores without damaging other steering assembly components, reducing downtime and eliminating the need for conventional floor jacks, thereby preventing costly repairs.
Implementation Method 1
A threaded fastener may be configured to threadably engage a ball stud
Implementation Method 2
A ball stud separator tool system that includes a hydraulic breaker, adapter, and load-lock mechanism, which uses a hydraulic cylinder and guide posts to apply controlled force
Implementation Method 3
A hydraulic breaker may be secured to the upper plate and may include a work tool
Data Source
AI summary
An adapter for a ball stud separator tool may include a cylindrical body. The cylindrical body may include a threaded end and a mating end oppositely facing the threaded end. A plurality of adapter threads may be recessed into the cylindrical body proximate the threaded end and may be configured to threadably receive a plurality of ball stud threads of a ball stud. A flared cylindrical wall may be recessed into the cylindrical body proximate the mating end. The flared cylindrical wall may terminate at a curved seat disposed in the cylindrical body.