Chimney Tile Removal Tool with Pivotable Jaws
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tools for removing chimney tiles are inefficient, often requiring tile fracture and can damage chimney structures, and fail to effectively grasp and lift tiles without jamming, especially when working in hazardous conditions.
Innovation Solution
A tool with pivotable arms and jaws that can be adjusted to grasp the edge of tiles within the chimney bore, using a screw and toggle mechanism to apply force and avoid cocking, allowing for efficient lifting and removal of tiles in one piece.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a weighted flail or rotating weight is used to fracture tiles, then tiles can be broken into smaller pieces for removal, but chimney bricks may be damaged and debris creates mess at the bottom
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the tile from the chimney bore intact using a grasping device, rather than fracturing it in place. The jaws grip the tile edge and lift it out as a whole piece, eliminating the harmful effect of debris creation and brick damage associated with fracture methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The grasping device with jaws acts as an intermediary between the worker and the tile. Instead of directly impacting the tile with a flail or weight, the intermediary device gently grasps and lifts the tile, avoiding damage to both the tile and surrounding chimney structure.
2Reliability
If frictional clamping devices are used to grasp tiles, then tiles can be held for lifting, but they will not work effectively on vertically fractured tiles and may cause cocking and jamming
Solution Approach 1:
The jaws are designed with different characteristics - one jaw has a flat surface for frictional engagement while the other has a curved or contoured surface to fit against the tile edge. This local differentiation allows the device to reliably grasp both intact and fractured tiles without causing cocking or jamming.
Solution Approach 2:
The grasping device allows for some flexibility in the jaw positioning and tile orientation. The arms can pivot and the jaws can adjust to accommodate variations in tile condition, maintaining reliable grasping whether the tile is intact or vertically fractured.
3Ease of operation
If exterior clamping devices are used on hollow objects, then objects can be grasped for lifting, but they are ill-suited for tiles in close proximity to masonry bore
Solution Approach 1:
The grasping device is designed to nest within the confined space between the tile and the masonry bore. The jaws can be positioned inside this narrow gap, allowing the device to grasp tiles in locations where exterior clamping would be impossible.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of clamping from the exterior horizontal direction, the device approaches and grasps the tile from the vertical dimension, inserting the jaws between the tile and bore wall. This dimensional change allows operation in the confined space.
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 quick and safe removal of tiles from chimneys, minimizing damage and ensuring easy operation, even in challenging conditions, by providing a sturdy and reliable mechanism for grasping and lifting tiles without jamming.
Implementation Method 1
a screw (50) having a first axis, and a nut (44) movable along the screw (50) when the screw (50) is rotated
Implementation Method 2
a toggle mechanism (42A, 42B) having first and second toggle links (42A, 42B), the first toggle link (42A) connecting the nut (44) to a first arm (34), and the second toggle link (42B) connecting the nut (44) to a second arm (32)
Implementation Method 3
The jaws (36, 38) are closed to grasp a wall (25) of the tile (24)
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~5
Figure 6~6A
AI summary
A tool for lifting a tile from the bore of a chimney or other vertical opening has pivotably connected arms. Jaws at the lower ends of the arms are offset from a lifting point of the tool and optionally, from the pivot point. An actuating mechanism closes the jaws. One mechanism comprises a screw that moves a nut and one or more toggle elements connected thereto. Another mechanism comprises toggle elements which connect to the upper ends of arms and pull on them when upward force is applied at a lifting point. A releasable latch keeps the arms of tool spaced apart while a tile wall is being engaged. At least one jaw is a thin plate; preferably the opposing jaw is pivotable. Both jaws may be angled relative to the principal axis of the tool.