Crankshaft Extension Removal Tool for Interference-Fit Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Disassembling crankshaft assemblies with interference fits, particularly those with frustoconical linkages, is challenging due to high frictional forces that require significant force to overcome, making it difficult to efficiently separate the main shaft from the extension shaft without damaging components.
Innovation Solution
A tool assembly comprising a main tool body with a central bore and fastener bore, aligned with the extension shaft's fastener slot, and an actuator assembly that applies a pushing force to the main shaft while concurrently applying a pulling force via a fastener to overcome the frictional force at the frustoconical linkage, facilitating the separation of the shafts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional disassembly methods are used on crankshaft assemblies with interference fits, then the components remain intact, but the frictional forces prevent separation of the main shaft from the extension shaft
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies an actuator assembly to push the main shaft in one direction, which through the fastener and main tool body applies a pulling force in the opposite direction on the extension shaft. This inversion of force application (pushing one component to pull the other) enables separation despite high frictional forces at the interference fit interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The disassembly system is segmented into distinct functional components: the actuator assembly for applying force to the main shaft, the fastener for transmitting force through the tool, and the main tool body for applying the pulling force to the extension shaft. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function in overcoming the frictional force.
2Productivity
If sufficient force is applied to overcome frictional forces, then the shafts can be separated, but component damage may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator assembly allows for controlled application and adjustment of force parameters during the disassembly process. By gradually increasing the pushing force on the main shaft, the corresponding pulling force on the extension shaft can be increased incrementally to overcome friction without applying excessive force that could damage the components.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastener and main tool body act as intermediaries that transmit and distribute the force between the actuator assembly and the extension shaft. This intermediary mechanism ensures that the force is applied smoothly and evenly, preventing localized stress concentrations that could cause component damage while still providing sufficient force to overcome friction.
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 efficient disassembly of crankshaft assemblies by effectively overcoming frictional forces up to 20,000 pounds, allowing for safe and controlled separation of the main and extension shafts without damaging the components.
Implementation Method 1
overcome a frictional force at the interference-fit linkage
Implementation Method 2
main shaft received within a hollow extension shaft along a shaft axis and operatively coupled to the extension shaft via an interference fit
Data Source
AI summary
A tool assembly for disassembling a crankshaft assembly with a main shaft received within a hollow extension shaft along a shaft axis and coupled thereto via an interference fit, the extension shaft having a fastener slot. The tool assembly includes a main tool body having a central bore, a main tool body inner surface circumscribing the central bore, and a main tool body outer surface having a fastener bore, the central bore dimensioned for axially receiving the extension shaft, with the fastener bore axially aligned with the extension shaft fastener slot. A fastener is concurrently fastenable to the main tool body via the fastener bore and the hollow extension shaft via the fastener slot. An actuator assembly with a linearly-displacing actuating element is coupled to the main tool body and applies a force, via the actuating element, against an end of the main shaft in a direction along the axis.