CV Joint Removal Frame for Inner Race Engagement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current tools for removing constant velocity (CV) joints from driveshafts are complex, prone to damaging the driveshaft or adjacent components, and lack adaptability across different vehicle models, making the process inefficient and costly.

Innovation Solution

A tool with a frame extending around the CV joint, featuring an engagement member that encloses the driveshaft and engages the inner race from the vehicle side, allowing force to be applied from the wheel side, reducing the risk of damage and improving versatility.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional removal tools are used to remove CV joint, then the CV joint can be removed from driveshaft, but the driveshaft or adjacent parts may be damaged

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverisk of damageVSAvoidremoval process

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a specialized removal tool that acts as an intermediary between the technician and the CV joint assembly. This tool includes a bearing separator that engages with the CV joint housing and applies controlled separating forces, preventing direct contact between conventional tools and the delicate driveshaft components. The intermediary tool distributes forces evenly and maintains proper alignment during removal, eliminating the risk of damage to adjacent parts while still achieving effective CV joint separation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If complex specialized tools are used to remove CV joint, then the removal can be performed, but the tools lack adaptability to different vehicle models

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevehicle model compatibilityVSAvoidtool structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs a universal removal tool system that can accommodate multiple vehicle models and CV joint configurations. The tool includes interchangeable adapters and adjustable components that allow the same basic tool structure to work with different driveshaft sizes, CV joint types, and vehicle platforms. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for multiple specialized tools while maintaining effectiveness across various applications, reducing both inventory complexity and technician training requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If force is applied from vehicle side to remove CV joint, then the CV joint can be separated, but it is cumbersome due to limited space

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperator accessibilityVSAvoidapplication force

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the traditional removal approach by applying force from the wheel side rather than the vehicle side. The bearing separator is positioned at the wheel end of the CV joint, where operators have better access and can more easily apply leverage. The tool then transmits this force through the CV joint housing in the reverse direction, effectively separating the joint from the driveshaft without requiring operators to reach into confined spaces near the transmission. This inversion of the force application point significantly improves ergonomics and accessibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

4Ease of manufacture

If conventional tools are used to remove CV joint, then the joint can be removed, but additional repair or replacement costs may result from damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecost-effectivenessVSAvoidcomponent integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates protective features into the removal tool design that cushion and distribute forces during the CV joint separation process. The bearing separator includes compliant elements and force-distributing surfaces that prevent concentrated loads on the driveshaft and surrounding components. By built-in these protective measures beforehand, the tool ensures that even if high forces are required to separate a stuck CV joint, the adjacent components remain protected from damage, eliminating unexpected repair costs and maintaining component integrity throughout the removal process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Data Source

PatentEP4484060A1Tool for removing a constant velocity joint

Publication Date: 2025.01.01 WALLMEK I KUNGALV

Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A
Figure 2B

AI summary

The present invention related to a tool (200, 300, 500) for removing a constant velocity (CV) joint (100) from a driveshaft (102). The tool (200, 300, 500) comprises: a frame (202) comprising a first and a second end (204a, 204b), wherein the frame (202) is configured to extend around a housing (106) of the CV joint (100) such that, during use, the first end (204a) of the frame (202) is arranged at a vehicle side (112a) of the CV joint (100), and the second end (204b) of the frame (202) is arranged at a wheel side (112b) of the CV joint (100); an engagement member (206) arranged at the first end (204a) of the frame (202), wherein the engagement member (206) is configured to at least partly enclose the driveshaft (102) and to engage with an inner race (104) of the CV joint (100) from the vehicle side (112a) of the CV joint (100); wherein, during use, the tool (200, 300, 500) is arranged such that a force, applied to the frame (202) at the second end (204b) in a direction away from the CV joint (100), is transferred through the frame (202) to the engagement member (206) causing the engagement member (206) to engage the inner race (104), thereby removing the CV joint (100) from the driveshaft (102).