Fastener Extractor With Integrated Splines and Dislodging Bolt
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional fastener extraction tools often experience slippage due to worn or damaged fasteners, corrosion, and overtightening, and struggle to remove seized fasteners without risking damage to internal threads, and they also face issues with material residue left on the extractor tool.
Innovation Solution
The use of anti-slip threaded extractors with integrated splines that bite into the fastener head for efficient torque transfer, combined with a dislodging tool to remove the fastener and any remaining material from the extractor, ensuring secure grip and prevention of slippage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional extraction tools are used on damaged fasteners, then the tool can engage the fastener head, but slippage occurs due to worn or damaged surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The extraction tool divides the engagement interface into multiple discrete splines (typically 3-6) rather than relying on a single continuous contact surface. Each spline acts as an independent engagement element that can bite into the fastener head material, distributing the torque load across multiple points and preventing slippage even when some contact areas are damaged or worn.
Solution Approach 2:
The splines are designed with specific local geometric features including angled leading edges, varying depths, and optimized tip configurations that concentrate stress at precise locations to bite into the fastener head. This localized quality enhancement at the spline tips enables reliable engagement with damaged fastener surfaces where traditional uniform contact surfaces fail.
2Strength
If aggressive extraction methods are used to remove seized fasteners, then the fastener can be dislodged, but internal threads of the hole are at risk of damage
Solution Approach 1:
The extraction tool is designed to nest within the fastener head, with splines that fit into the head's geometry. This nested configuration allows the tool to apply extraction forces directly to the fastener head without transmitting excessive lateral or rotational stresses to the threaded portion, thereby protecting the internal threads of the hole from damage while still enabling removal of seized fasteners.
Solution Approach 2:
The splines act as an intermediary mechanism between the applied torque and the fastener head. Rather than applying force directly through a wrench on the fastener head's external surfaces (which can slip or damage threads), the splines bite into the head material and transmit forces through controlled material deformation, mediating the extraction process to protect the threaded hole.
3Productivity
If traditional extractors are used, then the fastener can be removed, but material residue remains attached to the extractor tool
Solution Approach 1:
The tool incorporates a dedicated extraction mechanism (such as a reverse-threaded section, magnetic element, or mechanical ejection feature) that actively removes the fastener and any adhered material residue from the splines and tool body after extraction. This secondary extraction function ensures the tool is cleared of contaminants, maintaining productivity by eliminating manual cleaning steps and preventing material buildup that would affect subsequent operations.
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
This solution virtually eliminates slippage during fastener extraction, extends tool and fastener lifespan, saves time and costs, and ensures safe removal without damaging internal threads or leaving residue on the extractor.
Implementation Method 1
The present invention uses a series of integrated splines that bite into the head of the fastener and allow for efficient torque transfer between the extractor bit and the head portion of the fastener
Implementation Method 2
The present invention also allows users to easily dislodge any remaining material and/or the removed fastener from the extracting tool through a dislodging tool
Data Source
AI summary
A fastener extractor and dislodging tool apparatus includes a torque-tool body, a threaded opening, a plurality of engagement features, and a release bolt. The plurality of engagement features that grips the lateral surface of the stripped fastener is radially positioned around a rotation axis of the torque-tool body. The plurality of engagement features being perimetrically connected around a base of the torque-tool body thus delineating a socket body that removes the stripped fastener. The threaded opening traverses through the base so that the release bolt can be threadedly engaged with the threaded opening, opposite of the plurality of engagement features. When the stripped fastener is jammed within the plurality of engagement features, the release bolt can be threadedly moved into the space between the plurality of engagement features thus dislodging the stripped fastener from the torque-tool body.