Forked Flange Puller for Secure Axial Component Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for removing components from devices, such as gas turbine engines, are not sufficiently improved, necessitating a more effective apparatus and method for pulling components like shafts or gears.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus comprising a base with mounts and a bridge, a forked flange puller, and a shaft with a threaded portion, where the forked flange abuts the component's shoulder, and the shaft is rotated to pull the component away from the device, utilizing a monolithic body construction and U-shaped geometry for enhanced engagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing methods for removing components are used, then the removal process can be completed, but the apparatus lacks secure engagement and sufficient pulling effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus is divided into distinct functional segments: the base with mounts for device engagement, the bridge connecting the mounts, the puller with forked flange for component engagement, and the shaft for applying pulling force. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally while maintaining overall simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The base, bridge, and mounts are combined into an integrated structure that provides stable device engagement. The forked flange and puller are merged to create a unified component engagement mechanism. This merging reduces the number of separate parts while enhancing secure engagement.
2Productivity
If a more effective pulling apparatus is designed, then removal effectiveness improves, but the apparatus structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The forked flange is preliminarily positioned to engage with the component's cylindrical portion and shoulder before pulling begins. The base and mounts are preliminarily secured to the device, establishing stable engagement points. This preliminary positioning ensures that the pulling force is immediately effective when the shaft is rotated.
Solution Approach 2:
The pulling action is achieved by converting rotational motion of the shaft into axial pulling force through the threaded portion engaging with the bridge. This dimensional transformation from rotation to linear motion enhances pulling effectiveness while maintaining a simple apparatus structure.
3Ease of manufacture
If the apparatus uses a monolithic body construction, then manufacturing simplicity improves, but adaptability to different components may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
While the base is constructed as a monolithic body for manufacturing simplicity, the puller incorporates a forked flange with a channel that can adapt to different cylindrical portions. The mounted engagement points provide localized adaptability to various device configurations, balancing ease of manufacture with versatility.
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 apparatus effectively removes components from devices by providing secure engagement and axial pulling, improving upon existing methods with its monolithic design and U-shaped geometry, facilitating efficient removal of components like shafts and gears from gas turbine engines.
Implementation Method 1
The shaft includes a threaded portion mated with a threaded aperture in the bridge
Implementation Method 2
The puller includes a forked flange configured to abut against the shoulder of the component when the cylindrical portion of the component is within a channel of the forked flange
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus is provided for removing a component from a device, where the component includes a cylindrical portion and a shoulder adjacent the cylindrical portion. The apparatus includes a base, a puller and a shaft. The base includes a first mount, a second mount and a bridge extending between and connected to the first mount and the second mount. The first mount and the second mount are each configured to engage with the device. The puller includes a forked flange configured to abut against the shoulder of the component when the cylindrical portion of the component is within a channel of the forked flange. The shaft includes a threaded portion mated with a threaded aperture in the bridge. A distal end portion of the shaft is rotatably connected to the puller.