Fuel Injector Disassembly Station with Integrated Multi-Tool Unit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fuel injectors require different removal processes for various components such as circlips, ferrule rings, cone nuts, and screws, making it cumbersome to disassemble and remanufacture them efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A disassembly station with a holding unit, removal unit, and actuating unit that includes specific tools and a pneumatic circuit to simplify the removal of these components, allowing for the use of different tools to be operated by a user through handle mechanisms for efficient disassembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If different removal tools and processes are used for each component (circlip, ferrule ring, cone nut, screw), then each component can be removed with the appropriate tool, but the disassembly process becomes cumbersome and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple removal tools (circlip pliers, ferrule ring pliers, cone nut remover, screwdriver) into a single integrated removal unit that can perform all removal operations. This merging of tools into one device eliminates the need to switch between multiple separate tools, thereby increasing disassembly speed while managing device complexity through integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The removal unit is designed as a multi-functional device capable of removing different components (circlip, ferrule ring, cone nut, screw) using different tools housed within the same unit. This universality allows a single device to perform multiple removal functions, improving productivity by eliminating tool changes while the modular tool storage manages complexity.
2Ease of operation
If multiple separate removal tools are used for different components, then each tool can be optimized for its specific function, but the overall disassembly process requires more time and effort
Solution Approach 1:
By merging all removal tools into one integrated unit, the operator can perform all removal operations without putting down or switching between separate tools. This reduces disassembly effort and eliminates the time lost in tool changes, while each individual tool within the unit remains optimized for its specific function.
3Productivity
If a single integrated removal unit is used for all components, then the disassembly process is simplified and sped up, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The removal unit is segmented into distinct modules or compartments, each housing a specific removal tool (circlip pliers, ferrule ring pliers, cone nut remover, screwdriver). This segmentation allows each tool to be optimized for its function while being integrated into a single unit, managing complexity through modular organization rather than a monolithic design.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated removal unit achieves universality by incorporating multiple specialized tools within one device. This multi-functionality improves productivity by allowing the operator to access all needed tools in one place, while the modular integration strategy manages the inherent complexity of combining multiple functions.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus comprising a holding unit configured to hold a fuel injector for disassembly, a removal unit and an actuating unit. The removal unit comprises a first removal tool for removing a circlip and ferrule ring from the fuel injector, a second removal tool for removing a cone nut from the fuel injector, and a third removal tool for removing a screw from the fuel injector. The actuating unit comprises a first actuator configured to operate the holding unit, a second actuator configured to move the removal unit, and a third actuator configured to operate the third removal tool.