Hub Removal Puller Plate for Flangeless Steering Knuckles
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hub removal tools fail to effectively remove hubs from steering knuckles without a flange, and lack mechanisms to use puller plates coupled to studs and support blocks for force transfer.
Innovation Solution
A hub removal device comprising a puller plate with internal threads and stud holes, an actuating rod with external threads, and support blocks to couple with the stub axle, allowing the puller plate to be pushed away from the stub axle, exerting a pulling force on the hub assembly through stud extenders.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional hub removal tools are used to grab onto a flanged portion of the hub, then the tool can pull the hub off a bearing, but the tool cannot effectively remove hubs from steering knuckles without a flange
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of grabbing the hub to pull it off, the invention pushes the puller plate away from the stub axle using an actuator arm, thereby exerting a pulling force on the hub assembly through the studs in the opposite direction
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a puller plate that couples to the studs of the hub assembly as an intermediary element, and support blocks that transfer force through the stub axle to the axle housing, enabling effective force application without directly grabbing the hub
2Productivity
If force is applied directly to remove the hub, then the hub can be removed, but the stub axle may move further into the axle housing and damage the U-joint
Solution Approach 1:
The support blocks act as intermediaries that transfer the pulling force through the stub axle to the axle housing in a controlled manner, preventing the stub axle from moving further into the housing while still enabling effective hub removal
Solution Approach 2:
The support blocks are positioned beforehand to provide a cushioning effect that absorbs and distributes the removal force, preventing sudden movements that could damage the U-joint or displace the stub axle
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
Effectively removes hub assemblies from steering knuckles by minimizing damage to the U-joint and ensuring the stub axle does not move further into the axle housing, providing a reliable and efficient hub removal process.
Implementation Method 1
An actuating rod has a first end, a second end, and external threads which are engageable with the internal threads of the central hole of the puller plate. The actuating rod is rotated further to advance the actuating rod via the threading engagement with the puller plate against the stub axle
Implementation Method 2
The puller plate is configured to couple to the studs of a hub assembly. The puller plate exerts a pulling force on the studs of the hub assembly away from the steering knuckle
Data Source
AI summary
A hub removal device for removing a hub assembly for a wheel of a vehicle away from a steering knuckle includes a puller plate which may be coupled to studs of the hub assembly and an actuating rod which is operable to threadedly engage the puller plate and push against a stub axle. A method of removing such a hub assembly using the device is also disclosed. The actuating rod may be rotated to advance the actuating rod through the puller plate and against the stub axle, which is attached to the steering knuckle. The puller plate pulls on the studs of the hub assembly, and the rotating rod pushes against the stub axle, resulting in removal of the hub assembly from the steering knuckle.