Hydraulic Stud Extraction for Confined Steering Pivot Joints
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for removing studs from sockets in vehicle steering systems, particularly in Off-Highway trucks, are labor-intensive and unsafe, as they require applying heat and impacts, posing risks of injury and not complying with workplace health and safety regulations due to the confined workspace and harsh environments.
Innovation Solution
A stud extraction apparatus with a hydraulic actuator and frame member that applies force to the stud from a remote location, eliminating the need for heat and impacts, and featuring a support member and retaining means to secure the apparatus to the pivot joint, allowing safe operation from a distance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If heat and impacts are applied to remove the stud from the socket, then the stud can be separated from the socket, but the risk of injury increases and workplace health and safety regulations are not complied with
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical system of heat application and impact forces with a hydraulic extraction system. The hydraulic actuator applies controlled axial force to the stud through a puller mechanism, eliminating the need for hazardous heat and impact methods while safely removing the stud from the socket.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a frame member and actuator as intermediary components between the operator and the stud-socket junction. These intermediaries enable remote operation from a safe location, transferring the extraction force through a mechanical advantage system that includes the frame member positioned against the body and the actuator applying force to the stud.
2Productivity
If traditional methods are used to remove the stud, then the stud can be extracted, but the process is labor-intensive and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a hydraulic actuator to generate and apply the extraction force. The hydraulic system provides high force output with controlled movement, enabling efficient stud removal without the labor-intensive manual hammering and heating processes. The hydraulic fluid transmission allows smooth, continuous force application that overcomes the bonded or corroded stud-socket connection.
3Force
If the actuator is positioned close to the stud for direct force application, then the extraction force can be applied effectively, but the operator is exposed to harmful factors in the confined space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the actuator and frame member in a spatial arrangement that extends the operation to a safe distance. The frame member acts as a lever arm extending from the safe location near the socket to the stud location, applying extraction force through this extended dimension. This allows the operator to remain in the safe location while the actuator applies effective force to the stud through the frame member's mechanical advantage.
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 solution significantly reduces the risk of injury and improves safety by enabling stud removal without heat or impacts, adhering to health and safety regulations, and is particularly effective in confined spaces like those found in Off-Highway trucks.
Implementation Method 1
an actuator (34) attached to the frame member (32), the actuator (34) being adapted to apply force to the stud (28)
Data Source
AI summary
In accordance with embodiments of the invention there is provided an extraction system, and extraction apparatus (30) and method therefore in for removing studs from sockets. The system is particularly advantageous for removing one or more studs (28) from the sockets (24) of bell cranks (16) of steering systems of vehicles such as an Off-highway Truck. In a particular arrangement the apparatus (30) comprises a frame member (32) adapted to be attached to a pivot joint (14) for extraction of the stud (28) from the socket (16). Furthermore, the apparatus 30 comprises actuator means (34) adapted to be selectively displaced between an extended condition and a contracted condition for applying a force to the stud (28) so as extract or at least loosen the stud (28) from the socket (36). In a particular arrangement, the actuator (34) comprises a hydraulic actuator. The system is adapted to remotely operate the extraction apparatus (30).