Keyhole-Slot Pin Puller for Controlled Fastener Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
The removal of unthreaded fastener pins from workpieces using pliers and pry bars often results in damage to the parts and structures, requires excessive force, and poses risks of musculoskeletal disorders and injuries due to limited control and access in confined spaces.
Innovation Solution
A pin pulling tool with a tool body featuring contoured edges for ergonomic grip, a threaded screw with a keyhole-slot fitting and rotational end-piece that engages the pin head, allowing for smooth and controlled pin removal with minimal force, reducing the risk of damage and injury.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If pliers and pry bars are used to remove pins, then pin removal can be achieved, but excessive force is required and damage to parts occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a specialized pin removal tool as an intermediary device between the user and the pin. This tool includes a fitting with a keyhole-slot that receives the pin head, and a threaded screw mechanism that translates rotational motion into linear pulling force. The intermediary tool distributes the removal force evenly across the pin head through the keyhole-slot geometry, preventing the concentrated stress and damage that occurs when using pliers or pry bars directly on the pin.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the direct manual mechanical action of pliers and pry bars with a threaded screw mechanism. Instead of applying force directly through leverage or gripping actions that can slip and damage parts, the threaded screw converts rotational torque into controlled linear extraction force. This mechanical substitution provides a more controlled and distributed force application method that reduces the risk of part damage while maintaining effective pin removal capability.
2Ease of operation
If pliers and pry bars are used to remove pins, then pin removal can be achieved, but control and access in confined spaces is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The pin removal tool is segmented into distinct functional components: a tool body for user handling, a threaded screw mechanism for force generation, and a fitting with keyhole-slot for pin engagement. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function. The fitting can be designed in various sizes and shapes to access different confined spaces, while the threaded screw provides controlled force application. This modular segmentation improves both accessibility to confined areas and operational control compared to monolithic tools like pry bars.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates dynamic elements in the form of the threaded screw mechanism that can be rotated to adjust the extraction force in real-time. The keyhole-slot fitting also allows for dynamic adjustment as the pin is being pulled, maintaining optimal engagement throughout the removal process. This dynamic capability enables the user to adapt to varying pin conditions and confined space constraints, improving both ease of operation and safety compared to static tools.
3Force
If extreme pull forces or leverage is required to remove pins, then pin removal can be achieved, but risks of musculoskeletal disorders and injuries increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces direct human muscular force application with a threaded screw mechanical system. The user applies relatively small rotational torque to the screw, which is then mechanically amplified into significant linear extraction force through the thread geometry. This substitution eliminates the need for users to directly apply extreme pull forces with their hands and arms, thereby preventing musculoskeletal injuries while still achieving the necessary pin removal forces through the mechanical advantage of the threaded mechanism.
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 tool enables efficient and safe removal of pins from confined spaces with reduced risk of damage to parts and musculoskeletal injuries, improving user safety and reducing operating costs.
Implementation Method 1
A threaded screw is disposed in and rotatable relative to the threaded hole in the tool body. The rotational end-piece rotates and displaces the threaded screw relative to the tool body to cause the fitting and the set of spaced-apart jaws to pull the head of the pin
Data Source
AI summary
Examples provide a method and apparatus for fastener pin removal. A fastener pin removal tool includes a tool body having a workpiece interface surface, a threaded hole and opposing side edges. A fitting is coupled to the end of the threaded screw that is proximate the workpiece interface surface. The fitting includes a keyhole-slot configured to receive the head of a pin. The keyhole-slot defines a set of spaced-apart jaws configured to engage the head of the pin that is received within the keyhole-slot. A rotational end-piece is coupled to the threaded screw and rotates to cause the fitting and the set of spaced-apart jaws to pull the head of the pin received within the keyhole-slot. As the rotational end-piece pulls the pin head, the pin is removed from a workpiece.