Integrated Pinion Disassembly Tool for Yoke Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
The conventional disassembly of pinion assemblies in motorized vehicles requires two distinct tools, making the process slow and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A pinion disassembly tool featuring a yoke holding plate with a central aperture for a socket wrench and fastener apertures, combined with a drive plate and bolt that pulls the yoke or flange member from the splined pinion shaft, allowing for complete disassembly with a single tool.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If two distinct tools are used for disassembly (yoke holding fixture and yoke removal tool), then the disassembly process can be completed, but the process becomes slow and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the yoke holding fixture and yoke removal tool into a single integrated pinion disassembly tool. The tool features a plate-shaped body with a central aperture for socket wrench access, a non-circular aperture for breaker bar engagement, and a drive plate with a threaded aperture for the drive bolt. This merging eliminates the need for two separate tools while maintaining all necessary functions for complete pinion disassembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The pinion disassembly tool is designed as a multi-functional device that performs multiple operations: holding the yoke or flange member during pinion fastener removal, providing breaker bar engagement for fastener loosening, and pulling the yoke or flange member off the splined pinion shaft. This universal design allows a single tool to replace multiple specialized tools in the disassembly process.
2Loss of time
If a single integrated tool is used for complete disassembly, then efficiency improves, but the tool structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated pinion disassembly tool is segmented into distinct functional components: a plate-shaped body providing structural support and mounting features, a central aperture for socket wrench access, a non-circular aperture for breaker bar engagement, and a drive plate with threaded aperture for the drive bolt. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function while contributing to the overall integrated tool, managing complexity through functional modularity.
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
Enables efficient and streamlined disassembly of pinion assemblies by eliminating the need for multiple tools, reducing time and effort required for repair or replacement.
Implementation Method 1
The drive bolt operates to force the drive plate and the yoke holding plate to pull the yoke or flange member from the splined pinion shaft as the drive bolt is rotated into engagement with the pinion shaft
Implementation Method 2
The tangs may then be rotated out of alignment with the recesses so that the drive plate frictionally engages the yoke holding plate when the drive bolt is rotated to pull the yoke or flange member from the splined pinion shaft
Data Source
AI summary
A pinion disassembly tool is configured to remove a yoke or a flange member and a pinion fastener from a splined pinion shaft in a pinion assembly. The tool includes a yoke holding plate with a central aperture sized to receive a socket wrench during removal of the pinion fastener. The yoke holding plate includes fastener apertures for connection to the yoke and at least one non-circular aperture for receiving a breaker bar during removal of the pinion fastener. The tool also includes a drive plate with a threaded aperture, the drive plate inserted through the central aperture of the yoke holding plate after removal of the pinion fastener. The tool also includes a drive bolt engaged with the threaded aperture and configured to force the drive plate and the yoke holding plate to pull the yoke from the splined pinion shaft as the drive bolt is rotated.