Pneumatic CV Axle Removal Tool for Limited Spline Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Constant velocity (CV) axles in motor vehicles are difficult to remove for inspection, repair, or replacement due to the substantial pulling force required to overcome the C-clip and the challenging access to the transaxle spline.
Innovation Solution
An axle removal tool is provided, consisting of a first plate and a second plate with a bellows or bladder arranged between them. The tool is inserted between the CV axle housing and the transaxle housing, and compressed air is used to inflate the bellows, pushing the plates apart and applying sufficient force to overcome the D-ring and C-clip, allowing the CV axle to be separated from the transaxle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If a mechanic attempts to pull the CV axle off the transaxle spline directly, then the C-clip may be overcome, but the required substantial pulling force cannot be applied due to difficult access to the transaxle spline
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of pulling the CV axle directly off the spline (which requires substantial force that cannot be applied due to poor access), the invention pushes the CV axle housing mount away from the transaxle housing mount using a bellows inflated with compressed air. This reverse approach of pushing rather than pulling overcomes the access problem and applies sufficient force to separate the components.
Solution Approach 2:
The bellows acts as an intermediary device between the compressed air source and the CV axle assembly. The bellows is positioned between the CV axle housing mount and transaxle housing mount, and when inflated, it transmits the force of the compressed air to push the components apart, enabling separation without direct manual pulling on the spline.
2Force
If the bellows is inflated with compressed air to push the plates apart, then sufficient force is applied to overcome the D-ring and C-clip, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses a bellows inflated with compressed air to generate the pushing force needed to overcome the D-ring and C-clip. The pneumatic system replaces the need for complex mechanical force multiplication mechanisms, providing sufficient force in a relatively simple and compact manner.
Solution Approach 2:
The bellows is positioned between two plates that are inserted between the housing mounts. The entire assembly of plates and bellows fits into the confined space between the CV axle housing and transaxle housing, with the bellows nested between the plates, allowing the tool to be compact yet functional.
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 axle removal tool facilitates the easy separation of the CV axle from the transaxle by providing the necessary pushing force to overcome the securing mechanisms, making the process more accessible and less labor-intensive for mechanics.
Implementation Method 1
The bellows is configured to receive compressed air via an intake opening therein
Implementation Method 2
As the bellows inflates with air from the source of compressed air, the first plate is pushed away from the second plate
Data Source
AI summary
An axle removal tool uses compressed air or other inert gas to push apart two U- or C- or V-shaped plates installed partially around the CV axle between a CV axle mount and a transaxle spline. The gas inflates a bellows or bladder sandwiched between the plates. As the plates are pushed apart, the CV axle mount is pushed axially away from the transaxle spline, overcoming the C-clip locking the CV axle mount to the transaxle spline.