Powered Fastener Puller for Safe Removal of Stuck Fasteners
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for removing stuck fasteners, such as TAPER-LOK® fasteners, are dangerous, time-consuming, inefficient, and potentially damaging to the surface and user, especially when using tools like rivet guns, pry bars, and manual force.
Innovation Solution
A powered fastener removal tool utilizing a fastener puller, stand-off mount, and power source, which can exert a pulling force on the fastener head through intermittent strikes or continuous motion, powered by pneumatic, hydraulic, magnetic, or electric means.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual tools like pry bars and pliers are used to remove fasteners, then the tool complexity is low, but the productivity is low and the operation is dangerous
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical tools (pry bars, pliers) with an automated mechanical system featuring a powered actuator that applies controlled pulling forces. This substitution eliminates dangerous manual operations while significantly increasing removal speed through automated reciprocating motion and controlled force application.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastener removal system performs the removal operation automatically without requiring continuous manual intervention. The actuator self-regulates the pulling force and reciprocating motion, with the system automatically engaging and disengaging the fastener puller during each cycle, thereby increasing productivity while maintaining safety.
2Force
If rivet guns and wedges are used to remove fasteners, then the removal force is high, but the method is dangerous and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator implements periodic reciprocating motion, repeatedly engaging and disengaging the fastener puller in controlled cycles. This periodic action accumulative applies high pulling force over multiple strokes, efficiently removing fasteners that are stuck or embedded, thereby reducing overall removal time while maintaining high force application.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from static force application to dynamic reciprocating motion. The actuator rapidly cycles between engagement and disengagement states, creating dynamic loading that effectively breaks the fastener's grip on the substrate while controlling the overall removal process, thus reducing time loss compared to static force methods.
3Productivity
If manual force is applied to remove fasteners, then the equipment cost is low, but the productivity is low and the operation is inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The fastener removal system is designed with universal components that can handle various fastener types and configurations. The actuator, puller, and mounting bracket combination provides a multi-functional solution that increases productivity across different applications while keeping device complexity manageable through standardized components.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is divided into separable components (actuator, puller, mounting bracket) that can be independently selected and configured based on specific application requirements. This segmentation allows for optimized productivity in each component while managing overall device complexity through modular design.
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 enhances efficiency and safety by reducing manual labor, protecting the surface and user, and allowing for quick removal of various fasteners across multiple industries.
Implementation Method 1
The powered tool can be pneumatic, hydraulic, magnetic, electric, or electronic.
Implementation Method 2
The powered tool can be pneumatic, hydraulic, magnetic, electric, or electronic.
Implementation Method 3
The powered tool can be pneumatic, hydraulic, magnetic, electric, or electronic.
Data Source
AI summary
A powered tool for removing mechanical fasteners from materials. The fastener removal tool includes: a fastener puller for engaging the head of a fastener; a stand-off mount for placing against a surface having a fastener therein; a rod joined to the fastener puller; and a power source operatively connected to the rod. The fastener removal tool may exert a pulling force on the head of a fastener in the form of repeating intermittent strikes on the underside of the head of a fastener with said fastener puller. The fastener removal tool may have an indicator mechanism for indicating whether the fastener puller completely engages a fastener. The fastener removal tool may have a fastener lubricating system for lubricating difficult to remove fasteners.