Removal Tool With Tapered Prongs For Fastener Extraction
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing removal tools often damage fasteners during the removal process, making them unusable due to twisting, bending, or cutting, which limits their reusability.
Innovation Solution
A removal tool with a tool body featuring an engagement portion with two prongs and a notch portion, along with a vertically tapered distal end, designed to securely engage and remove various types of fasteners without causing damage, including clips, grommets, and push pin clips, by utilizing a combination of tapered and rounded shapes to fit different fastener types.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional removal tools are used, then fasteners can be removed, but the fasteners are damaged (twisted, bent, or cut) and cannot be reused
Solution Approach 1:
The tool body is segmented into multiple functional portions: a notched portion for engaging fastener heads, a tapered portion for applying controlled force, and a handle portion for operator control. This segmentation allows each portion to perform its specific function without transmitting damaging forces to the fastener, enabling removal without twisting, bending, or cutting.
Solution Approach 2:
The notched portion acts as an intermediary between the operator and the fastener. The notch engages the fastener head to provide controlled engagement, while the tapered portion gradually applies separation force. This intermediary structure prevents direct transmission of harmful forces that would cause twisting or cutting, allowing the fastener to be removed intact for potential reuse.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a single-purpose removal tool is used, then one type of fastener can be removed effectively, but the tool cannot handle various types of fasteners (clips, grommets, push pin clips)
Solution Approach 1:
The removal tool is designed with universal functionality to handle multiple fastener types including clips, grommets, and push pin clips. The notched portion can accommodate different fastener head geometries, while the tapered portion provides adaptable separation force. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for multiple specialized tools while maintaining effectiveness across various fastener types.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a removal tool with complex geometry is used, then various fastener types can be accommodated, but manufacturing becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The tool employs local quality variations in its geometry: the notched portion has specific dimensional characteristics for engaging fastener heads, the tapered portion has gradual angle variations for controlled force application, and the handle portion has ergonomic features. These localized geometric variations are optimized for their specific functions while being manufacturable using standard machining processes, balancing versatility with manufacturing ease.
Data Source
AI summary
A removal tool is provided. The removal tool includes a tool body extending in a longitudinal direction having an engagement portion at one end and defining an opening at the other end. The engagement portion includes two prongs and defines a notch portion formed between the prongs at a distal end portion. The notch portion extends in the longitudinal direction and rounded at a proximal end portion, each prong has a cut out portion at the distal end portion horizontally tapered toward the notch portion. The distal end portion has a tapered portion vertically tapered away from the distal end portion.