Retaining Pin Installation Tool with Powered Actuator
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for removing retaining pins from wear teeth attached to mining or earthmoving equipment require significant physical effort and pose safety risks due to the need for manual force, such as using an extractor pin struck with a sledgehammer.
Innovation Solution
A tool equipped with an actuator, such as a hydraulic cylinder, pneumatic cylinder, or electric motor, that includes a drive rod and adjustable arms for secure positioning, allowing for the automated installation or removal of retaining pins with reduced user effort and enhanced safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If an extractor pin and sledgehammer are used to remove retaining pins, then the retaining pin can be removed from the wear tooth, but significant physical effort is required and user injury risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical system (extractor pin struck with sledgehammer) with an automated mechanical system featuring a powered actuator that drives a drive rod to push the retaining pin out automatically, eliminating the need for manual striking and reducing physical effort and injury risk
Solution Approach 2:
The tool is designed to perform the pin removal operation automatically through its own powered actuator mechanism, without requiring the user to apply manual force or perform the harmful striking action, making the system self-sufficient for the task
2Device complexity
If a manual extractor pin method is used, then the tool structure remains simple, but the operation requires considerable physical effort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a powered actuator (hydraulic cylinder, pneumatic cylinder, or electric motor) to replace manual force application, adding automation capability while maintaining relatively simple tool structure through modular design with heads, arms, and a drive mechanism
3Object-affected harmful factors
If automated actuators are used for pin installation/removal, then user safety is improved and physical effort is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates a powered actuator (hydraulic cylinder, pneumatic cylinder, or electric motor) with a drive rod mechanism to automate the pin installation and removal process, replacing dangerous manual operations with controlled automated motion while maintaining manageable device complexity through structured design
Solution Approach 2:
The tool is designed with adjustable arms and a versatile actuator system that can perform both pin installation and removal operations, as well as accommodate different pin sizes and applications, reducing the need for multiple specialized tools and justifying the increased complexity through multi-functionality
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 installation or removal of retaining pins with minimal physical exertion, reducing the risk of user injury and improving operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the actuator includes at least one of a hydraulic cylinder; a pneumatic cylinder; and, an electric motor
Implementation Method 2
the actuator includes at least one of a hydraulic cylinder; a pneumatic cylinder; and, an electric motor
Implementation Method 3
the actuator includes at least one of a hydraulic cylinder; a pneumatic cylinder; and, an electric motor
Data Source
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AI summary
A tool (1) for installation or removal of a retaining pin (2) to or from aligned bores (3, 4) in first and second components, said tool (1) including: a drive rod (7), adapted to be positioned adjacent a first end (8) of said aligned bores (3, 4); and, an actuator (9), operable to move said drive rod (7), to thereby push said retaining pin (2) into or from said aligned bores (3, 4).