Ring Seal Removal Tool With Integrated Size Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ring seal removal tools do not allow operators to determine the size of a replacement ring seal, requiring additional measurement tools and making the replacement process cumbersome and costly.
Innovation Solution
A ring seal removal tool with an integrated measurement device, featuring an elongated body with cutouts configured to receive a portion of a ring seal, allowing operators to determine the size of the replacement ring seal without additional tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a separate measurement tool is used to determine ring seal size, then measurement accuracy is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the measurement function and removal function into a single integrated tool. The removal tool includes a body with a measurement cavity that has a known dimension corresponding to a specific ring seal size. When the ring seal is placed in the measurement cavity, the operator can visually determine if it fits, thereby measuring the ring seal size without requiring a separate measurement device.
Solution Approach 2:
The removal tool is designed to perform multiple functions: it can both measure the size of the ring seal (through the measurement cavity with reference dimension) and remove the ring seal from its groove (using the removal element). This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate measurement tools and reduces overall device complexity.
2Measurement precision
If multiple tools are used for ring seal replacement, then measurement accuracy is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the measurement cavity and removal element into a single tool body, the operator performs both measurement and removal operations with one tool, simplifying the replacement process and improving ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement cavity is pre-configured with a reference dimension that corresponds to a specific ring seal size. This preliminary setup allows the operator to quickly determine the correct ring seal size by simply placing the ring seal in the cavity and checking for fit, without requiring complex measurement procedures.
3Measurement precision
If additional measurement tools are acquired, then measurement capability is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The removal tool is designed with an integrated measurement cavity that provides measurement capability as part of its standard functionality. This eliminates the need to acquire separate measurement tools, reducing tool inventory requirements and associated costs while maintaining measurement capability.
Data Source
AI summary
A ring seal removal tool may have an elongated body extending from a proximal end to a distal end. The elongated body may have a bottom surface and top surface spaced apart from the bottom surface in a height direction. The ring seal removal tool may also have one of a hook or a prying tip attached to one of the proximal end or the distal end. Further, the ring seal removal tool may have a plurality of cutouts in the elongated body. Each cutout may extend from the top surface of the elongated body towards the bottom surface of the elongated body. Each cutout of the plurality of cutouts may be configured to receive a portion of a ring seal having an outer diameter about equal to a width of the cutout.