Roller Chain Cutter With Interchangeable Punches for Outer Link Removal

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing chain pin extractors are limited in their ability to completely remove the outer link of roller chains and disassemble chains with attachments, particularly for pitches ranging from 3/8" to 1", and lack structural features to handle various chain sizes and attachments effectively.

Innovation Solution

A roller chain cutter with a T-shaped main body, interchangeable punches, and a clamping screw with sufficient linear travel, allowing for precise alignment and complete disassembly of chains with pitches from 3/8" to 1", including those with attachments, using interchangeable punches and a mechanism for secure grip and leverage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional chain pin extractors are used, then the tool structure is simple, but the ability to completely remove the outer link and disassemble chains with attachments is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to remove outer link and disassemble chains with attachmentsVSAvoidtool structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The tool is divided into distinct functional components: a handle, a body with a longitudinal slot, and interchangeable punches of varying lengths. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall tool versatility. The interchangeable punches specifically address the need to handle different chain types and attachment configurations without requiring a completely different tool.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The tool body is designed with a universal longitudinal slot that can accommodate multiple punch sizes and types. The slot dimensions and positioning are engineered to universally fit punches ranging from short standard punches to long punches required for chains with attachments. This multi-functionality allows a single tool to disassemble various chain configurations including those with attachments that previous tools could not handle.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Length of moving object

If standard punches are used in existing tools, then the tool is easier to operate, but the punch length is insufficient to completely extract pins from chains with attachments

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepunch lengthVSAvoidtool operation ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The tool employs interchangeable punches that can be dynamically selected based on the specific chain configuration. The longitudinal slot in the tool body is designed to guide and accommodate punches of varying lengths, allowing the user to insert the appropriate punch length for the task at hand. This dynamic adaptability ensures that sufficiently long punches can be used for chains with attachments while maintaining ease of operation through a simple interchange mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If a single tool is designed to handle multiple chain pitches, then the adaptability increases, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to handle chain pitches from 3/8" to 1"VSAvoidtool complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The tool employs punches with specific local qualities - different lengths and diameters - to handle different chain pitches. The longitudinal slot in the tool body is designed with specific dimensional characteristics that accommodate this range of punch variations. By localizing the adaptability function to the interchangeable punch system rather than redesigning the entire tool structure, the patent achieves versatility across 3/8" to 1" chain pitches while minimizing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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

Enables efficient and safe disassembly of roller chains with various pitches and attachments, ensuring precise control and minimizing damage or accidents, while accommodating different chain sizes and types.

Implementation Method 1

The power screw has a greater range of motion and can accommodate long punches... the screw can accommodate long punches of different sizes which can be easily replaced

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical Force: Mechanical Force

Implementation Method 2

The guide (6), on the other hand, is designed to guide the main body (1), being pushed by a spring (7) that keeps the assembly in a closed position.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 3

The rectangular part has holes at the ends, which are used to connect the main body (1) to one of the gripping legs (8) through an outer chain link (10) and pins (11), thus allowing the tool to be opened and closed in order to grip the chain.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical Advantage: Mechanical Advantage

Data Source

PatentEP4659903A1Roller chain cutter
Publication Date: 2025.12.10 REGÁS CHAVARRÍA PEDRO
  • EP4659903A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4659903A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4659903A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The object of the invention is a roller chain cutter comprising a T-shaped body (1) with one arm perpendicular to the other, comprising holes, which connect the body (1) to one of the gripping legs (8) through an outer chain link (10) and pins (11), allowing the tool to be opened and closed in order to grip the chain. The tool is operated by squeezing the lever (13) and rod (5) by hand to open the legs (8), and gripping the chain around the roller.