Seal Installation Tool With Sliding Hammer for Precise Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional seal installation methods using hammers can damage seals and adjacent components, are time-consuming, and challenging in confined spaces, and pose risks to operators due to lack of seal alignment and holding mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
An installation tool with a shaft, seal-engaging component featuring annular rings for secure seal alignment and a sliding hammer for controlled force application, allowing coaxial installation without pinch points or operator injury.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a hammer is used to install the seal, then the seal can be installed at the seal installation location, but the hammer may create pinch points on the seal and cause damage to the seal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a seal installation tool as an intermediary device between the operator and the seal. This tool includes a holding mechanism that securely grips the seal and a controlled force application system that distributes installation force evenly across the seal surface, eliminating direct hammer contact and preventing pinch points while maintaining installation effectiveness
2Productivity
If a hammer is used to install the seal, then the seal installation can be completed, but forces applied by the hammer may damage one or more components that are disposed proximate to the seal installation location
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the force application parameters by using a controlled force delivery mechanism instead of direct hammer impact. The tool incorporates force distribution features and controlled application rates that reduce peak forces and prevent damage to adjacent components while still achieving proper seal installation
3Productivity
If a hammer is used to install the seal, then the seal can be installed, but it may be challenging to install seals in confined spaces using the hammer
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the seal installation function into separate modular components: a holding mechanism that secures the seal, a positioning system that ensures proper alignment, and a force application system that installs the seal. This modular approach allows each component to be optimized for confined space operation and enables the tool to function in areas with limited access
4Productivity
If a hammer is used to install the seal, then the seal installation process can be completed, but the hammer may cause injury to the operator during the seal installation process
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a controlled force application mechanism as an intermediary between the operator and the seal installation process. This mechanism includes safety features such as force limiting, controlled motion, and protective barriers that eliminate the risk of operator injury from hammer impact while maintaining the ability to complete seal installation
5Ease of operation
If the seal is held by the operator or a separate component during installation, then the seal can be positioned, but a misalignment of the seal during the seal installation process may lead to incorrect installation of the seal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary alignment actions through built-in positioning features on the seal installation tool. These features include alignment guides, registration marks, and mechanical constraints that ensure the seal is correctly positioned and aligned with the installation location before the installation force is applied, preventing misalignment and incorrect installation
Data Source
AI summary
An installation tool for installing a seal includes a shaft and a seal-engaging component coupled with the shaft. During an installation of the seal, the seal-engaging component is adapted to couple with the seal. The seal-engaging component includes a first surface and a second surface. The seal-engaging component also includes a first annular ring extending from the first surface and adapted to engage with the seal for coupling the seal with the seal-engaging component. The seal-engaging component further includes a second annular ring extending from the first surface. The installation tool also includes a sliding hammer adapted to slide along a length of the shaft. During the installation of the seal, the sliding hammer is adapted to apply a force to the seal-engaging component for installing the seal at a seal installation location.