Sealing Plug Removal Tool Interference Fit Extraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for removing sealing plugs with an outer sleeve and inner stem from a bore are inefficient, often requiring adhesives and producing swarf, and are not easily reusable.
Innovation Solution
A tool with a tapered punch and sleeve-engaging means is used to create an interference fit, allowing the stem to be driven out of the sleeve, and the sleeve to be removed without swarf production, utilizing a drill to create a hole for the punch and a power tool for extraction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If adhesive methods are used to remove sealing plugs, then the plug can be removed, but the process becomes complex and requires additional materials
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the stem from the sleeve by driving it out through the drilled hole using a punch tool. This eliminates the need for adhesive methods and complex removal processes, allowing direct mechanical extraction of the plug components.
Solution Approach 2:
The punch tool acts as an intermediary device that transfers force through the drilled hole to drive the stem out of the sleeve. This mediator enables clean separation without requiring adhesives or producing swarf, simplifying the overall removal process.
2Productivity
If traditional removal methods are used, then the plug can be extracted, but swarf is produced contaminating the area
Solution Approach 1:
The stem is extracted through the drilled hole using a punch, pulling it out intact rather than cutting or breaking it. This extraction method eliminates swarf production while maintaining removal efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces cutting or breaking mechanisms with a pulling/extraction mechanism. By driving the stem out through the hole rather than cutting it away, the process eliminates swarf generation while preserving productivity.
3Ease of manufacture
If reusable removal tools are designed, then tool cost decreases, but the tool structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The removal tool is segmented into distinct functional components: a punch portion for driving the stem out and sleeve-engaging means for securing the sleeve. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function while enabling the tool to be reused without excessive complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The tool is designed with multi-functionality, combining stem-driven capabilities through the punched hole and sleeve-engaging capabilities in a single reusable device. This universality allows the tool to handle both stem and sleeve removal operations, improving manufacturability and reusability.
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 solution securely holds both plug parts, prevents swarf production, and allows for repeated use of the tool, improving efficiency and reducing preparatory steps compared to prior art methods.
Implementation Method 1
create an interference fit between the punch and the stem and thereafter driving the stem out of the sleeve whilst also retaining the stem on the punch by virtue of the interference fit
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus for removing a sealing plug from a bore, the sealing plug has an outer sleeve and an inner stem retained within the outer sleeve, the removal taking place after a suitable hole has been drilled part-way into the stem, the removal apparatus has a tapered punch for forcible insertion into the hole in the stem to create an interference fit between the punch and the stem and thereafter driving the stem out of the sleeve while also retaining the stem on the punch by virtue of the interference fit, and sleeve-engaging portion engagable with the sleeve after the punch has removed the stem from the sleeve, the sleeve-engaging portion and the punch being thereafter removable from the bore to remove both the sleeve and the stem from the bore while the sleeve and the stem are both retained on the appropriate parts of the apparatus.