Segmented Ball Joint Puller for Confined Space Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current tools for dismounting steering and ball joints are often heavy, difficult to operate, require multiple tools for different dimensions, and pose a risk of damage to vehicles and operators due to limited space and improper positioning.
Innovation Solution
A compact, user-friendly dismounting tool with interchangeable tool members and a hydraulic actuator that applies a continuous pressing force, allowing for secure attachment and adaptation to various dimensions and configurations, reducing the risk of damage and improving accessibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional pullers are used for dismounting steering and ball joints, then the dismounting function is achieved, but the tools are heavy and difficult to operate
Solution Approach 1:
The puller device is divided into separate components: a body portion, a first tool member with anvil portion, and a second tool member with bifurcated portion. These segments can be independently positioned and attached to the actuator, allowing for lighter individual components that are easier to handle while maintaining the overall dismounting function.
Solution Approach 2:
The tool members are detachably mounted to the actuator, allowing dynamic reconfiguration. The tool members can be attached or detached based on the specific dismounting task, enabling the operator to use only the necessary components for each situation, thereby reducing the effective weight being manipulated during operation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple tools are used for different dimensions and joint configurations, then all joint types can be serviced, but the number of tools increases workload and complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator is designed with a universal interface that can accommodate different tool members for various joint configurations. The body portion includes a through hole that receives different tool members, allowing a single actuator to perform multiple dismounting functions across different dimensions and joint types, eliminating the need for multiple specialized tools.
Solution Approach 2:
The detachable mounting system allows the tool members to be dynamically changed based on the specific joint configuration being serviced. This dynamic adaptability enables a single tool system to handle various dimensions and joint types by simply changing the tool member, rather than requiring multiple fixed tools.
3Reliability
If conventional pullers are used in limited space around steering and ball joints, then the dismounting operation can proceed, but there is a risk of the puller coming off and causing damage
Solution Approach 1:
The puller is segmented into a body portion and separate tool members that can be positioned independently. This segmentation allows the tool members to be precisely positioned in the limited space around the joint, while the body portion can be oriented to provide stable support, reducing the risk of the entire tool coming off during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The tool members are detachably mounted to the actuator, allowing them to be pre-positioned and securely attached before the dismounting operation begins. This preliminary positioning and secure attachment reduce the risk of the tool coming off during operation in confined spaces.
4Ease of operation
If conventional pullers are used in limited space, then the dismounting operation can proceed, but the operator has difficulty positioning and securing the tool properly
Solution Approach 1:
The segmented design allows the tool members to be independently positioned in the limited space around the joint. The anvil portion and bifurcated portion can be oriented to fit into tight spaces, while the actuator body provides the necessary leverage and support, making positioning and securing easier in confined areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The detachable mounting system allows the tool members to be dynamically positioned and secured in the optimal orientation for each specific joint configuration. This dynamic positioning capability enables the operator to easily adapt the tool to tight spaces and secure it properly before operation.
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 reliable and efficient dismounting of ball joint connections with reduced risk of damage to vehicles and operators, while being adaptable to different situations and dimensions, thus simplifying maintenance operations.
Implementation Method 1
an actuator comprising a first receiving portion and a second receiving portion, the actuator being operable to force the first and second receiving portions towards each other along an actuation axis
Data Source
AI summary
A dismounting tool for disengaging ball joint connections on suspension and steering assemblies is disclosed. The dismounting tool comprises an actuator having two receiving portions, where the actuator is operable to force two receiving portions towards each other along an actuation axis. The dismounting tool further comprises a first tool member having an anvil portion with an engaging surface and a second tool member having a bifurcated portion with a supporting surface. Each of the tool members comprises a through hole and are detachably mounted to a respective receiving portion such that the through holes are arranged coaxially about the actuation axis such that the engaging surface faces the supporting surface. The actuator is, upon actuation, configured to move the two tool members towards each other along the actuation axis.