Shock Absorber Nut Tool With Nested Sliding Retention

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing tools for assembling and disassembling shock absorbers are time-consuming due to multiple components and risk accidental loss, necessitating improvements for faster and more reliable operations.

Innovation Solution

A tool comprising two elongated members, where one is housed within the other, with a radial protruding portion and axially extending recess, produced in one piece by additive manufacturing, ensuring secure connection and reduced wear through uniform load distribution.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a conventional tool with multiple components is used for assembling/disassembling shock absorbers, then the tool can perform the required function, but the assembly process becomes time-consuming and components may be accidentally lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly speedVSAvoidnumber of components
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple separate components (inner rod, outer sleeve, retaining components) into a single integrated tool body. The tool features a unified structure where the handling portion and engagement portion are formed as one piece, eliminating the need to assemble multiple separate components and reducing the risk of losing individual parts while maintaining the full functionality of the conventional multi-component tool

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a nested structure where the first elongated member is housed within the second elongated member. The first elongated member can slide axially within the second elongated member between different positions, allowing compact storage while maintaining functional separation. This nested design reduces the overall footprint and simplifies the tool structure without sacrificing functionality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple separate components are used in the tool, then each component can be optimized for its specific function, but the risk of accidentally losing components increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunctional optimizationVSAvoidcomponent retention
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple previously separate components into a single integrated tool body with different functional zones. The handling portion and engagement portion are formed as one piece, ensuring that all components remain attached and cannot be lost. The unified structure maintains the functional optimization of each section while eliminating the reliability issues associated with multiple separate parts

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of operation

If the first elongated member is freely movable within the second elongated member, then the tool is easy to assemble, but the first elongated member may fall out during operation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly easeVSAvoidcomponent retention
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates retaining features (such as retaining grooves or protrusions) that are pre-formed during the manufacturing process. These features automatically engage to prevent the first elongated member from falling out during operation, while still allowing for easy assembly by simply sliding the components together. The retention mechanism is activated automatically upon assembly, eliminating the need for additional securing steps

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP4186641B1A tool for a nut on a threaded rod of a shock absorber
Publication Date: 2026.01.28 VOLVO TRUCK CORP
  • EP4186641B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4186641B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4186641B1 patent drawingFigure 3A

AI summary

The present invention relates to a tool for a nut on a threaded rod of a shock absorber. The tool comprises a first and a second elongated member, wherein one of an envelope surface (104) of the first elongated member (102) and an inner surface (208) of the second elongated member (202) comprises a radial protruding portion (300), and the other one of the envelope surface (104) and the inner surface (208) comprises an axially extending recess portion (302) extending between a first recess end (304) and a second recess end (306), the radial protruding portion (300) protruding radially towards the axially extending recess portion (302), wherein the first elongated member (102) is axially slidable within the second axially extending member (202) between a first position in which the protruding portion (300) is arranged in abutment with the first recess end (304), and a second position in which the protruding portion (300) is arranged in abutment with the second recess end (306).