Slide Hammer Tool With Flexible Loop for Stuck Drive Shafts

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for loosening stuck parts, such as a motor vehicle drive shaft, often require multiple tools and can damage other components, lacking a simple and non-damaging solution.

Innovation Solution

A single-tool system comprising a striking bar with a movable striking weight, a flexible long element (like a rope loop), and an adjustable fastening mechanism that securely attaches to the stuck part, allowing for precise force transmission and tool-free width adjustment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple tools are used to loosen stuck parts, then the loosening task can be completed, but the complexity of the operation increases and other components may be damaged

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesuccessful loosening of stuck partVSAvoidnumber of tools required
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple functions (striking mechanism, fastening element, and flexible long element) into a single integrated tool. The striking bar integrates the striking weight guidance, the fastening element attachment, and the connection point for the flexible long element, eliminating the need for multiple separate tools while successfully loosening stuck parts without damaging other components

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Strength

If a rigid fastening mechanism is used to attach the tool to the part, then the attachment is secure, but the tool cannot adapt to different part sizes and shapes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment securityVSAvoidadaptability to different part geometries
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a flexible long element (rope or chain) that can bend and conform to different part geometries while maintaining secure attachment. This flexible element wraps around the stuck part (such as a drive shaft) and provides reliable mechanical engagement regardless of the part's size or shape, enabling the tool to adapt to various applications while maintaining strong attachment

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Device complexity

If the loop width of the flexible element is fixed, then the structure is simple, but the tool cannot be adjusted to fit different part dimensions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructure simplicityVSAvoidadjustability to part dimensions
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates an adjustment element with a locking mechanism that allows the loop width of the flexible long element to be dynamically changed. The adjustment element includes a movable component that can slide along the flexible element and be locked at different positions, enabling the loop width to be adapted to different part dimensions while maintaining a simple overall structure when not in adjustment mode

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

Effectively loosens stuck parts like drive shafts without damaging other components, using a single tool and ensuring secure attachment and efficient force application.

Implementation Method 1

a movable striking weight (2), which can be struck towards a stop (3) on the striking bar (1)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectKinetic energy: Inertia

Data Source

PatentEP4670915A1Tool for releasing a fixed part
Publication Date: 2025.12.31 MÜLLER-WERKZEUG GMBH & CO KG
  • EP4670915A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4670915A1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP4670915A1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A tool for loosening a stuck part comprises a striking bar on which a movable striking weight is located, a stop at one end of the striking bar, a fastening element at the other end of the striking bar to which a flexible long element is attached, designed to fix it to the stuck part.