Stud Removal Tool Jaws with Retaining Ribs and Cam Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tools for unscrewing and tightening threaded studs, such as those described in U.S. Pat. No. 9,662,775, face disadvantages due to the use of elastic webs, which may not provide optimal retention and gripping mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A tool with a body having cam surfaces and jaws with outer ribs that engage an annular recess, where the ribs are retained by springs and a specific finger and pocket mechanism, allowing for gripping and retraction of the jaws to securely engage and release the stud, utilizing a hexagonal pattern of conical teeth for enhanced grip.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If elastic webs are used to bond jaws, then the jaws can be retained in the tool body, but the retention mechanism is not optimal and may fail to provide reliable gripping
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the elastic web bonding mechanism and replaces it with a mechanical retention system using protruding ribs that engage with recesses in the tool body. This extraction of the problematic elastic web component eliminates the reliability issues while maintaining jaw retention through a more robust mechanical engagement system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces protruding ribs on the jaw outer surfaces as intermediary elements that mediate between the jaw and the tool body. These ribs engage with corresponding recesses to provide reliable mechanical retention, replacing the inadequate elastic web bonding mechanism with a positive engagement system.
2Ease of operation
If cam surfaces push jaws inward to grip the stud, then the gripping action is achieved, but the jaws need a reliable mechanism to return to retracted position
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs coil springs as counteracting elements that provide the necessary force to return the jaws to their retracted position after the cam surfaces have pushed them inward for gripping. The springs act as a mechanical counterweight system, balancing the cam-driven gripping action and ensuring reliable jaw retraction.
Solution Approach 2:
The jaw mechanism operates in periodic cycles: the cam surfaces push the jaws inward for gripping, then the coil springs return them to the retracted position. This periodic action between gripping and retraction phases enables continuous operation of the stud gripping tool with reliable jaw position control.
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 effectively grips and releases threaded studs with improved retention and ease of operation, allowing for efficient unscrewing and tightening, with the spring mechanism ensuring reliable retraction and the teeth providing a strong, deformable interface with the stud threads.
Implementation Method 1
A plurality of cam surfaces in the bore face the axis. Rotation of the body in a first direction relative to the jaws causes the cam surfaces to slide in the first direction along the outer sides of the jaws, pushing the jaws toward the axis to a gripping position
Implementation Method 2
at least one spring is in engagement with each of the jaws to urge the jaws outward to the retracted position. More particularly, a plurality springs are compressed between opposing side edges of adjacent ones of the jaws
Implementation Method 3
The workpiece engaging surface comprises a plurality of teeth. Each of the teeth is conical and located in a hexagonal pattern with adjacent ones of the teeth
Implementation Method 4
the teeth providing a strong, deformable interface with the stud threads
Data Source
AI summary
A tool for unscrewing a stud has a body with cam surfaces in a bore. A recess extends through the cam surfaces. Jaws have outer sides in engagement with one of the cam surfaces and inner sides containing teeth. An outward protruding rib on the outer side of each of the jaws inserts into the recess. Rotation of the body in a first direction causes the cam surfaces to slide in the first direction along the outer sides of the jaws, pushing the jaws to a gripping position. Rotation of the body in a second direction causes the cam surfaces to slide in the second direction along the outer sides of the jaws, enabling the jaws to move to a retracted position.