Tapered Sleeve Bolt Extraction in a Single Pulling Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The removal of tapered sleeve bolts from components is a time-consuming and potentially damaging process, requiring separate tools for bolts and sleeves, which can lead to component damage and high maintenance costs due to the need for numerous specialized tools for various diameter and length combinations.
Innovation Solution
A tapered sleeve bolt removal tool that includes a stop sleeve coupled to the threaded end of the bolt and a bolt extractor with engagement features to simultaneously pull the bolt and sleeve out of the component, allowing for a single-tool, single-motion removal process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional two-step removal process is used (separate tools for bolt and sleeve), then complete removal is achieved, but time consumption increases and component damage risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the bolt removal function and sleeve removal function into a single integrated tool. The tool includes a bolt engagement feature that engages the bolt head and a sleeve engagement feature that engages the sleeve simultaneously, allowing both components to be removed in one operation rather than requiring separate tools and operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The removal tool is designed with multiple engagement features that allow it to perform multiple functions: engaging the bolt head for bolt removal, engaging the sleeve for sleeve removal, and coordinating both actions simultaneously. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for multiple specialized tools.
2Productivity
If impact methods are used to remove the bolt, then removal speed increases, but component damage and de-lamination risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the impact/removal mechanical system with a controlled extraction mechanical system. Instead of using impact forces that can damage components, the tool uses controlled pulling forces applied through the bolt engagement feature and sleeve engagement feature, extracting both components slowly and steadily without shock loads.
3Manufacturing precision
If hundreds of specialized tools are purchased for different sleeve combinations, then removal precision is improved, but device complexity and maintenance cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a universal removal tool that can accommodate different sleeve diameter and length combinations through adjustable or interchangeable engagement features. The sleeve engagement feature can adapt to various sleeve sizes, eliminating the need for hundreds of specialized tools while maintaining precise removal capability for each configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The tool incorporates dynamic or adjustable components that allow it to adapt to different sleeve configurations. The engagement features can be adjusted or reconfigured to match different sleeve dimensions, providing precise removal for various combinations without requiring a separate static tool for each size.
Data Source
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AI summary
A tapered sleeve bolt removal tool (100) for removing a tapered sleeve bolt (102) includes a stop sleeve (134) configured to be coupled to a threaded end (188) of a bolt (122) of the tapered sleeve bolt (102). The stop sleeve (134) has a stop shoulder (248) configured to abut against a bottom (152) of a sleeve (120) of the tapered sleeve bolt (102). The stop sleeve (134) has a lateral dimension (250) less than or equal to a lateral dimension (172) of the sleeve (120) to allow the stop sleeve (134) to be removed through an opening (104/106) with the bolt and the sleeve (120). A bolt extractor (130) having a bolt engagement feature (260) is configured to engage an extraction shoulder (226) of the bolt (122). The bolt (130) extractor is pulled in an extraction direction (132) to pull the bolt (122), the stop sleeve (134) and the sleeve (120) to simultaneously remove the sleeve (120) and the bolt (122) from the opening (104/106) in the component (108/110).