Threaded Pin Remover Collet Mechanism for Interference Fit Extraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for removing threaded pins from interference fits in industrial structures are time-consuming and costly, often damaging the pins and preventing reuse, especially when the pins spin and cannot be engaged by traditional thread-on tools.
Innovation Solution
A threaded pin remover comprising a housing with a pin grasper and a pin grasping collet that is slidably mounted and actuated by a linear mechanism to engage and release the threaded pin from the interference fit, allowing for safe and efficient removal without damaging the pin.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a threaded tool is screwed onto the exposed portion of the threaded pin for removal, then the threaded pin can be pulled from the structure, but the threaded pin spins and cannot be engaged, wasting time and increasing operational cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a collet as an intermediary gripping mechanism that engages with the exposed portion of the threaded pin. The collet is actuated by a linear actuator to move between extended and retracted positions, providing a reliable mechanical interface that prevents spinning and enables consistent pin removal without the time loss associated with failed thread-on tool engagements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional threaded tool engagement mechanism with a linear actuator-driven collet system. This substitution eliminates the spinning problem inherent in threaded engagement by using a linear gripping action that securely holds the pin during removal, thereby reducing operational time and improving reliability
2Ease of repair
If a threaded tool is used to remove the threaded pin, then the pin can be extracted from the interference fit, but the threaded pin is damaged and cannot be reused, increasing repair expense
Solution Approach 1:
The collet serves as a gentle intermediary gripping mechanism that distributes clamping forces uniformly around the exposed portion of the pin. This prevents localized stress concentrations and deformation that would occur with threaded tool engagement, allowing the pin to be removed intact and reused
Solution Approach 2:
The linear actuator automatically controls the collet's gripping and releasing actions during pin removal. The system performs the removal operation in a controlled manner that preserves the pin's integrity, enabling self-contained pin extraction without manual intervention that could cause damage
3Reliability
If the threaded pin is compressed to create an interference fit for preventing unwanted removal, then the pin is securely held in the structure, but the pin cannot be easily removed for maintenance without specialized tools
Solution Approach 1:
The collet acts as a removable intermediary tool that interfaces with the exposed portion of the pin. This mediator provides a simple, standardized removal mechanism that contrasts with the complex interference fit installation process, allowing maintenance personnel to easily remove pins without requiring complex specialized tools
Solution Approach 2:
The pin grasper transitions from a static housing to an active gripping tool through the linear actuator's movement. The collet dynamically adjusts its position between extended and retracted states to engage and secure the pin during removal, providing adaptability that simplifies the overall removal process despite the fixed nature of the interference fit
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
Enables efficient and cost-effective removal of threaded pins, allowing for their reuse by securely grasping and releasing the pin from the interference fit without causing permanent deformation, thus reducing repair costs and time.
Implementation Method 1
the pin grasping collet configured to, in the retracted position relative the housing, engage with a portion of the housing to cause grasping of the exposed portion of the threaded pin by the pin grasping collet to release the threaded pin from the interference fit
Data Source
AI summary
A threaded pin remover for a threaded pin in an interference fit in a structure is provided. The threaded pin remover includes a housing. A pin grasper is slidably mounted in the housing and includes: a first end configured to couple to a linear actuator for slidably moving the pin grasper between an extended position relative to the housing and a retracted position relative to the housing. A second end of the pin grasper includes a pin grasping collet configured to, in the retracted position relative the housing, engage with a portion of the housing to cause grasping of the exposed portion of the threaded pin by the pin grasping collet to release the threaded pin from the interference fit, allowing removing of the threaded pin from the structure.