Wheel Lock Bolt Removal Tool Collet Clamping Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is no convenient or effective method to loosen or remove stuck high-security wheel lock bolts with spinning rings from vehicle wheels without damaging the wheel, as existing methods often result in costly and time-consuming processes due to stripped or rounded driving surfaces and missing keys.
Innovation Solution
A wheel lock bolt removal tool comprising an extractor with a collet and sleeve that clamps onto the spinning ring, allowing for the application of axial force to remove the ring and pad, followed by a driver to engage and loosen the bolt, utilizing a pin for handling and a slide hammer for assistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional methods (welding metal blob or grinding) are used to remove stuck wheel lock bolts, then the bolt can be broken loose, but the wheel is damaged requiring refinishing or replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary device (the removal tool with collet and driver) that mediates between the user and the wheel lock bolt. The collet engages the spinning ring and the driver engages the bolt head, allowing force to be applied through these intermediaries rather than directly to the wheel surface, thus preventing wheel damage while still enabling bolt removal
Solution Approach 2:
The removal tool is segmented into distinct functional components: the collet for engaging the spinning ring, the driver for engaging the bolt head, and the handle for applying force. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function without interfering with the wheel, enabling effective bolt removal while protecting the wheel from damage
2Reliability
If aggressive grabbing socket is pounded on the bolt head, then the bolt can be broken loose, but the driving surfaces are stripped or rounded making removal impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The driver component acts as an intermediary that distributes force evenly across the bolt head's driving surfaces through its precisely fitted engagement. This prevents the concentrated stress that would strip or round the surfaces, while still providing enough force to break loose stuck bolts
Solution Approach 2:
The collet is preliminarily engaged with the spinning ring to stabilize it before force is applied to the bolt. This preliminary action prevents the spinning ring from rotating during force application, distributing the stress more evenly and preventing damage to the driving surfaces
3Ease of operation
If keyed wheel lock socket is used, then the wheel lock can be loosened, but the process is time-consuming when the key is missing or the socket is broken
Solution Approach 1:
The removal tool is designed with universal applicability - the collet can engage various spinning ring configurations and the driver can engage different bolt head types. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for specific keyed sockets for each wheel lock type, allowing quick removal regardless of the original locking mechanism's condition
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the essential function of wheel lock removal from the proprietary keyed socket system. By directly engaging the spinning ring and bolt head with the collet and driver, it bypasses the need for the original key-based locking mechanism, enabling removal even when the key is missing or the socket is broken
Data Source
AI summary
A wheel lock bolt removal tool apparatus for removing a wheel lock from a vehicle wheel, the wheel lock having a wheel lock bolt with a spinning ring, the apparatus comprising an extractor comprising a collet and a sleeve received substantially coaxially over the collet, the collet body having a distal opening formed having a radially-inwardly-projecting distal lip, the distal opening and distal lip configured to pass over and seat on the spinning ring of the wheel lock as by engaging the lip on a distal edge of the spinning ring, the collet body configured to be selectively closed upon distal movement of the sleeve along the collet and further having a proximal end configured for application of an axial proximally-directed force in removing the spinning ring from the wheel lock bolt.