Installation tool

A method of installing a seal using an installation tool, the method comprising:

• aligning the seal with a seal-engaging component of the installation tool, wherein the installation tool includes a shaft defining a first end, a second end opposite to the first end, and a length defined between the first and second ends, such that the seal-engaging component is coupled with the shaft proximal to the first end of the shaft;
• coupling the seal with the seal-engaging component based on an engagement of the seal with a first annular ring extending axially from a first surface of the seal-engaging component, wherein the seal-engaging component further includes a second annular ring extending axially from the first surface and concentric with the first annular ring, such that, based on the coupling of the seal with the seal-engaging component, a portion of the seal is radially disposed between the first annular ring and the second annular ring, wherein the seal-engaging component defines a cavity partially extending from a second surface of the seal-engaging component to the first surface, wherein the second surface is disposed opposite to the first surface;
• positioning the seal and the installation tool adjacent to a seal installation location, such that the seal is axially positioned between the seal installation location and the seal-engaging component;
• sliding a sliding hammer mounted on the shaft towards the first end of the shaft for applying a force to the seal-engaging component;
• contacting an impact plate of the installation tool with the sliding hammer, wherein the impact plate is adapted to be received within a cavity defined by the seal-engaging component;
• and
• installing the seal at the seal installation location based on the force applied to the seal-engaging component.

A seal-engaging component associated with an installation tool for installing a seal, the seal-engaging component comprising:

• a first surface;
• a second surface disposed opposite to the first surface;
• a first annular ring extending axially from the first surface, wherein the first annular ring is adapted to engage with the seal for coupling the seal with the seal-engaging component such that the seal is coaxial with the seal-engaging component;
• and
• a second annular ring extending axially from the first surface and concentric with the first annular ring, such that, during the installation of the seal, a portion of the seal is radially disposed between the first annular ring and the second annular ring
• wherein the installation tool further includes a shaft defining a first end, a second end opposite to the first end, and a length defined between the first and second ends, and wherein the seal-engaging component is coupled with the shaft proximal to the first end of the shaft,
• wherein the installation tool further includes a sliding hammer mounted on the shaft and adapted to slide along the length of the shaft, and wherein, during the installation of the seal, the sliding hammer is adapted to apply a force to the seal-engaging component based on a sliding of the sliding hammer towards the first end of the shaft for installing the seal at a seal installation location,
• wherein the seal-engaging component defines a cavity partially extending from the second surface toward the first surface,
• wherein the installation tool further includes an impact plate adapted to be received within the cavity of the seal-engaging component, and wherein the sliding hammer is adapted to contact the impact plate for applying the force to the seal-engaging component.