Tapered extraction device
AssigneeThe Boeing Company
InventorsMike M. Moodi, Paul A. Baker
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A system for extracting an assembly component from an assembly uses an extractor that applies a gripping force around a perimeter of the assembly component, a coupler that applies an extraction force to the extractor and a tensioner fastened to the coupler that generates the extraction force, the extraction force causing the assembly component to slide out of the assembly. The tensioner applies an extraction force to the extractor which pulls the assembly component from the assembly.
Claims20
An extractor for use with an assembly component, the assembly component having a cross-sectional shape that is hollow with an exterior surface and an interior surface extending about a longitudinal axis, comprising:
- a sleeve for fitment about the exterior surface of the assembly component having an interior wall substantially matching the cross-sectional shape of the exterior surface of the assembly component and having a taper along the longitudinal axis;
- a plug for receipt within the assembly component having an exterior wall substantially matching the cross-sectional shape of the interior surface of the assembly component and having a taper along the longitudinal axis;
- and
- a coupler for transferring a pulling force to the sleeve to cause the sleeve to shift along the longitudinal axis and cause the taper of the sleeve and the plug to reduce a gap there between.
A method of extracting an assembly component from an assembly, the assembly component having a cross-sectional shape that is hollow with an exterior surface and an interior surface extending about a longitudinal axis, the method comprising:
- placing a sleeve over the assembly component, the sleeve having an interior wall substantially matching the cross-sectional shape of the exterior surface of the assembly component;
- placing a plug into an interior of the assembly component, the plug having an exterior wall substantially matching the cross-sectional shape of the interior surface of the assembly component;
- moving the sleeve over the plug to reduce a gap between the interior wall of the sleeve and the exterior wall of the plug;
- and
- applying a force to the sleeve in a direction of extraction to remove the assembly component from the assembly.
A system for extracting an assembly component from an assembly, the assembly component having a hollow cross-sectional shape with an exterior surface and an interior surface extending about a longitudinal axis, the system comprising:
- an extractor that applies a gripping force around a perimeter of the assembly component, the extractor including a coupler that receives an extraction force;
- and
- a tensioner fastened to the coupler that generates the extraction force, the extraction force causing the assembly component to slide out of the assembly.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.