Press-fit installation tool with dynamic load assist and method of press-fitting

A tool for press-fit installation of a component, the tool comprising:

• a tool body having a first cavity, a second cavity, and a tapered passage connecting the first cavity and the second cavity;
• wherein the tapered passage has a longitudinal axis;
• a piston housed in the first cavity and biased toward the tapered passage;
• wherein the piston has an outer surface with a recess that is substantially aligned with the longitudinal axis;
• a base positioned in the second cavity and having a first curved surface;
• a tool head for press-fitting a component;
• wherein the tool head is fixed to the base and extends outside of the tool body;
• wherein the base and the tool body are configured such that the tool body slides relative to the base when force is applied on the tool body toward the tool head;
• a plunger positioned in the second cavity;
• a biasing element in the second cavity biasing the plunger against the first curved surface of the base and away from the first cavity;
• wherein the plunger and the base are configured so that the plunger is in a first position tilted relative to the longitudinal axis in a first state;
• wherein the plunger is configured to extend into the first cavity through the tapered passage and load the piston as the plunger is moved toward a position aligned with the longitudinal axis by the tool body at the tapered passage so that the tip of the plunger moves into the recess when the predetermined force is applied on the tool body, thereby releasing the piston and directing a dynamic load of stored energy of the piston through the plunger, the base, and the tool head;
• wherein the piston, the plunger, and the tapered passage are configured so that a gap is maintained between the piston and the tool body when the piston is released, thereby preventing the dynamic load from passing through the tool body.