CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 62/429,524, filed December 02, 2016, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] This patent application is directed to an apparatus for effectively disengaging a first component and a second component and, more specifically, a tie rod end removal tool for removing a tapered stud from a mating spindle arm.

BACKGROUND

[0003] A tie rod end and a tie rod arm (or Ackerman arm) are common connecting components used in vehicle-related industries such as truck steering. The tie rod end and the tie rod arm need to be coupled together and tightly secured/fastened during operation so as to function properly. Because these two components are tightly secured, it takes some efforts to disengage these two components. Conventionally, to remove a tie rod end from a tie rod arm, an operator needs to apply certain forces to the tie rod end (e.g., banging/knocking the tie rod end by a hammer), which may cause undesirable damages to the tie rod end or the tie rod arm. Sometimes, even the operator may accidentally get hurt during such an operation. Therefore, it is advantageous to have an improved apparatus for effectively and safely disengaging the tie rod end and the tie rod arm.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0004] Embodiments of the apparatus for facilitating disengaging a first component (e.g., a tie rod end) and a second component (e.g., a tie rod arm) herein may be better understood by referring to the following Detailed Description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals indicate identical or functionally similar elements.

[0005] FIG. 1A is a schematic side view of a semi-trailer truck in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. [0006] FIG. 1 B is a schematic isometric view illustrating a tie rod end and other components associated with embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0007] FIG. 1 C is a schematic diagram illustrating a tie rod end removal apparatus and other components associated with embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0008] FIGs. 2A and 2B are schematic side views of a tie rod end removal apparatus associated with embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0009] FIG. 3 is an isometric, sectional view illustrating a tie rod end removal apparatus associated with embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0010] FIG. 4 is an isometric, sectional view illustrating a tie rod end removal apparatus associated with another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0011] The headings provided herein are for convenience only and do not necessarily affect the scope or meaning of the claimed embodiments. Further, the drawings have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the figures may be expanded or reduced to help improve the understanding of the embodiments. Moreover, while the disclosed technology is amenable to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments have been shown by way of example in the drawings and are described in detail below. The intention, however, is not to limit the embodiments described. On the contrary, the embodiments are intended to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the embodiments as defined by the appended claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION Overview

[0012] An apparatus or tool for facilitating disengaging a first component (e.g., a tie rod end) and a second component (e.g., a tie rod arm or an Ackerman arm) that are operably coupled together is disclosed. The apparatus includes a housing having an inner space and an external impact surface configured to receive an external force (e.g. , applied by a hammer or other suitable tools). The apparatus includes a contact component (e.g., a ball bearing) having a spherical contact surface and positioned in the inner space. A positioning component is positioned between the housing and the contact component. When (a portion of ) the first component is positioned in the inner space and is in contact with the contact component, the contact component can receive the external force from the impact surface and then transfer it to the first component so as to effectively disengage the first component from the second component.

General Description

[0013] Various examples of the apparatus introduced above will now be described in further detail. The following description provides specific details for a thorough understanding and enabling description of these examples. One skilled in the relevant art will understand, however, that the techniques discussed herein may be practiced without many of these details. Likewise, one skilled in the relevant art will also understand that the technology can include many other features not described in detail herein. Additionally, some well-known structures or functions may not be shown or described in detail below so as to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the relevant description.

[0014] The terminology used below is to be interpreted in its broadest reasonable manner, even though it is being used in conjunction with a detailed description of some specific examples of the embodiments. Indeed, some terms may even be emphasized below; however, any terminology intended to be interpreted in any restricted manner will be overtly and specifically defined as such in this section.

[0015] Tie rod ends and tie rod arms (or Ackerman arm) are common connecting components used in vehicles. Generally speaking, the tie rod ends and the corresponding tie rod arms need to be tightly secured during operation. When maintenance or repairs are needed, an operator needs to disengage the tie rod ends and the corresponding tie rod arms. For large-sized vehicles, such as trucks, semitrailer trucks (e.g., having a tractor unit and one or more semi-trailers to carry freight) etc., their tie rod ends and the tie rod arms can be significant larger than those of a small-sized vehicle (e.g., a sedan). Therefore, properly disengaging these components for large-sized vehicles may require significantly more strength or efforts. The present disclosure provides effective solutions to this problem. [0016] The present disclosure provides an apparatus for removing a tie rod end from a tie rod arm (or an Ackerman arm) that the tie rod end is attached to. The apparatus includes (1 ) a housing having an inner space and an external impact surface configured to receive an external force (e.g., applied by a hammer or other suitable tools); (2) a contact component (e.g., a ball bearing) having a spherical contact surface and positioned in the inner space; and (3) a positioning component positioned between the housing and the contact component. When the tie rod end is positioned in the inner space and is in contact with the contact component, the contact component can receive the external force from the external impact surface and then transfer it to the tie rod end so as to effectively and safely remove the tie rod end from the tie rod arm.

[0017] FIG. 1A is a schematic side view of a semi-trailer truck 10 in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. The semi-trailer truck 10 includes a tractor unit 12 and a semi-trailer 14 connected thereto. As shown, the semi-trailer truck 10 includes multiple wheels 15 and corresponding spindles 16. Each wheel 15 is coupled to a corresponding one of the spindles 16. The spindles 16 located at the front of the tractor unit 12, for example, are further coupled to tie rod ends and tie rod arms, which will be discussed in detail with reference to FIG. 1 B. The vehicle may have more than one steering axle, and may have axles that steer by following.

[0018] FIG. 1 B is a schematic isometric view illustrating a tie rod end 101 and other components associated with embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 1 B, the tie rod end 101 is coupled to the spindle 16 via a tie rod arm 103. The tie rod end 101 is further coupled to a center tube 18. As shown in FIG. 1 B, the center tube 18 is coupled to two tie rod ends 101 on both ends. To function properly, the tie rod ends 101 , the tie rod arms 103, the spindles 16, and the center tube 18 need to be tightly secured/fastened/mounted together. One skilled in the relevant art will understand that, in other embodiments, the tie rod ends 101 , the tie rod arms 103, the spindles 16, and the center tube 18 can have various arrangements depending on different designs. The purposes of the removal apparatus of the present disclosure (e.g., apparatus 100 in FIG. 1 C, apparatus 200 in FIG. 2A, apparatus 300 in FIG. 3, or apparatus 400 in FIG. 4) include properly and safely disengaging the tie rod end 101 and the tie rod arm 103, as discussed in detail below. [0019] FIG. 1 C is a schematic diagram illustrating a tie rod end removal apparatus 100 and other components associated with embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 1 C, the apparatus 100 includes a housing 102 and an external impact surface 104. In the illustrated embodiment, the external impact surface 104 is a curved surface. In some embodiments, the external impact surface 104 can be a domed (e.g., convex) surface. In other embodiments, the external impact surface 104 can be formed in various shapes depending on the types of impact/forces to be applied thereon. In the illustrated embodiment, the housing 102 has a cylindrical cup shape. The housing 102 can include an upper portion 102a and a lower portion 102b. In the illustrated embodiment, the dimensions (e.g. , cylindrical diameter) of the upper portion 102a and the lower portion 102b are different. In one embodiment, the dimensions (e.g., cylindrical diameter) of the upper portion 102a and the lower portion 102b can be substantially the same. In some embodiments, the dimensions of the upper portion 102a can be determined based on the type/materials/dimensions of the external impact surface 104. In one embodiment, the dimensions of the lower portion 102b can be determined based on the dimensions of the components to be accommodated therein (e.g., the tie rod end 101 ). In some embodiments, the housing 102 can have a patterned external surface so as to form a grip surface for an operator. In some embodiments, the patterned external surface can be formed by a knurling process.

[0020] As shown in FIG 1 C, the apparatus 100 is configured to facilitate disengaging the tie rod end 101 and the tie rod arm 103. The tie rod end 101 includes a main body 101 a, a tapered stud 101 b, and a spherical bearing 101 c. The main body 101 a is threaded and configured to operably couple to the center tube 18 (FIG. 1 B). The tapered stud 101 b is configured to pass through a stub opening 103a of the tie rod arm 103 and configured to be in close contact with the tie rod arm 103. The spherical bearing 101 c is configured to connect the main body 101 a and the tapered stud 101 b. The spherical bearing 101 c enables rotational articulation between the main body 101 a and the tapered stud 101 b, such that the tie rod end 101 can be coupled to the tie rod arm 103, the center tube 18, the spindle 16, or other components at various angles. The stud 101 b and opening 103a have matching tapers to provide a tight fit between components. To make sure that the tie rod end 101 and the tie rod arm 103 are tightly secured/fastened/mounted during operation, a castle nut 105 and a split pin 107 can be used to facilitate the locking between the tie rod end 101 and the tie rod arm 103. In other embodiments, however, there can be other suitable locking means for securely connecting the tie rod end 101 and the tie rod arm 103.

[0021] When an operator wants to remove the tie rod end 101 from the tie rod arm 103, he/she can remove the castle nut 105 and the split pin 107 and then move the apparatus 100 in the direction indicated by arrow A. By doing so, at least a portion of the tapered stud 101 b enters into the housing 102 and then the tie rod end 101 is in contact with the apparatus 100. The operator can then apply forces on the external impact surface 104 such that the applied forces can be transferred to the tie rod end 101 via the apparatus 100. Accordingly, the tie rod end 101 and the tie rod arm 103 can be effectively disengaged by the transferred forces. Details of the apparatus 100 will be discussed below with reference to FIGs. 2A, 2B, and 3.

[0022] FIGs. 2A and 2B are schematic side views of a tie rod end removal apparatus 200 associated with embodiments of the present disclosure. The apparatus 200 is configured to facilitate disengaging a first component 201 and a second component 203, which are tightly engaged. The first component 201 includes a main body 201 a and a tapered stud 201 b. The tapered stud 201 b extends through a stud opening 203a of the second component 203. The apparatus 200 includes a housing 202 and an external impact surface 204. In the illustrated embodiment, the external impact surface 204 is a flat surface. In other embodiments, the external impact surface 204 can be formed in various shapes depending on the types of impact/forces to be applied thereon. In the illustrated embodiment, the housing 202 has a cylindrical shape. In some embodiments, the dimensions of the housing 202 can be determined based on the dimensions of the first component 201 (more particularly, the threaded portion of stud 201 b).

[0023] As shown in FIG. 2A, the housing 202 includes an inner space 212 defined by a sidewall 214 of the housing 202 and a bottom surface 216 of the housing 202. The apparatus 200 includes a contact component 206 positioned in the inner space 212. In the illustrated embodiment, the contact component 206 is a ball bearing having a spherical contact surface 206a. In other embodiments, the contact component 206 can be any other suitable components that have a curved contact surface. A retainer or positioning component 208 is positioned between the housing 202 and the contact component 206. The positioning component 208 is configured to prevent the contact component 206 from moving relative to the housing 202 (e.g., falling out of the housing 202). In some embodiments, the positioning component 208 can be an O-ring positioned in a first recess 208a of the housing 202. In other embodiments, however, the positioning component 208 can be any other suitable components that have similar functions. As shown, the apparatus 200 also includes an alignment component 210 positioned in the inner space 212 and configured to align the first component 201 when the first component 201 is positioned in the inner space 212. In addition, the alignment component 210 can help hold the tool in position during use. In some embodiments, the alignment component 210 can be an O-ring positioned in a second recess 210a of the housing 202. In other embodiments, however, the alignment component 210 can be any other suitable components that have similar functions. With the assistance of the alignment component 210, an operator can align the apparatus 200 to the first component 201 , and the apparatus 200 can facilitate transferring applied forces thereon to the first component 201 .

[0024] When an operator wants to disengage the first component 201 and the second component 203, he/she can move the apparatus 200 in the direction indicated by arrow A. By doing so, at least a portion of the tapered stud 201 b (e.g., the threaded portion) enters into the inner space 212 of the housing 202 and then the tapered stud 201 b is in contact with the contact component 206 by the spherical contact surface 206a, as shown in FIG. 2B. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2B, the tapered stud 201 b is in contact with the contact component 206 at an impact point 218 on the spherical contact surface 206a. In some embodiments, the tapered stud 201 b can be in contact with the contact component 206 along an impact line on the spherical contact surface 206a. In some embodiments, the tapered stud 201 b can be in contact with the contact component 206 in an impact area on the spherical contact surface 206a.

[0025] After the first component 201 and the apparatus 200 are in close contact with each other, the operator can then apply forces (e.g., in the direction indicated by arrow B) on the external impact surface 204 of the housing 202 of the apparatus 200. The applied forces can then be transferred to the tapered stud 201 b of the first component 201 (e.g. , via the contact component 206 and the impact point 218). Accordingly, the tapered stud 201 b of the first component 201 can be moved in the direction indicated by arrow C. As a result, the first component 201 and the second component 203 can be effectively disengaged by the transferred forces. By transferring the applied forces via the impact point 218, the applied forces can result in relative higher pressure (e.g. , forces per area unit) on the first component, which makes disengaging the first component 201 and the second component 203 much easier. For example, by a conventional method, a user may need to apply a force with a 10-N force to disengage the first component 201 and the second component 203. By using the apparatus 200, the user may only need to apply a 1 -N force to disengage the two components. Because the forces are not directly applied on the first component 201 or the second component 203, the risks of damaging either component can be substantially reduced.

[0026] FIG. 3 is an isometric, sectional view illustrating a tie rod end removal apparatus 300 associated with embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 3, the apparatus 300 includes a housing 302 and an external impact surface 304. In the illustrated embodiment, the external impact surface 304 is a domed surface. In other embodiments, the external impact surface 304 can be formed in various shapes depending on the types of impact/forces to be applied thereon.

[0027] In the illustrated embodiment, the housing 302 has a cylindrical shape. The housing 302 can include an upper portion 302b and a lower portion 302a. In the illustrated embodiment, the dimensions (e.g., cylindrical diameters) of the upper portion 302b and the lower portion 302a are different. In some embodiments, the dimensions (e.g., cylindrical diameters) of the upper portion 302b and the lower portion 302a can be substantially the same. In some embodiments, the dimensions of the lower portion 302a can be determined based on the type/materials/dimensions of the external impact surface 304. In some embodiments, the dimensions of the upper portion 302b can be determined based on the dimensions of the components to be accommodated therein. In some embodiments, the housing 302 can have a patterned external surface so as to form a grip surface for an operator. In some embodiments, the patterned external surface can be formed by a knurling process.

[0028] As shown in FIG. 3, the housing 302 includes an inner space 312 defined by a sidewall 314 of the housing 302 and a bottom surface 316 of the housing 302. As shown, a contact component 306 is positioned in the inner space 312. In the illustrated embodiment, the bottom surface 316 is a curved surface. In some embodiments, the bottom surface 316 can be a flat surface. In other embodiments, the bottom surface 316 can be formed in accordance with the shape of the contact component 306.

[0029] A positioning component 308 is positioned between the housing 302 and the contact component 306. The positioning component 308 is configured to prevent the contact component 306 from moving relatively to the housing 302. In some embodiments, the positioning component 308 can be an O-ring positioned in a first recess 308a of the housing 302. In other embodiments, however, the positioning component 308 can be any other suitable components that have similar functions. As shown, the apparatus 300 also includes an alignment component 310 positioned in the inner space 312 and configured to align a component to be inserted therein. In some embodiments, the alignment component 310 can be an O-ring positioned in a second recess 310a of the housing 302. In other embodiments, however, the alignment component 310 can be any other suitable components that have similar functions. With the assistance of the alignment component 310, an operator can align the apparatus 300 with the component to be inserted. This can facilitate transferring applied forces effectively from the apparatus 300 to the component to be inserted.

[0030] FIG. 4 illustrates a tie rod end removal apparatus 400 associated with embodiments of the present disclosure. The tie rod end removal apparatus 400 includes features and components similar to those of the above described embodiments. In addition, the tie rod end removal apparatus 400 includes slots 422 formed through the housing 402. Once the apparatus 400 is placed on the tie rod end stud 101 b (FIG. 1 C), the split pin 107 can be positioned through the slots 422 and through the split pin hole (not shown) in the tie rod end stud 101 b. Replacing the split pin 107 in this manner holds the tie rod end 101 from falling on to the ground once the taper between the tie rod end 101 and the tie rod arm 103 is broken. The housing 402 can include a patterned external surface in the form of a plurality of axially spaced grooves 424 formed around the outer circumference of the housing 402. In the depicted embodiment, the external impact surface 404 is a flat surface with a surrounding chamfer 405. [0031] In light of the foregoing, the disclosed technology provides the following improved features for disengaging two components: increasing disengaging efficiency by focusing on applied forces at a single impact point (alternatively, an impact line or an impact area) at a contact curved surface; reducing the risks of damaging the related components caused by the applied forces; and reducing the required skill level for disengaging two components by using the apparatus in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0032] Although particular embodiments of the tie rod end removal apparatus are described herein, it should not be interpreted as limiting and other embodiments and variations are possible. For example, the following features can be varied without deviating from the scope of the disclosed technology: the number/location of the positioning component and the alignment components, the shapes of the contact component and the housing, etc.

Remarks

[0033] The above description and drawings are illustrative and are not to be construed as limiting. Numerous specific details are described to provide a thorough understanding of the disclosure. However, in some instances, well-known details are not described in order to avoid obscuring the description. Further, various modifications may be made without deviating from the scope of the embodiments. Accordingly, the embodiments are not limited except as by the appended claims.

[0034] Reference in this specification to "one embodiment" or "some embodiments" means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the disclosure. The appearances of the phrase "in one embodiment" in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, nor are separate or alternative embodiments mutually exclusive of other embodiments. Moreover, various features are described which may be exhibited by some embodiments and not by others. Similarly, various requirements are described which may be requirements for some embodiments but not for other embodiments.

[0035] The terms used in this specification generally have their ordinary meanings in the art, within the context of the disclosure, and in the specific context where each term is used. It will be appreciated that the same thing can be said in more than one way. Consequently, alternative language and synonyms may be used for any one or more of the terms discussed herein, and any special significance is not to be placed upon whether or not a term is elaborated or discussed herein. Synonyms for some terms are provided. A recital of one or more synonyms does not exclude the use of other synonyms. The use of examples anywhere in this specification, including examples of any term discussed herein, is illustrative only and is not intended to further limit the scope and meaning of the disclosure or of any exemplified term. Likewise, the disclosure is not limited to various embodiments given in this specification. Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains. In the case of conflict, the present document, including definitions, will control.