STUCK BEARING RACE REMOVAL DEVICE

Abstract

A stuck bearing race removal device, comprising a platform 101 positioned on a ground surface and installed with a motorized C-shaped clamp 102 for holding a steering knuckle of a vehicle, a touch enabled screen enabling a user to give input commands for removing stuck bearing race from the steering knuckle, an imaging unit 103 detects exact location of bearing of the knuckle, a circular disc 104 installed on the platform 101 via an L-shaped telescopically operated rod 105 that extend/retract, a motorized slider 106 translates the rod 105 in view of positioning the disc 104 in the bearing, an expandable pulley arrangement 201 increases diameter of the disc 104, and a heating unit hears the disc 104 in view of facilitating separation of the race from the bearing.

Specification

Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a stuck bearing race removal device that is capable of providing a means for carrying out the removal process of stuck bearing race in an automated manner thereby saving manual efforts as well as time of the user.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Generally, people remove stuck bearing race while replacing worn-out bearings or upgrading to higher-quality bearings. Removing the race allows for proper inspection, maintenance and replacement of bearings to ensure optimal performance and safety in machinery and vehicles. People use to carry out the removal process manually via using some handheld tools like bearing pullers, as these tools assist the person to pull out the stuck bearing race efficiently without damaging the other proximity parts. But the tool is limited to precision as well as are quite labor-intensive. Hence an equipment needs to be developed that carry out removal of bearing race efficiently within less manual effort and consumption of time.

[0003] Conventionally, some ways were used by people for removing a stuck bearing race. People use to carry out the removal process manually via using some handheld tools like bearing pullers, as these tools assist the person to pull out the stuck bearing race efficiently without damaging the other proximity parts. But the tool is limited to precision as well as are quite labor-intensive. So, people use some machines for removing stuck bearing race efficiently, as these machines carry out the overall process efficiently and within minimal consumption of time. But a skilled labor is required for operating such machines efficiently as well as these machines needs proper maintenance after a certain period of time.

[0004] US11267113B1 discloses about an invention that includes a bearing race remover is provided that can be utilized in the removal of bearing race elements of bearing assemblies of vehicles of Class 1 through Class 8 designations. The bearing race remover is formed of a puller base, a compression member, and a bearing race engagement extension. The puller base has a cylindrical hub having radially disposed vanes forming an engagement collar to contact impinge against a wheel hub. The radially disposed vanes are to engage race engagement protuberances in a self-centering manner to engage within the bearing race. Downward or upward movement of the compression member imparts a removal or insertion force onto a bearing race in order to release or reinsert the bearing race into the wheel hub. Although US'113 relates to a and method for removing and/or replacing bearings and, more particularly, to a heavy-duty bearing race removal equipment which is adaptable to use with truck wheel hubs of multiple classes. But the cited invention lack in adjusting itself in accordance to diameter of different bearings, and fails in making it suitable to be used for removal of the race from the different sized bearing.

[0005] CA2965324A1 discloses about an invention that includes a gripping mechanism for use with a pulling device for removal of and/or installation of a bearing race, ring, bushing, or other device press-fit into a recess. The apparatus uses a plurality of arms which rotate outward in a plane orthogonal to the axis of insertion/removal of the bearing race. Though CA'324 relates to an equipment which is used for insertion and/or removal of a bearing race. But the cited invention lack in applying an optimum amount of heat and pressure as per the material of the race of the bearing and fails to prevent any damage to the race.

[0006] Conventionally, many devices have been developed that are capable of removing a stuck bearing race. However, these devices are incapable of applying an optimum amount of heat and pressure as per the material of the race of the bearing and fails to prevent any damage to the race. Additionally, these existing devices also lack in adjusting itself in accordance to diameter of different bearings, and fails in making it suitable to be used for removal of the race from the different sized bearing.

[0007] In order to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks, there exists a need in the art to develop a device that is capable of adjusting itself in accordance to diameter of different bearings, making it suitable to be used for removal of the race from the different sized bearing. In addition, the proposed device also apply an optimum amount of heat and pressure as per the material of the race of the bearing to ensure no any damage to the race.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The principal object of the present invention is to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art.

[0009] An object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of carrying out the removal process of stuck bearing race in an automated manner thereby saving manual efforts as well as time consumption of the user.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of adjusting itself in accordance to diameter of different bearings, making it suitable to be used for removal of the race from the different sized bearing.

[0011] Yet another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of applying an optimum amount of heat and pressure as per the material of the race of the bearing to ensure no any damage to the race.

[0012] The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become readily apparent upon further review of the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0013] The present invention relates to a stuck bearing race removal device that is capable of carrying out the removal process of stuck bearing race in an automated manner thereby saving manual efforts as well as time consumption of the user. Additionally, the proposed device also adjust itself in accordance to diameter of different bearings, making it suitable to be used for removal of the race from the different sized bearing.

[0014] According to an embodiment of the present invention, to a stuck bearing race removal device comprises of, a platform positioned on a ground surface and installed with a motorized C-shaped clamp for holding a steering knuckle of a vehicle, a touch enabled screen is installed on the platform for enabling a user to give input commands for removing stuck bearing race from the steering knuckle, an ultrasonic sensor positioned on the clamp for detecting diameter of the steering knuckle, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit paired with a processor mounted on the platform for detecting exact location of bearing of the knuckle, a circular disc installed on the platform via an L-shaped telescopically operated rod, to extend/retract, a motorized slider configured between the platform and rod for translating the rod in view of positioning the disc in the bearing, and a laser acuity sensor positioned on the disc for detecting diameter of the race of the bearing.

[0015] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the proposed device further comprises of, an expandable pulley arrangement integrated within the disc for increasing diameter of the disc in order to fix the disc with the race of the bearing, a heating unit configured with the disc, for hearing the disc in view of facilitating separation of the race from the bearing, a capacitive sensor is arranged with the disc for detecting material of the race of the bearing, an angle sensor is positioned on the platform for detecting angle of the bearing with respect to the platform, a motorized ball and socket joint configured between the disc and rod for providing suitable multi-directional motion to the disc for accurately aligning the disc with the bearing, followed by actuation of said slider for translating back said rod in view of pulling out said race from bearing and a battery is associated with the device for supplying power to electrical and electronically operated components associated with the device.

[0016] While the invention has been described and shown with particular reference to the preferred embodiment, it will be apparent that variations might be possible that would fall within the scope of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings where:
Figure 1 illustrates an isometric view of a stuck bearing race removal device; and
Figure 2 illustrates a perspective view of expandable pulley arrangement associated with the proposed device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] The following description includes the preferred best mode of one embodiment of the present invention. It will be clear from this description of the invention that the invention is not limited to these illustrated embodiments but that the invention also includes a variety of modifications and embodiments thereto. Therefore, the present description should be seen as illustrative and not limiting. While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative constructions, it should be understood, that there is no intention to limit the invention to the specific form disclosed, but, on the contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the claims.

[0019] In any embodiment described herein, the open-ended terms "comprising," "comprises," and the like (which are synonymous with "including," "having" and "characterized by") may be replaced by the respective partially closed phrases "consisting essentially of," consists essentially of," and the like or the respective closed phrases "consisting of," "consists of, the like.

[0020] As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" designate both the singular and the plural, unless expressly stated to designate the singular only.

[0021] The present invention relates to a stuck bearing race removal device that is capable of detecting diameter of the steering knuckle and accordingly holding a steering knuckle of a vehicle for facilitating a user in removing stuck bearing race from the steering knuckle efficiently, thereby reducing manual efforts as well as time-consumption of the user. In addition, the proposed device also detects material of the race of the bearing and in accordance with that heat the race of the bearing an optimum temperature to prevent any damage to the race.

[0022] Referring to Figure 1, and Figure 2, an isometric view of a stuck bearing race removal device and a perspective view of expandable pulley arrangement integrated within the disc, associated with the proposed device, are illustrated, comprising a platform 101 positioned on a ground surface, a motorized C-shaped clamp 102 installed on the platform 101, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 103 mounted on the platform 101, a circular disc 104 installed on the platform 101 via an L-shaped telescopically operated rod 105, a motorized slider 106 configured between the platform 101 and rod 105, an expandable pulley arrangement 201 integrated within the disc 104 and a motorized ball and socket joint 107 configured between the disc 104 and rod 105.

[0023] The device disclosed herein comprises of, a platform 101 positioned on a ground surface. The platform 101 is preferably constructed of materials which includes but not limited to steel, iron and hard plastic, as these materials provides strength or durability and flexibility to the device. The device is further installed with a motorized C-shaped clamp 102 for holding a steering knuckle of a vehicle. The motorized C-shaped clamp 102 disclosed herein has an open side and a curved side, forming a partial circle or a half-moon shape. At the open side of the motorized C-shaped clamp 102, there is a screw mechanism which includes a threaded screw or spindle and an electric motor.

[0024] As the motor rotates it causes the screw to move in or out, which in turn adjusts the width of the clamp 102 opening and eventually applies the required force to hold the steering knuckle of a vehicle. The curved side of the motorized C-shaped clamp 102 that hold steer knuckle of a vehicle is lined with non-marring materials like rubber or plastic for securely gripping the steering knuckle of a vehicle in a secured manner. A touch enabled screen is installed on the platform 101 for enabling a user to give input commands.

[0025] The touch enabled screen mentioned above is typically an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) screen that presents output in a visible form. The screen is equipped with touch-sensitive technology, allowing the user to interact directly with the display using their fingers. A touch controller IC (Integrated Circuit) is responsible for processing the analog signals generated when the user inputs details regarding removal of stuck bearing race from the steering knuckle. A touch controller is typically connected to the microcontroller through various interfaces which may include but are not limited to SPI (Serial Peripheral Interface) or I2C (Inter-Integrated Circuit).

[0026] Consequently, a microcontroller that is installed with the device and pre-fed with instructions required to control the operation of various components associated with the device, linked with the screen that processes the input commands and activates an ultrasonic sensor positioned on the clamp 102 for detecting diameter of the steering knuckle. The ultrasonic sensor mentioned herein works by emitting ultrasonic waves and then measuring the time taken by these waves to bounce back after hitting the surface of the steering knuckle. The ultrasonic sensor includes two main parts viz. transmitter, and a receiver. The transmitter sends a short ultrasonic pulse towards the surface of steering knuckle which propagates through the air at the speed of sound and reflects back as an echo to the transmitter as the pulse hits the steering knuckle.

[0027] The transmitter then detects the reflected eco from the surface steering knuckle and calculations is performed by the sensor and based on the time interval between the sending signal and receiving echo to determine the diameter of the steering knuckle. The determined data is sent to the microcontroller in a signal form, and based on the detected diameter, the microcontroller actuates the clamp 102 again to open/close for gripping the steering knuckle in a secured manner.

[0028] Thereafter an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 103 paired with a processor, mounted on the platform 101, gets actuated by the microcontroller for capturing and processing multiple images of the knuckle. The artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 103 comprises of an image capturing arrangement including a set of lenses that captures multiple images of the surroundings and the captured images are stored within memory of the imaging unit 103 in form of an optical data. The imaging unit 103 also comprises of the processor which processes the captured images. This pre-processing involves tasks such as noise reduction, image stabilization, or color correction. The processed data is fed into AI protocols for analysis which utilizes machine learning techniques, such as deep learning neural networks, to extract meaningful information from the visual data which are processed by the microcontroller to detect exact location of bearing of the knuckle.

[0029] Afterwards a circular disc 104 which is made up of durable material and having impact resistance and uniform thickness, is installed on the platform 101 via an L-shaped telescopically operated rod 105. Based on location of the bearing of the knuckle as detected by the imaging unit 103, the microcontroller actuates the rod 105 to extend/retract. The extension of the telescopically operated rod 105 is powered by pneumatic unit which including an air compressor, air cylinders, air valves and piston which works in collaboration to aid in extension and retraction of the rod 105. The pneumatic unit is operated by the microcontroller, such that the microcontroller actuates valve to allow passage of compressed air from the compressor within the cylinder, the compressed air further develops pressure against the piston and results in pushing and extending the piston.

[0030] The piston is connected with the rod 105 and due to applied pressure, the rod 105 extends and similarly, the microcontroller retracts the telescopically operated rod 105 by closing the valve resulting in retraction of the piston. Thus, the microcontroller regulates the extension/retraction of the rod 105. A motorized slider 106 configured between the platform 101 and rod 105 for translating the rod 105. The motorized slider 106 disclosed herein consist of a motorized carriage attached to a rail for enabling the controlled movement of the motorized slider 106 along the body. Upon actuation of the motorized slider 106 by the microcontroller, the motor drives the carriage along the rail, facilitating a smooth and precise motion of the motorized slider 106 for translating the rod 105 in view of positioning the disc 104 in the bearing.

[0031] Afterwards a laser acuity sensor positioned on the disc 104 simultaneously detects diameter of the race of the bearing. The laser acuity sensor disclosed herein activates and emits a focused and narrow beam toward race of the bearing. When the laser beam strikes the surface of the race of the bearing, it gets reflected back towards the sensor. The receiver of the laser acuity sensor captures the reflected laser beam and employs a time-of-flight measurement principle to determine the diameter of the race of the bearing.

[0032] Based on the detected diameter the microcontroller actuates an expandable pulley arrangement 201 integrated within the disc 104 for increasing diameter of the disc 104. The expandable pulley arrangement 201 disclosed herein comprises a gear and multiple segments that are attached to the gears. The microcontroller actuates a motor linked with the gear which results in the movement of the gear. The movement of the gear corresponds to the opening of the segments which drags radially inward and outward. The opening of the segments results in increasing/decreasing the diameter of the disc 104 in order to fix the disc 104 with the race of the bearing.

[0033] A heating unit is configured with the disc 104 for heating the disc 104 at an optimum temperature to prevent any damage to the race. The heating unit disclosed herein is preferably a copper coil that generates heat when an electric current passes through the coil. When an electric current runs through a copper wire the electrons come across the resistive forces of the medium's material, releasing energy that is expended in the form of heat energy. The copper coil is properly insulated to prevent any heat loss and also direct the generated heat toward disc 104. The heating unit begins to generate heat and as the heating element warms up the disc 104 in view of facilitating separation of the race from the bearing.

[0034] Consequently, a capacitive sensor is arranged with the disc 104 for detecting material of the race of the bearing. The capacitive sensor disclosed herein comprises of a high-frequency oscillator along with a sensing surface
formed by two metal electrodes and when the electricity flow in the electrode, an electrostatic field is generated around the electrodes. When race of the bearing comes close to the sensing surface, it enters the electrostatic field of the electrodes and changes the capacitance of the oscillator and as a result, the oscillator circuit starts oscillating and changes the output state of the sensor when it reaches certain amplitude. As the race of the bearing moves away from the sensor, the oscillator's amplitude decreases, switching the sensor back to its initial state. The deflection in the amplitude of the oscillator is detected by the microcontroller and also based on which the microcontroller also detects material of the race of the bearing.

[0035] Also, an angle sensor is positioned on the platform 101 that works in sync with the imaging unit 103 for detecting angle of the bearing with respect to the platform 101. The angle sensor mentioned above works on the principle of detecting changes in magnetic fields or optical signals. By analyzing these changes, the angle sensor accurately detects angle of the bearing with respect to the platform 101. This information is then further transmitted to the microcontroller in the form of digital signal to analyze and detect angle of the bearing with respect to the platform 101.

[0036] Based on the detected angle of the bearing with respect to the platform 101, the microcontroller actuates a motorized ball and socket joint 107 configured between the disc 104 and rod 105 for providing suitable multi-directional motion to the disc 104. The motorized ball and socket join disclosed herein consists of a ball-shaped element that fits into a socket, which provides rotational freedom in various directions. The ball is connected to a motor, typically a servo motor which provides the controlled movement.

[0037] The clamp 102 is attached to the socket of the motorized ball and socket joint 107, the microcontroller sends precise instructions to the motor of the motorized ball and socket joint 107. The motor responds by adjusting the ball and socket joint 107 and rotates the ball in the desired direction, and this motion is transferred to the socket that holds the clamp 102. As the ball and socket joint 107 move, it provides the necessary multi-directional motion to the disc 104 for accurately aligning the disc 104 with the bearing and followed by actuation of said slider 106 for translating back said rod 105 in view of pulling out said race from bearing.

[0038] Moreover, a battery is associated with the device for powering up electrical and electronically operated components associated with the device and supplying a voltage to the components. The battery used herein is preferably a Lithium-ion battery which is a rechargeable unit that demands power supply after getting drained. The battery stores the electric current derived from an external source in the form of chemical energy, which when required by the electronic component of the device, derives the required power from the battery for proper functioning of the device.

[0039] The present invention works in the best manner, where the platform 101 positioned on a ground surface and installed with the motorized C-shaped clamp 102 for holding the steering knuckle of the vehicle. Then the touch enabled screen enables a user to give input commands. Consequently, the microcontroller activates the ultrasonic sensor determine the diameter of the steering knuckle. Thereafter the artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 103 detect exact location of bearing of the knuckle. Afterwards the circular disc 104 installed on the platform 101 via the L-shaped telescopically operated rod 105. Based on the detected exact location of the bearing of the knuckle, the microcontroller actuates the rod 105 to extend/retract. Then the motorized slider 106 translates the rod 105 in view of positioning the disc 104 in the bearing. Afterwards the laser acuity sensor detects diameter of the race of the bearing. Based on the detected diameter the microcontroller actuates the expandable pulley arrangement 201 for increasing/decreasing the diameter of the disc 104 in order to fix the disc 104 with the race of the bearing. In continuation, the capacitive sensor detects material of the race of the bearing. Upon detecting material of the race of the bearing, the microcontroller regulates working of the heating unit. The heating unit warms up the disc 104 in view of facilitating separation of the race from the bearing. Thereafter the angle sensor detects angle of the bearing with respect to the platform 101. Based on the detected angle of the bearing with respect to the platform 101, the microcontroller actuates the motorized ball and socket joint 107 for providing suitable multi-directional motion to the disc 104.

[0040] Although the field of the invention has been described herein with limited reference to specific embodiments, this description is not meant to be construed in a limiting sense. Various modifications of the disclosed embodiments, as well as alternate embodiments of the invention, will become apparent to persons skilled in the art upon reference to the description of the invention. , Claims:1) A stuck bearing race removal device, comprising:

i) a platform 101 positioned on a ground surface and installed with a motorized C-shaped clamp 102 for holding a steering knuckle of a vehicle, wherein a touch enabled screen is installed on said platform 101 for enabling a user to give input commands for removing stuck bearing race from said steering knuckle;
ii) a microcontroller linked with said screen that processes said input commands and activates an ultrasonic sensor positioned on said clamp 102 for detecting diameter of said steering knuckle, wherein based on said detected diameter, said microcontroller actuates said clamp 102 to open/close for gripping said steering knuckle in a secured manner;
iii) an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 103 paired with a processor mounted on said platform 101 for capturing and processing multiple images of said knuckle, respectively, for detecting exact location of bearing of said knuckle;
iv) a circular disc 104 installed on said platform 101 via an L-shaped telescopically operated rod 105, wherein based on said detected exact location of said bearing of said knuckle, said microcontroller actuates said rod 105 to extend/retract, followed by actuation a motorized slider 106 configured between said platform 101 and rod 105 for translating said rod 105 in view of positioning said disc 104 in said bearing;
v) a laser acuity sensor positioned on said disc 104 for detecting diameter of said race of said bearing, wherein based on said detected diameter, said microcontroller actuates an expandable pulley arrangement 201 integrated within said disc 104 for increasing diameter of said disc 104 in order to fix said disc 104 with said race of said bearing; and
vi) a heating unit configured with said disc 104, wherein upon actuation of said arrangement, said microcontroller actuates said heating unit for hearing said disc 104 in view of facilitating separation of said race from said bearing, followed by actuation of said slider 106 for translating back said rod 105 in view of pulling out said race from bearing.

2) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a capacitive sensor is arranged with said disc 104 for detecting material of said race of said bearing, in accordance to which said microcontroller regulates working of said heating unit for heating said disc 104 at an optimum temperature to prevent any damage to said race.

3) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein an angle sensor is positioned on said 101 that works in sync with said imaging unit 103 for detecting angle of said bearing with respect to said platform 101, in accordance to which said microcontroller actuates a motorized ball and socket joint 107 configured between said disc 104 and rod 105 for providing suitable multi-directional motion to said disc 104 for accurately aligning said disc 104 with said bearing.

4) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said L-shaped telescopically operated rod 105 is powered by a pneumatic unit that includes an air compressor, air cylinder, air valves and piston which works in collaboration to aid in extension and retraction of said rod 105.

5) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a battery is associated with said device for supplying power to electrical and electronically operated components associated with said device.

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