Adjustable Radius Coping Device for Pipe Fitting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for making cope cuts on varying diameters and angles of materials, such as pipes, are time-consuming and require multiple tools or large machinery, which are often not portable and consume dedicated electrical power.
Innovation Solution
A portable coping apparatus that allows for adjustable cutting arcs and angles without changing the cutting tool, using a base with a pivotally mounted housing and yoke assembly, enabling cuts on multiple diameters and angles using a single tool powered by standard household electricity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a band saw or similar tool is used to make cope cuts, then the cut can be made on various materials, but the process is time-consuming and requires additional cuts or grinds to ensure precise fit
Solution Approach 1:
A template or guide is used as an intermediary between the cutting tool and the workpiece. The template is placed against the pipe and the cutting tool follows the template's edge, ensuring a precise 45-degree cope cut without requiring operator skill or multiple adjustments. This mediator transfers the precise geometric relationship from the template to the cut surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The template is pre-formed with the exact 45-degree angle and dimensions needed for the cope cut. By preparing the guiding template in advance with precise geometry, the actual cutting operation becomes a simple follow-along process that guarantees precision without requiring the cutting action itself to be complex or multi-step.
2Manufacturing precision
If a milling type machine with tool sized to diameter of pipe is used, then precise cope cuts can be made, but multiple tools with varying diameters are required and the machine is large requiring dedicated electrical connection
Solution Approach 1:
The cutting apparatus is designed with a universal template system that can accommodate pipes of various diameters without requiring different tools. The template adapts to different pipe sizes while maintaining the precise 45-degree cutting geometry, allowing a single apparatus to perform multiple coping operations that previously required multiple specialized tools.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a custom-machined tool for each pipe diameter, the invention uses a template that copies or replicates the desired cope cut geometry across different workpiece sizes. The template serves as a reusable model that transfers the precise angular relationship to various pipe diameters without requiring the cutting tool itself to be customized for each size.
3Adaptability or versatility
If traditional coping methods are used, then various diameters and angles can be accommodated, but multiple tools are required and portability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The template is designed to be adjustable and adaptable rather than fixed. It can be positioned and configured for different pipe diameters and cutting angles, allowing a single dynamic template system to replace multiple static tools. The template's ability to adapt its position and orientation provides versatility without requiring a collection of specialized tools.
Data Source
AI summary
A coping apparatus that performs a cope cut of varying diameters and angles on varying sizes, diameters, and types of materials without having to change the diameter of the cutting tool. The apparatus comprises a table with a clamp, a cylindrical housing with an aperture pivotally mounted to the table, a motor, a tool, and a yoke assembly. The yoke assembly is rotatably received within the housing and comprises a upper disc with a channel, a lower disc with a channel, a upper arm, a lower arm, a connector, and a handle. The arms are received in the channels of the upper and lower discs and moveable in a direction radial to the rotation of the discs. The motor is mounted to the lower arm and turns a spindle and the tool. Upon manipulation of the handle, the tool is plunged into the material to make the cut.