Adjustable Pipe Cutting Templates for Variable Bevel Profiles

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional fixed templates for pipe cutting tools require a large inventory to cover various angle combinations, leading to increased costs and potential delays due to the lack of necessary templates on-site.

Innovation Solution

The development of adjustable templates with a frame plate, adjustable template links, and advancement mechanisms that allow for bidirectional radial and axial movement of cutting edges, enabling the machining of a range of bevel angles and profiles using a single template.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional fixed templates are used for pipe cutting, then each specific angle combination can be precisely machined, but a large inventory of templates is required to cover various angle combinations, increasing costs and potential delays

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to machine various bevel angles and profilesVSAvoidinventory of templates required
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The template system transitions from fixed, static templates to a dynamic adjustable template where the cutting edge position and angle can be modified during operation. The template includes adjustable components that allow the cutting edge to be positioned at different radial and axial locations, enabling a single template to perform multiple cutting operations at various bevel angles and profiles.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

A single adjustable template is designed to perform multiple functions that previously required separate dedicated templates. By incorporating adjustment mechanisms, one template can machine various bevel angles and profiles across different pipe sizes and configurations, replacing the need for maintaining a large inventory of specialized templates.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of manufacture

If conventional fixed templates are used, then template manufacturing for specific angles is straightforward, but template inventory costs and on-site delays increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetemplate manufacturing simplicityVSAvoiddelays due to template availability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The template incorporates adjustable mechanisms that allow field modification of cutting parameters without requiring specialized templates for each application. This dynamic capability eliminates on-site delays associated with locating or procuring specific templates while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through standardized adjustable components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The template is divided into modular components including adjustable links and positioning elements that can be independently configured. This segmentation allows the template to be adapted to different cutting requirements through simple reconfiguration rather than manufacturing entirely new templates, reducing both manufacturing complexity and on-site delays.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If adjustable templates with bidirectional radial and axial movement are implemented, then a single template can machine a range of bevel angles and profiles, but the template structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverange of bevel angles and profiles machinableVSAvoidtemplate structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Bidirectional radial and axial movement capabilities are integrated into the template structure through adjustable links and positioning mechanisms. These dynamic features allow the cutting edge to reach multiple positions and orientations, expanding the range of machinable bevel angles and profiles while maintaining reasonable structural complexity through standardized adjustment components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The adjustable template employs nested or interconnected components where template links and positioning elements are integrated within a compact structure. This nesting approach allows multiple adjustment functions to be incorporated without proportionally increasing overall template complexity, as components share common mounting structures and adjustment mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentEP4400235A1Adjustable templates for pipe cutting frames
Publication Date: 2024.07.17 ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC
  • EP4400235A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4400235A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4400235A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Cutting tools for pipe cutting frames are disclosed. Example split frame pipe cutting tools include a frame and a slide tool configured to position a cutting edge in contact with the workpiece to performing cutting or boring on the workpiece, the slide tool comprising: a radial advancement mechanism configured to provide radial advancement of the cutting edge based on circumferential advancement of the slide tool by the frame; and an axial guide rail; a recirculating bearing carriage configured to slide in an axial direction along the axial guide rail and to couple the cutting edge to the axial guide rail; an axial advancement mechanism configured to advance the cutting edge in the axial direction with respect to the workpiece by translating radial advancement by the radial advancement mechanism to axial advancement based on a cutting template coupled to the radial advancement mechanism.