Adjustable Tube Notching Assembly for Angled and Offset Cuts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rotary tube notching devices are inadequate for securely holding both round and non-round tubing and adjusting the orientation of the cutting mechanism to create notches at various angles about the circumference of the tubing.
Innovation Solution
A rotary tube notching apparatus with a tube support assembly, clamp, and carriage assembly that allows for adjustable positioning of the cutting tool in offset, yaw, and roll dimensions, enabling secure holding and cutting of both round and non-round tubing at various angles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a hand drill is used to impart rotary motion to the cutting tool, then the cutting tool can be positioned vertically above the work piece, but the weight of the hand drill causes the cutting member to descend too rapidly into the work piece, resulting in binding and/or damage to the work piece
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a counterweight mechanism that balances the weight of the hand drill, preventing the cutting member from descending too rapidly into the work piece. The counterweight system compensates for the gravitational force on the drill, allowing controlled descent and preventing binding or damage to the tubing during the notching operation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the cutting tool is mounted in a drill press or vice with vertical orientation, then the device can be surface mounted, but there is insufficient room to properly position elongate tube members since movement is impeded by the floor or surrounding walls
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional approach by instead of positioning the cutting tool vertically and maneuvering the tube underneath it, the tube is positioned horizontally on a support assembly and the cutting tool is brought down to it. This inversion allows proper positioning of elongate tube members without movement impediments from the floor or surrounding walls, while maintaining surface mounting capability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a tube support assembly with a right-angle shaped channel is used, then the device can receive square or rectangular tubing, but secure support of non-round tubing is limited to a very limited number of angles about the cross-sectional circumference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic, adjustable support features including a rotatable tube support assembly with multiple positioning holes and an adjustable carriage assembly that can be positioned at various locations about the aperture. This dynamic configuration allows secure support of non-round tubing at many different angles about the cross-sectional circumference, enabling precise notching at various orientations while maintaining adaptability to different tube shapes.
Data Source
AI summary
A rotary tube notching apparatus is provided that is capable of operable attachment to a powered rotational drive device. The apparatus comprises a tube support assembly defining an aperture for receiving a tube and having a clamp for securing the tube against movement in relation to the aperture. A shaft assembly is provided for receiving a cutting tool, and a carriage assembly is rotatably mounted to the shaft assembly. The carriage assembly has at least one fastener for securing the shaft assembly in relation to the aperture. The shaft assembly is selectively repositionable in relation to the aperture in an offset dimension defined by linear displacement from a central axis of the aperture, in a yaw dimension defined by a plane extending along a central axis of the aperture, and in a roll dimension defined by a cross-sectional circumference of a tube received within the aperture.