Bandsaw-Mounted Pipe Reaming for EMT Deburring
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Solution Overview
Problem
The installation of electrical metallic tubing (EMT) is inefficient due to the need for separate tools for cutting and reaming, leading to increased time and risk of injury, as well as hand fatigue from using hand reamers, which are not suitable for thin-wall conduits like EMT.
Innovation Solution
A reaming apparatus mounted to a bandsaw that rotates under the power of the bandsaw, featuring a reaming blade with notches to deburr both inner and outer edges of the pipe, allowing for seamless cutting and reaming with a single tool, reducing the need for manual handling and minimizing burrs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If separate hand reamers are used for reaming EMT after cutting, then the burrs can be removed from the cut end, but the installation process becomes time-consuming and requires multiple tool changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the cutting function and reaming function into a single integrated tool - a bandsaw with a reaming attachment. The reaming blade is mounted directly to the bandsaw blade, allowing the installer to cut and ream the EMT in one continuous operation without putting down the tool or changing to a different tool, thereby maintaining deburring quality while dramatically improving installation speed
Solution Approach 2:
The reaming operation is performed continuously immediately after cutting while the bandsaw is still in operation. The reaming blade engages the cut end of the EMT and removes burrs in a continuous rotating motion without interruption, eliminating the downtime associated with putting down the bandsaw and picking up a hand reamer
2Manufacturing precision
If hand reamers are used frequently for reaming EMT, then the burrs can be removed, but hand fatigue increases and requires training and focus to use properly
Solution Approach 1:
The bandsaw with reaming attachment performs the reaming operation automatically through power-driven rotation. The installer simply guides the EMT through the cutting and reaming process without manually gripping and turning a reamer, eliminating hand fatigue and the need for specialized training on reamer handling and positioning
3Extent of automation
If pipe-threading machines are used to ream EMT, then the reaming can be done with a machine, but the EMT would collapse or be crushed under the clamping pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The reaming operation is performed locally at the cut end of the EMT rather than clamping and reaming the entire pipe. The reaming blade only contacts the small area at the cut end where burrs need to be removed, applying minimal localized pressure that does not compromise the overall structural integrity of the thin-wall EMT
4Extent of automation
If pipe-threading machines are used to ream EMT, then the reaming can be done with a machine, but the EMT would flare at the cut end
Solution Approach 1:
The reaming blade removes burrs through a scraping and rubbing action at the very edge of the cut end, rather than applying radial expanding forces. This localized edge treatment eliminates burrs without causing the thin-wall EMT to flare or distort its circular cross-section geometry
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution enables faster and safer installation of EMT by eliminating the need for separate tools, reducing hand fatigue, and ensuring thorough deburring, thereby increasing installation efficiency and safety.
Implementation Method 1
a bandsaw blade rotating about a pulley and configured to cut through a pipe
Implementation Method 2
the reaming apparatus may include a reaming blade having a planar front surface and at least one notch defined in the planar front surface of the reaming blade
Data Source
AI summary
A reaming apparatus for reaming pipe may include a body having a planar front surface, an annular groove defined in the planar front surface of the body and concentric with a center of the body, and a straight groove defined in the planar front surface of the body, radially aligned with the center of the body, and intersecting the annular groove. The straight groove may pass through the center of the body. The reaming apparatus may include a reaming blade having a planar front surface and at least one notch defined in the planar front surface of the reaming blade, the at least one notch being positioned on the reaming blade to substantially align with the annular groove when the reaming blade is disposed within the straight groove. The reaming apparatus can be removably mounted to a pulley of a bandsaw to ream pipe under the power of the bandsaw.