C-Type Tubing Cutter Wheel Replacement With Removable Axle Pin

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing C-type tubing cutters require disassembly and tools to replace the cutting wheel, which is inconvenient and prone to component loss.

Innovation Solution

A handheld cutting tool design that allows the cutting wheel to be replaced without disassembling the housing or using tools, by utilizing a removable axle pin with an enlarged head that slides within a slot in the housing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the cutting wheel is made removable for easy replacement, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional components like axle pins and slots

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of cutting wheel replacementVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cutting wheel is segmented from the housing through the use of a removable axle pin connection. This allows the cutting wheel to be independently removed and replaced without affecting the housing structure, resolving the contradiction by enabling easy replacement while maintaining overall structural integrity through modular design

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The axle pin with enlarged head is nested within the housing slot, creating a self-contained retention mechanism. The cutting wheel, axle pin, and housing slot form a nested assembly where the axle pin fits into the housing slot and holds the cutting wheel, providing a compact solution that adds minimal complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Ease of operation

If traditional fastening methods are used to secure the cutting wheel, then the reliability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to requirement of tools and disassembly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of cutting wheel replacementVSAvoidsecuring reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The enlarged head on the axle pin serves a dual function: it secures the cutting wheel during operation and simultaneously provides a manual grip for removal. This self-service feature eliminates the need for external tools while maintaining reliable securing, as the same structural element that holds the wheel in place also enables its easy removal by user manipulation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The connection between the cutting wheel and housing transitions from a static fixed state to a dynamic removable state. The axle pin allows the cutting wheel to be securely held during cutting operations but can be easily moved to a removed state when needed, providing dynamic adaptability that satisfies both reliability and ease of operation requirements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3181279B1C-type tubing cutter
Publication Date: 2025.01.29 RIDGE TOOL CO
  • EP3181279B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3181279B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3181279B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

A handheld cutting tool comprising: a housing defining a first outer face (22), a second outer face (42) oppositely directed from the first face, a work region for receiving a workpiece to be cut and an axle slot (90), wherein the slot is accessible along at least one of the first and second outer faces; at least one roller (60) rotatably supported in the housing and accessible in the work region; a cutting wheel (70) and axle (80) assembly removably retained within the housing, the axle (80) being disposed in the slot (90) and positionable between a first end of the slot and a second end of the slot.