Corrugated Pipe Cutting Apparatus with Adjustable Stop Means

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing devices for cutting corrugated pipes to length often result in uneven cuts due to the cutting tool slipping, leading to difficulties in connecting pipes and causing leaks and flow turbulence, and are limited to cutting at specific corrugation features, not accommodating varying corrugation directions.

Innovation Solution

A device with a radially acting clamping mechanism and a cutting tool that can be positioned at the base, crest, or flank of a corrugation, using adjustable stop means to ensure a consistent cut, allowing for cutting of corrugated pipes with varying corrugation directions and shapes, and enabling manual or motorized operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If the cutting tool is applied to the corrugated tube during cutting motion, then cutting is achieved, but the cutting tool slips laterally from its initial position causing uneven cuts

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecutting precisionVSAvoidcutting tool position stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces stop means as an intermediary element between the cutting tool and the corrugated tube. These stop means engage with the corrugations to prevent lateral slipping of the cutting tool during rotation, thereby maintaining consistent cutting depth and preventing uneven cuts while allowing the cutting motion to proceed effectively

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If projections are fixed to engage corrugation troughs to prevent slipping, then cutting tool position is stabilized, but the device can only cut at specific corrugation crests and not accommodate varying corrugation directions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecutting tool position stabilityVSAvoidadaptability to different corrugation configurations
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the stop means adjustable in the axial direction relative to the cutting tool, transforming a fixed configuration into a dynamic, adaptable one. This adjustment capability allows the stop means to engage with corrugations at different positions and orientations, enabling the device to accommodate varying corrugation directions and cut at different locations (base, crest, or flank) while maintaining cutting tool position stability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If the cutting tool is positioned at the tip or apex of a corrugation, then cutting can be performed, but lateral slipping occurs leading to uneven cuts and connection difficulties

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecutting operation capabilityVSAvoidcut uniformity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The stop means act as an intermediary that prevents the cutting tool from slipping laterally when positioned at the tip or apex of corrugations. By engaging with the corrugation structure, the stop means maintains the cutting tool's axial position, ensuring uniform cuts even when operating at challenging positions on the corrugation profile

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP2788138B1Apparatus for cutting corrugated pipes to length
Publication Date: 2020.09.23 ROTHENBERGER AG
  • EP2788138B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2788138B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2788138B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B

AI summary

The invention relates to an apparatus (1; 1') for cutting corrugated pipes to length, having a clamping device (3), which acts radially with respect to an axis (2), for fixing a corrugated pipe (100) in a machining position, and having a cutting tool (4) which is moved or is movable into an active position against the corrugated pipe (100) in the machining position, such that separation is effected by moving the cutting tool (4) and the corrugated pipe (100) in relation to one another. Stop means (5) that can engage in a trough (110) of the corrugated pipe (100) are provided, wherein the distance between the cutting tool (4) and the stop means (5) is variable in the axial direction with respect to the axis (2).