Layered Semi-Finished Pipe for Lathe Machining of Micro-Tubes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods struggle to effectively cut and form recessed or protruding portions on small-diameter pipes due to difficulties in gripping and machining with traditional lathes, especially for pipes with outer diameters between 0.6 mm and 1.0 mm, where the shaft and filling member cannot pass through, making it challenging to create precise features on micro-tubes used in semiconductor inspection, medical devices, and optical communication connectors.
Innovation Solution
A semi-finished pipe configuration with a first layer for forming the finished pipe and a second dummy layer for grasping by the lathe, allowing cutting to create recessed or protruding features, where the first layer is made of rare metals and the second layer of common metals, enabling easier handling and machining even with small diameters, using a lathe that typically finds it hard to grasp such pipes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a conventional lathe with a shaft and filling member is used to cut a pipe surface, then cutting can be performed on large-diameter pipes, but it becomes impossible to pass the shaft and filling member through extremely small-diameter pipes (0.6-1.0 mm outer diameter)
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the pipe into two functional layers: a first layer (inner layer) that forms the finished pipe and a second layer (outer layer) that serves as a dummy grasping portion. This segmentation allows the lathe to grip the outer layer for stable positioning and cutting, while the inner layer maintains the required small outer diameter for the final product.
Solution Approach 2:
The second layer acts as an intermediary component between the lathe's chucking jig and the first layer. It provides a grasping surface that enables the lathe to hold and rotate the pipe for cutting, while being removable or discardable after the machining process.
2Ease of operation
If a conventional lathe chucking jig is used to grasp a small-diameter pipe, then the pipe can be held for machining, but the grasping becomes unstable and unreliable
Solution Approach 1:
The pipe is segmented into a first layer for the final product and a second layer for machining assistance. The second layer provides an enlarged outer diameter specifically designed for stable grasping by the lathe's chucking jig, solving the instability issue without compromising the small diameter requirement of the finished pipe.
3Manufacturing precision
If cutting is attempted directly on a small-diameter pipe to form recessed or protruding portions, then the desired features can be created, but the pipe cannot be reliably gripped or held during the process
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the pipe structure into a first layer that will become the finished pipe and a second layer that serves as a temporary grasping aid. This allows the lathe to securely hold the second layer during cutting operations to form precise recessed or protruding portions on the first layer.
Solution Approach 2:
The second layer functions as an intermediary grasping element that enables reliable handling during machining. It provides sufficient outer diameter for the chucking jig to grip securely, while the actual cutting operations are performed on the first layer to create the desired features.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a dummy layer is added to enable lathe grasping, then small-diameter pipes can be machined, but the overall structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The pipe is divided into two layers with distinct functions: the first layer forms the finished pipe and the second layer serves as a dummy grasping portion. This segmentation enables the lathe to machine small-diameter pipes that would otherwise be unmanageable, while the added complexity is limited to a simple layered structure.
Data Source
AI summary
This invention provides a semi-finished pipe used for forming a finished pipe by cutting performed by a lathe. The semi-finished pipe includes: a first layer for forming the finished pipe that remains even after cutting is performed by the lathe; and a second layer for a dummy use that does not remain after being cut by the lathe. According to the semi-finished pipe of the present invention, it is possible to provide the semi-finished pipe that is served for manufacturing a pipe having a small diameter (the finished pipe) using a lathe even when it is difficult for the lathe to perform cutting because of difficulty in grasping a pipe which is a target to be cut by a chucking jig due to a small outer diameter of the pipe.