Oscillating Pipe Milling Tool for Fine Fragment Removal

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for removing underground pipes, particularly plastic pipes, are inefficient and can cause damage to surrounding structures due to the inability to cut the pipes into small, manageable fragments without disrupting the surrounding area.

Innovation Solution

A milling tool with a tool carrier and oscillating axial movements, equipped with milling elements and a connection device, is used to cut the pipe into small pieces by rotating and oscillating within the pipe, facilitated by a motion device and oscillation mechanism.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If a rotating tool is used to break up the defective pipe, then the pipe can be removed without impacting the surrounding area, but the pipe fragments may be too large to safely remove

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedamage to surrounding structuresVSAvoidlarge pipe fragments
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The pipe breaking process is divided into two distinct stages: first, the pipe is broken into smaller pieces by the rotating tool; second, the smaller pieces are further reduced to fine chips by the oscillating axial movements. This segmentation of the breaking process ensures that fragments are reduced to a size suitable for safe removal without damaging surrounding structures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The oscillating axial movements create periodic kickback during which the tool holder is moved back a short distance, allowing the pipe to be cut into particularly small pieces. This periodic action ensures continuous size reduction of pipe fragments during the milling process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

2Productivity

If the tool holder is moved forward continuously, then the milling process is efficient, but the pipe cannot be cut into small enough pieces for safe removal

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemilling efficiencyVSAvoidfragment size
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The oscillating axial movements create periodic kickback during which the tool holder is moved back a short distance. This periodic backward movement, combined with the forward feed motion, creates a reciprocating action that cuts the pipe into particularly small pieces while maintaining overall milling efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The tool holder is made dynamically movable in the axial direction through the oscillation device, allowing it to oscillate back and forth during rotation. This dynamic axial movement transforms the continuous forward feed into a reciprocating cutting action that produces fine chips suitable for safe removal.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

The tool effectively cuts pipes into small, manageable fragments, allowing for safe and efficient removal without damaging adjacent structures, facilitated by oscillating axial movements and fluid flushing for easy extraction.

Implementation Method 1

at least one milling element attached to the tool carrier for cutting the pipe

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical cutting: Mechanical Force

Implementation Method 2

an oscillation device for realising oscillating axial movements of the tool carrier relative to the connection device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOscillating motion: Vibration

Implementation Method 3

A fluid can then be used to carry away the milled fragments of the defective pipe

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFluid transport: Fluid Spray

Data Source

PatentEP4158147B1Oscillating milling tool, and method for removing a pipe laid in the ground
Publication Date: 2025.12.10 DE HANDWARKERS GMBH
  • EP4158147B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4158147B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4158147B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a milling tool, a milling unit, a milling device, and a method for removing a pipe laid in the ground. A milling tool (10) for removing a pipe (80) laid in the ground comprises a tool support (14) which can be rotated about a longitudinal axis (12) of the milling tool (10) and which comprises at least one milling element (16) attached to the tool support (14) for comminuting the pipe (80). The milling tool additionally comprises a connection device (18) for mechanically connecting the milling tool (10) to a movement device and an oscillating device (30) in order to produce oscillating axial movements (90) of the tool support (14) with respect to the connection device (18). Thus, the pipe can be comminuted into particularly small pieces, allowing the pieces to be reliably transported away and thus ensuring a problem-free operation of the milling tool.