Split Frame Pipe Cutting Tool With Automatic Radial-Axial Feed

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional pipe cutting tools lack the ability to efficiently perform bidirectional radial and axial advancements, limiting their capability to cut pipes with varying diameters and angles, and often require manual adjustment, which reduces precision and increases processing time.

Innovation Solution

A split frame pipe cutting tool with a rotatable tool carrier and bidirectional radial and axial advancement mechanisms, featuring a gear train, cam follower, and recirculating bearing carriage, allowing for automatic radial and axial feeding and reversing directions, enabling precise cutting of pipes with different profiles and angles.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If manual adjustment is used for pipe cutting, then the device complexity is reduced, but the manufacturing precision and productivity deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice complexityVSAvoidcutting precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The cutting tool is equipped with automatic feed mechanisms that enable the tool to advance and retract autonomously during the cutting process. The hydraulic system provides self-regulating pressure control, and the tool carrier automatically positions the cutting head along the pipe axis, eliminating the need for manual adjustment while maintaining high precision cutting.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment with automated hydraulic and mechanical feed systems. The hydraulic actuator controls the radial movement of the cutting tool, while the mechanical feed mechanism handles axial advancement, substituting human operation with automated control systems that improve precision without significantly increasing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Device complexity

If manual adjustment is used for pipe cutting, then the device complexity is reduced, but the productivity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice complexityVSAvoidcutting speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The automatic feed mechanisms enable continuous cutting operation without manual intervention. The hydraulic system automatically maintains cutting pressure, and the feed mechanism continuously advances the tool along the pipe, allowing uninterrupted cutting that significantly increases productivity compared to manual adjustment methods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements continuous cutting action through automated feed systems that maintain constant contact between the cutting tool and pipe. The hydraulic system provides continuous pressure control, and the mechanical feed ensures uninterrupted axial movement, eliminating the stop-and-adjust cycles inherent in manual operations and thereby increasing cutting speed and productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Adaptability or versatility

If bidirectional radial and axial advancement mechanisms are added, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecutting versatilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cutting tool is designed with bidirectional radial and axial advancement capabilities that enable it to cut pipes of various diameters and at different angles. The same hydraulic and mechanical feed mechanisms that provide automatic cutting also enable bidirectional movement, allowing the tool to adapt to different pipe configurations without requiring separate specialized mechanisms for each function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs dynamically adjustable feed mechanisms that can change direction and speed during operation. The hydraulic system allows smooth transition between radial and axial movements, and the mechanical feed mechanism can reverse direction as needed, providing the adaptability to handle different pipe profiles and cutting angles while using a unified dynamic system rather than multiple fixed mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Manufacturing precision

If automatic feed mechanisms are implemented, then the manufacturing precision is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecutting precisionVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual control with automated hydraulic and mechanical feed systems. The hydraulic actuator provides precise control over radial tool movement through fluid pressure control, while the mechanical feed mechanism ensures accurate axial positioning. These automated systems deliver consistent precision without requiring complex control electronics or multiple sensing systems, maintaining relatively simple device architecture while achieving high cutting precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentEP3538306B1Cutting tools for pipe cutting frames
Publication Date: 2023.01.04 ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC
  • EP3538306B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3538306B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3538306B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Cutting tools for pipe cutting frames are disclosed. Example split frame pipe cutting tools include a frame and a slide tool configured to position a cutting edge in contact with the workpiece, the slide tool comprising: a radial advancement mechanism configured to provide radial advancement of the cutting edge based on circumferential advancement of the slide tool by the frame; and an axial guide rail; a recirculating bearing carriage configured to slide in an axial direction along the axial guide rail and to couple the cutting edge to the axial guide rail; an axial advancement mechanism configured to advance the cutting edge in the axial direction with respect to the workpiece by translating radial advancement by the radial advancement mechanism to axial advancement based on a cutting template coupled to the radial advancement mechanism.