Pivoting Profile Cutter for Variable Pipe Radius Cuts

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for cutting radial profiles in pipes require frequent changes of hole saws to accommodate different profiles, making the process time-consuming and inefficient.

Innovation Solution

A profile cutter with a pivotable frame and a workpiece cutting mechanism that allows the cutter to move along an arcuate path, enabling the cutting of various profiles without changing the cutting tool, by adjusting the pivotable frame to different positions corresponding to different radii.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a hole saw is used to cut radial profiles in pipes, then a radial profile can be cut in the pipe, but the user needs to keep changing the hole saw to cut different radial profiles, which is time-consuming and inefficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to cut different radial profilesVSAvoidtime required to change hole saws
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The invention applies the dynamics principle by making the cutting mechanism movable rather than fixed. The cutter is mounted on a pivotable arm that can be adjusted to different positions, allowing the cutting radius to be dynamically changed without replacing the entire cutting tool. This resolves the contradiction by enabling adaptability through movement rather than through tool changes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention segments the cutting system into separate functional components: the cutting tool itself remains fixed, while the positioning mechanism (pivotable arm with adjustable stop) is separated and made independently adjustable. This allows the cutting operation to be decoupled from the radius determination, enabling different profiles to be cut by adjusting the positioning mechanism rather than changing the cutting tool.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If a fixed radius hole saw is used, then the cutting tool remains simple and easy to use, but it cannot cut different radial profiles without changing the tool

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to cut different radial profilesVSAvoidcomplexity of the cutting mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The pivotable arm with adjustable stop creates a dynamic positioning system that adds adaptability without significantly increasing complexity. The mechanism uses simple mechanical elements (pivot point, stop adjustment) rather than complex automated systems, resolving the contradiction between versatility and simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The pivotable arm acts as an intermediary between the fixed cutting tool and the workpiece. It mediates the cutting operation by allowing adjustment of the cutting radius through its positioning mechanism, while the cutting tool itself remains simple and unchanged. This intermediary structure enables adaptability without complicating the cutting tool.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the cutter is moved along an arcuate profile cutting path with a fixed radius, then the cutting path is simple and precise, but it cannot accommodate different pipe radii

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to cut different pipe radiiVSAvoidease of adjusting cutting radius
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The pivotable arm allows the cutting radius to be dynamically adjusted by moving the arm to different positions and securing it with the adjustable stop. This maintains the simplicity of the arcuate cutting path while enabling adaptation to different pipe radii through easy mechanical adjustment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the geometric parameter (cutting radius) by adjusting the position of the pivotable arm rather than changing the cutting tool itself. The adjustable stop mechanism enables simple parameter modification, resolving the contradiction between maintaining ease of operation and achieving adaptability to different radii.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP4306249A1A profile cutter
Publication Date: 2024.01.17 BLACK & DECKER CORP
  • EP4306249A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4306249A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4306249A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A profile cutter comprises: a base and a clamp mounted to the base configured to hold an elongate workpiece. The profile cutter also comprises a pivotable frame pivotally mounted to the base and a workpiece cutting mechanism mounted to the pivotable frame and comprising a cutter configured to cut the elongate workpiece held in the clamp. When the pivotable frame pivots with respect to the base, the cutter is configured to move along an arcuate profile cutting path a having a first radius.