Segmented Pipe Cutter Body to Prevent Plastic Pipe Deformation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cutting tools are expensive, cumbersome, and often deform plastic pipes due to excessive pressure, and require multiple tools for cutting pipes of varying diameters, limiting their versatility.
Innovation Solution
A cutting tool with a body featuring rigid pipe support members and flexible connection members, allowing it to accommodate a range of pipe diameters while maintaining torsional strength and flexibility, enabling clean and square cuts without deformation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional cutting tools are used to cut plastic pipes, then the cutting function is achieved, but the pipe deformation occurs due to excessive pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The cutting tool employs a flexible body comprising multiple pipe support members connected by flexible connection members, allowing the tool to adapt to different pipe diameters without excessive pressure. This flexible structure conforms to the pipe surface while maintaining sufficient contact for effective cutting, eliminating the deformation problem caused by rigid conventional tools.
Solution Approach 2:
The cutting tool transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic flexible structure that can adapt its shape. The flexible connection members allow the pipe support members to move relative to each other, enabling the tool body to dynamically adjust to different pipe diameters and maintain optimal cutting pressure without deformation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple differently sized cutting tools are provided for varying pipe diameters, then all pipe sizes can be cut, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cutting tool is designed with a flexible body that can universally accommodate pipes of various diameters within a specific range. The flexible connection members enable the tool to adjust its configuration to match different pipe sizes, making a single tool perform the function of multiple specialized tools, thereby reducing complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The body of the cutting tool is segmented into multiple pipe support members connected by flexible connection members. This segmentation allows each support member to independently adjust its position, enabling the tool to adapt to different pipe diameters while maintaining structural integrity and cutting effectiveness.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a flexible conduit holder is used to accommodate varied pipe diameters, then adaptability is improved, but the torsional strength may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The cutting tool combines rigid pipe support members with flexible connection members to create a composite structure. The rigid support members provide necessary torsional strength for effective cutting, while the flexible connection members provide adaptability to different pipe diameters. This composite approach resolves the contradiction between flexibility and strength.
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 provides excellent torsional strength, flexibility, and versatility, allowing it to cut a variety of pipe diameters efficiently and effectively, with a compact design that is easier to handle and manage, reducing the need for multiple tools.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of flexible connection members that connect the pipe support members to one another
Data Source
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AI summary
A cutting tool (1) for cutting pipes of varying diameters, the tool comprising a body having an opening (2) extending along a predetermined axis through the body, and a cutting blade (3) extending into said opening along a plane extending at right angles to said predetermined axis, wherein the body comprises a plurality of pipe support members (4), which are spaced from one another and configured to contact an outer surface of a pipe received by the tool, and a plurality of flexible connection members (5) that connect the pipe support members (4) to one another.