Tube Cutting Device Axial Positioning Measuring Wheel Sensor

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing devices for cutting empty pipes struggle with precise axial positioning and high throughput, making it difficult to achieve accurate cutting results.

Innovation Solution

A device comprising a cutting device, a measuring wheel for recording axial infeed length, a sensor device for detecting axial position, and a control device to precisely position the empty pipe using measurement data from both, allowing for precise alignment and optimal cutting.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional feed wheels are used for positioning, then the device structure remains simple, but the axial positioning precision of the empty pipe deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaxial positioning precisionVSAvoiddevice structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A measuring wheel is introduced as an intermediary component between the feed wheel and the empty pipe. The measuring wheel records the axial infeed length independently, providing precise measurement data to the control device without requiring complex modifications to the feed wheel structure itself.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces pure mechanical positioning with a hybrid system that uses optical or electromagnetic sensors to detect axial position. This substitution allows for high-precision measurement without increasing mechanical complexity, as the sensors provide digital measurement data that is processed by the control device.

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

2Manufacturing precision

If multiple sensors and measuring devices are added for precise positioning, then the cutting accuracy improves, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecutting accuracyVSAvoidnumber of components
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control device is designed to perform multiple functions: it receives measurement data from the measuring wheel, processes sensor data for axial position detection, calculates the cutting position, and controls the feed wheel. This multi-functionality consolidates what could be separate complex subsystems into a single integrated control unit.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements a feedback loop where the control device continuously receives measurement data from the measuring wheel and sensor device, compares the actual axial position with the target cutting position, and adjusts the feed wheel accordingly. This feedback mechanism ensures high cutting accuracy without requiring overly complex mechanical positioning structures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Manufacturing precision

If precise positioning systems are implemented, then the cutting precision improves, but the throughput speed may be reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecutting precisionVSAvoidthroughput speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The measuring wheel continuously records the axial infeed length during the feeding process, and the sensor device continuously monitors the axial position. This continuous measurement approach allows for real-time positioning adjustments without interrupting the feeding process, maintaining high throughput speed while ensuring cutting precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary positioning calculations and adjustments before the cutting operation. The control device uses the measurement data to determine the exact cutting position in advance, allowing the empty pipe to be fed continuously at high speed while the cutting action is precisely timed and positioned.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3552785B1Device and method for cutting an empty tube
Publication Date: 2020.12.30 METZNER MASCHINENBAU GMBH
  • EP3552785B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3552785B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3552785B1 patent drawingFigure 4~6

AI summary

The invention relates to a device (1) for cutting a conduit (2), comprising a cutting device (3) for cutting the conduit (2) to length and/or for cutting it at an axial cutting position (P), at least one feed wheel (5) for axially positioning the conduit (2) on the cutting device (3), and a control device (11). A measuring wheel (7) is provided axially spaced from the at least one feed wheel (5) along the conduit (2) to detect an axial feed length (L) of the conduit (2), wherein an additional sensor device (8) is provided to detect an axial position of the conduit (2) relative to the cutting device (3), and wherein the control device (11) is configured to move the conduit (2) into the cutting position (P) based on measurement data (uM) from the measuring wheel (7) and measurement data (uS) from the sensor device (8) by actuating the at least one feed wheel (5).