Variable-Stroke Pipe Cutting Drive for Low-Deformation Cuts

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing pipe cutting devices cause deformations in pipe walls due to tangential cutting, which are then rectified in a second stroke, leading to undesirable pipe section deformations.

Innovation Solution

A cutting device with a perforated, movable cutting die that performs circular and spiral movements via a drive lever and eccentric bearing system, allowing for continuous stroke adjustment and minimizing deformation by counteracting cutting forces with a cutting mandrel.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a two-stroke cutting mechanism is used to cut pipe sections, then the cutting die can be driven to vertical and horizontal lifting movements to complete the cut, but the pipe wall lying tangentially to the direction of movement is not cut but only deformed, resulting in deformations of the pipe wall in the deflected pipe sections

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecutting capabilityVSAvoidpipe wall deformation
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The cutting die is driven by a crank mechanism that converts rotational motion into oscillating cutting movements. The crank pin moves in a circular path, causing the cutting die to perform both vertical and horizontal cutting strokes simultaneously, eliminating the deformation issues of sequential two-stroke cutting while maintaining high cutting efficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The crank mechanism utilizes circular motion of the crank pin to generate the cutting path. The curved trajectory of the crank pin ensures that the cutting die follows a smooth oscillating path, applying cutting forces in multiple directions simultaneously to prevent pipe wall deformation while maintaining productivity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

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 device reduces pipe wall deformation by enabling precise, continuous cutting movements that counteract bending forces, resulting in cleaner cuts and reduced pipe section deformation.

Implementation Method 1

The invention makes use of the idea of first providing a bearing in an outer shaft that is not arranged concentrically to the outer wall of the outer shaft but eccentrically in it. When the outer shaft rotates, the bearing executes an eccentric movement.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEccentric mechanism: Eccentric

Data Source

PatentEP3515644B1Eccentric cutting drive having a variable stroke
Publication Date: 2023.06.07 RATTUNDE
  • EP3515644B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3515644B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3515644B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a pipe cutting machine, comprising a hole-type movable cutting die (6b), which is driven by a drive lever (7), by means of which circular movements with a continuously variable stroke (h) can be performed, an eccentrically shaped crank pin bearing (26) in an outer shaft (18), in which a crank pin (11), which is arranged eccentrically on a crank pin drive (23), is movably supported in relation to the outer shaft (18), the crank pin (11) being in operative connection with the drive lever (7).