Wire Loop Cutting System With Adjustable Pulley Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing subsea cutting systems require multiple component cutting means that need to traverse the diameter of the object to be cut, making them cumbersome and requiring significant clearance on multiple sides.
Innovation Solution
A cutting system with a frame and pulleys that allows the cutting element to move in a way that eliminates the need for traversal across the object's diameter, using a continuous loop wire cutting blade and drive wheels with a pulley positioning system to adjust the pulley separation, and a clamping device to secure objects, enabling efficient cutting without the need for extensive clearance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If multiple component cutting means are used to traverse the diameter of the object, then the cutting operation can be performed, but the system becomes cumbersome and requires significant clearance on multiple sides
Solution Approach 1:
The cutting system is divided into separate functional components: a frame structure, drive wheels, pulleys, and a continuous loop wire cutting blade. The pulleys are positioned on the frame to guide the wire loop, while the drive wheels provide rotational motion. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently, eliminating the need for the entire cutting means to traverse the object's diameter.
Solution Approach 2:
The cutting mechanism transitions from a linear traversal approach (moving across the diameter) to a rotational approach. The drive wheels rotate the pulleys, which in turn move the wire loop cutting blade along a circular path around the object. This dimensional change from linear to rotational motion reduces clearance requirements and simplifies the overall system operation.
2Productivity
If multiple component cutting means traverse the diameter of the object, then cutting can be achieved, but the movement is cumbersome and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The continuous loop wire cutting blade rotates continuously around the object via the pulley system, maintaining constant cutting action without interruption. Unlike linear traversal systems that must stop, reposition, and reverse direction, this rotational system provides continuous useful action, significantly improving productivity and reducing the time required for cutting operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs dynamic elements including rotatable drive wheels, movable pulleys on the frame, and a flexible continuous loop wire blade. These dynamic components allow the cutting mechanism to adapt to the object's circumference and maintain optimal cutting contact throughout the rotation, enhancing both efficiency and speed of operation.
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
Enables efficient cutting operations with reduced clearance requirements, improving the operational efficiency and ease of use by allowing the cutting element to move in a more streamlined manner, thus overcoming the limitations of prior art systems.
Implementation Method 1
a pulley positioning system for varying the separation distance between the first and second pulleys
Implementation Method 2
a first drive wheel and a second drive wheel... a continuous loop wire cutting blade extending around the outer periphery of the first and second pulleys and the first and second drive wheels
Data Source
AI summary
This invention is directed toward a system for driving a wire loop cutting element. More particularly, the disclosed invention employs a frame and pulleys to drive a wire loop cutting element.