Pressure activation tool

Abstract

A cutting tool system may include a tool body, a flexible internal pressure chamber, and at least one cutting edge. The flexible internal pressure chamber may be disposed within the tool body. The at least one cutting edge may be attached to the tool body. The flexible internal pressure chamber may be configured to elastically deform due to pressure within the flexible internal pressure chamber, which in turn may deform the tool body, which in turn may change the position of the at least one cutting edge attached to the tool body.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to pressure-activated cutting tools. Background Art

[0002] Cutting tools, such as hole finishing tools, may require fine-tuning of the cutting edge for diameter setting and wear compensation. This can be time-consuming, inefficient, and expensive. Kinematic tools can be used to machine multiple diameters and features on a component. However, these can be complex and expensive.

[0003] There is a need for cutting tool systems and methods of use to reduce or eliminate one or more problems associated with one or more of the existing cutting tools and their methods of use. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In one embodiment, a cutting tool system may include a tool body, a flexible internal pressure chamber, and at least one cutting edge. The flexible internal pressure chamber may be disposed within the tool body. The at least one cutting edge may be attached to the tool body. The flexible internal pressure chamber may be configured to elastically deform due to the pressure within the flexible internal pressure chamber, which in turn may deform the tool body, which in turn may change the position of the at least one cutting edge attached to the tool body.

[0005] In another embodiment, a cutting tool system may include a tool body, a flexible internal pressure chamber, at least one cutting edge, at least one pressure sensor, a valve, and a computer numerical control. The tool body may include a rigid outer portion. The flexible internal pressure chamber may be disposed within the tool body. The flexible internal pressure chamber may support the rigid outer portion. The at least one cutting edge may be attached to the rigid outer portion. The at least one pressure sensor may be connected to the flexible internal pressure chamber. The valve may be connected to the flexible internal pressure chamber. The computer numerical control device may be connected to the at least one pressure sensor and the valve. The computer numerical control device may be configured to monitor the pressure within the flexible internal pressure chamber using the at least one pressure sensor and control the pressure within the flexible internal pressure chamber using the valve. The flexible internal pressure chamber may be configured to elastically deform due to the pressure applied within the flexible internal pressure chamber by the computer numerical control device, thereby deforming the rigid outer portion, thereby changing the position of the at least one cutting edge attached to the rigid outer portion.

[0006] In yet another embodiment, a cutting method may be disclosed. In one step, the pressure within the flexible internal pressure chamber of the tool body may be controlled to elastically deform the flexible internal pressure chamber. In another step, the rigid outer portion of the tool body may be deformed due to the deformation of the flexible internal pressure chamber. In yet another step, the position of the at least one cutting edge attached to the rigid outer portion of the tool body may be changed due to the deformation of the rigid outer portion of the tool body.

[0007] The scope of the present disclosure is limited only by the appended claims and is not affected by the statements in the present invention content. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] The present disclosure can be better understood with reference to the following drawings and description. The components in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, but rather emphasize the principles of the present disclosure.

[0009] Figure 1 An embodiment showing a cross-sectional view of a tool body through a cutting tool system, wherein the flexible internal pressure chamber of the tool body is in an unpressurized state;

[0010] Figure 2 Showing through Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the tool body of a cutting tool system, which shows the position of the tool body in solid lines when the flexible internal pressure chamber is in an unpressurized state and shows the position of the tool body in dashed lines when the flexible internal pressure chamber is in a pressurized state;

[0011] Figure 3 An embodiment showing a spiral pattern in a tool body that can be used in a cutting system having a flexible internal pressure chamber;

[0012] Figure 4 Another embodiment showing a spiral pattern in a tool body that can be used in a cutting system having a flexible internal pressure chamber;

[0013] Figure 5 Yet another embodiment showing a spiral pattern in a tool body that can be used in a cutting system having a flexible internal pressure chamber;

[0014] Figure 6 An embodiment showing a graph that, for the embodiment of Figures 1 to 2 , plots the displacement of the outer portion of the tool body along an axis at different diameters of the inner surface of the outer portion and at different pressures of the flexible internal pressure chamber;

[0015] Figure 7 Another embodiment showing a graph that, for the embodiment of Figures 1 to 2 , plots the displacement of the outer portion of the tool body along another axis at different diameters of the inner surface of the outer portion and at different pressures of the flexible internal pressure chamber;

[0016] Figure 8 An embodiment showing a graph that, for the embodiment of Figures 1 to 2 , plots the displacement of the outer portion of the tool body along an axis at different diameters of the inner surface of the outer portion and at different revolutions per minute of the tool body;

[0017] Figure 9 Another embodiment showing a graph that, for the embodiment of Figures 1 to 2An embodiment, the displacement of the outer portion of the drawing tool body along the axis at different diameters of the inner surface of the outer portion and different revolutions per minute of the tool body; and

[0018] Figure 10 is a flowchart showing an embodiment of the cutting method. Detailed Description

[0019] Before explaining an embodiment of the present disclosure in detail, it should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited in its application to the construction details and component arrangements set forth in the following description or shown in the following drawings. The present disclosure is capable of other embodiments and can be practiced or carried out in various ways. Additionally, it should be understood that the wording and terminology used herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as restrictive. As used herein, the use of "comprising", "including" or "having" and their variants is intended to cover the items listed hereinafter and their equivalents as well as additional items. As used herein, the use of "consisting of" and its variations is intended to cover only the items listed hereinafter and their equivalents. Unless otherwise specified or limited, the terms "attached", "fastened" and their variants are used broadly and cover direct and indirect mounting, connecting, supporting and coupling.

[0020] As Figures 1 to 2 collectively shown, in one embodiment, the cutting tool system 10 may include a tool body 12, a flexible internal pressure chamber 14, at least one cutting edge 16, an external control device 17 (e.g., a machine tool control), a computer numerical control device 18, an electronic unit 19, a pressure sensor 20, and a valve 22 and / or a frequency-driven pump 23. The cutting tool system 10 can be used for hole finishing. The cutting tool system 10 can be used for semi-finishing or finishing operations by selectively actuating the cutting edge 16. The cutting tool system 10 can also be used on an EV stator for closed-loop boring, on large or small diameters for carbide or steel structures, or on a milling cutter. In other embodiments, the cutting tool system 10 may include different components and can be used for different other types of cutting.

[0021] The tool body 12 may include an outer portion 24 and an inner portion 26. The outer portion 24 may be rigid. The outer portion 24 may include an outer surface 28 and an inner surface 30. When the flexible internal pressure chamber 14 is in an unpressurized state, the outer portion 24 may include a cylindrical shape. In other embodiments, the outer portion, the internal structure or the entire cross-section of the tool body 12 may include as Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 5The helical pattern shown in different embodiments herein. This may allow the use of the present disclosure in fluted tools such as reamers, end mills, and drill bits. This may further provide control of the cutting diameter of different edges or margins / guiding regions of the tool. In additional embodiments, the shape and configuration of the tool body 12 may vary.

[0022] The flexible internal pressure chamber 14 may be disposed within the internal portion 26. The walls 32 and 34 of the flexible internal pressure chamber 14 may be attached to the inner surface 30 of the outer portion 24. The walls 32 and 34 of the flexible internal pressure chamber 14 may be elastically flexible and may support the outer portion 24. The walls 32 and 34 and the outer portion 24 may change shape and stiffness at different axial positions, allowing for the creation of a conical shape and more expansion closer to the tool end. This may minimize contact with the workpiece during drilling or reaming, thereby controlling the portion of the edge that is cutting or guiding.

[0023] At least one cutting edge 16 may be attached to the outer surface 28 of the outer portion 24 of the tool body 12. The at least one cutting edge 16 may include a plurality of cutting edges 16 attached to the outer surface 28 of the outer portion 24 of the tool body 12 at different positions. In one embodiment, the at least one cutting edge 16 may include a cutting blade. In another embodiment, the at least one cutting edge 16 may include an integral part of the tool body 12. In still other embodiments, the at least one cutting edge 16 may vary.

[0024] The pressure sensor 20 may be disposed within the flexible internal pressure chamber 14 and connected to the flexible internal pressure chamber. The valve 22 and / or the frequency-driven pump 23 may be connected to the flexible internal pressure chamber 14. The external control device 17, the computer numerical control device 18, the electronic unit 19, the pressure sensor 20, the valve 22, and / or the frequency-driven pump 23 may all communicate electronically with each other.

[0025] The external control device 17 may control the pressure level within the flexible internal pressure chamber 14. The external control device 17 may include an electronic device that, for example, converts information from G-code via an M function to determine the required pressure level within the flexible internal pressure chamber 14 to achieve the desired parameters. The external control device 17 and the cutting tool system 10 may communicate with the computer numerical control device 18 to ensure that the required pressure level within the flexible internal pressure chamber 14 is obtained. The electronic unit 19 may wirelessly transmit a pressure signal from the pressure sensor 20 to the external control device 17. The pressure signal may be used with a look-up table in the external control device 17 to evaluate the position of the at least one cutting edge 16 and to adjust the position of the at least one cutting edge 16 to a target position by controlling the pressure level within the flexible internal pressure chamber 14.

[0026] The air or coolant supply that pressurizes the flexible internal pressure chamber 14 can be supplied by the cutting tool system 10 or by a separate system 15 that can communicate electronically with the cutting tool system 10. The external control device 17, the computer numerical control device 18, and the electronic unit 19 can be configured to jointly monitor the pressure within the flexible internal pressure chamber 14 using the pressure sensor 20. The external control device 17, the computer numerical control device 18, and the electronic unit 19 can be configured to control the pressure within the flexible internal pressure chamber 14 using the valve 22 and / or the frequency-driven pump 23. In other embodiments, different devices and / or systems can be used to control the pressure within the flexible internal pressure chamber 14.

[0027] The walls 32 and 34 of the flexible internal pressure chamber 14 can bend inward. The walls 32 and 34 of the flexible internal pressure chamber 14 can be configured to elastically deform when the external control device 17, the computer numerical control device 18, and the electronic unit 19 cause the valve 22 and / or the frequency-driven pump 23 to pressurize the flexible internal pressure chamber 14. This pressure within the flexible internal pressure chamber 14 can cause the walls 32 and 34 of the flexible internal pressure chamber 14 to elastically deform in the direction 36, changing their position from the solid lines shown at 32 and 34 to the dashed lines shown at 32a and 34a, and changing the position of the flexible internal pressure chamber 14 from the solid line shown at 14 to the dashed line shown at 14a. The walls 32 and 34 can elastically deform the most at their central positions 32b and 34b and gradually decrease as they move away from their central positions 32b and 34b, where their elastic deformation is the least where the walls 32 and 34 abut the inner surface 30.

[0028] The adjustment of the position of the walls 32a and 34a can cause the outer surface 28 and the inner surface 30 of the outer portion 24 of the tool body 12 to deform in the direction 38, changing their position from the solid lines shown at 28 and 30 to the dashed lines shown at 28a and 30a. During this time, the portions 40 of the outer surface 28 and the inner surface 30 of the outer portion 24 adjacent to the inner wall 32 and the outer wall 34 can expand outward, while the portions 42 of the outer surface 28 and the inner surface 30 of the outer portion 24 remote from the inner wall 32 and the outer wall 34 can contract inward.

[0029] The outward expansion of the portions 40 of the outer surface 28 and the inner surface 30 of the outer portion 24 adjacent to the inner wall 32 and the outer wall 34 can continuously increase and be proportional to the increase in pressure within the flexible internal pressure chamber 14. Similarly, the inward contraction of the portions 42 of the outer surface 28 and the inner surface 30 of the outer portion 24 remote from the inner wall 32 and the outer wall 34 can continuously increase and be proportional to the increase in pressure within the flexible internal pressure chamber 14.

[0030] Adjustment of the positions of the outer surface 28a and the inner surface 30a of the outer portion 24 of the tool body 12 enables at least one cutting edge 16 attached to the outer surface 28 of the outer portion 24 of the tool body 12 to change its position from the solid line shown at 16 to the dashed line shown at 16a. During this period, the cutting edge 16 of the portion 40 adjacent to the inner wall 32 and the outer wall 34 of the outer surface 28 and the inner surface 30 attached to the outer portion 24 can move outward as the portions 40 of the inner wall 32 and the outer wall 34 expand outward, while the cutting edge 16 of the portion 42 remote from the inner wall 32 and the outer wall 34 of the outer surface 28 and the inner surface 30 attached to the outer portion 24 can move inward as the portions 42 of the inner wall 32 and the outer wall 34 contract inward.

[0031] As the portions 40 adjacent to the inner wall 32 and the outer wall 34 of the outer surface 28 and the inner surface 30 of the outer portion 24 gradually, continuously, and proportionally expand outward, the outward movement of the cutting edge 16 of the portion 40 adjacent to the inner wall 32 and the outer wall 34 of the outer surface 28 and the inner surface 30 attached to the outer portion 24 can increase continuously and proportionally to the increase in pressure in the flexible internal pressure chamber 14. Similarly, as the portions 42 remote from the inner wall 32 and the outer wall 34 of the outer surface 28 and the inner surface 30 of the outer portion 24 gradually, continuously, and proportionally contract inward, the inward movement of the cutting edge 16 of the portion 42 remote from the inner wall 32 and the outer wall 34 of the outer surface 28 and the inner surface 30 attached to the outer portion 24 can increase continuously and proportionally to the increase in pressure in the flexible internal pressure chamber 14.

[0032] When the pressure in the flexible internal pressure chamber 14 decreases, the walls 32 and 34 of the flexible internal pressure chamber 14 may undergo opposite elastic movements, causing the walls 32 and 34 to move back from the pressurized position shown by the dashed line toward their initial unpressurized position shown by the solid line. This can cause the outer surface 28 and the inner surface 30 of the outer portion 24 of the tool body 12 to move back from their pressurized position shown by the dashed line toward their pressurized state shown by the solid line. This can cause the cutting edge 16 attached to the outer surface 28 of the outer portion 24 of the tool body 12 to move back from its pressurized position shown by the dashed line toward its initial pressurized state shown by the solid line.

[0033] In other embodiments, when the flexible internal pressure chamber 14 is in an unpressurized state, the walls 32 and 34 of the flexible internal pressure chamber 14 and the outer portion 24 of the tool body 12 may include different predetermined shapes and configurations. These predetermined shapes and configurations may be uniform or non-uniform (e.g., non-uniform mass distribution) to achieve the desired outward expansion and / or inward contraction of the cutting edge 16 at different portions of the outer portion 24 as the pressure within the flexible internal pressure chamber 14 changes and as the rotational speed of the tool body 12 per minute changes. For example, in one embodiment, when the flexible internal pressure chamber 14 is in an unpressurized state, the width 44 of the outer portion 24 of the tool body 12 between the outer surface 28 and the inner surface 30 may vary at different locations. For example, the width 44 of the outer portion 24 of the tool body 12 may be made larger at locations of the outer portion 24 that require less movement as the pressure in the flexible internal pressure chamber 14 increases, and the width 44 of the outer portion 24 of the tool body 12 may be made smaller at locations of the outer portion 24 that require less movement as the pressure in the flexible internal pressure chamber 14 increases.

[0034] In one embodiment, the tool body 12 may be manufactured using additive layer manufacturing. In other embodiments, the tool body 12 may be manufactured using different manufacturing systems and methods.

[0035] By varying the shapes and configurations of the walls 32 and 34 of the flexible internal pressure chamber 14 and the shape and configuration of the outer portion 24 and the location at which the cutting edge 16 is attached to the outer portion 24, the cutting tool system 10 can achieve the desired movement of the cutting edge 16 for a particular cutting application. The cutting edge 16 may be strategically located at different positions on the outer surface 28 of the outer portion 24, where the cutting edge will move outward, move inward, or remain in a constant position as the pressure in the flexible internal pressure chamber 14 increases. In other embodiments, the shapes and configurations of the walls 32 and 34 of the flexible internal pressure chamber and the shape and configuration of the outer portion 24 of the tool body 12 may vary to achieve movement at different portions of the outer portion 24 that is not proportional to the increase in pressure within the flexible internal pressure chamber 14.

[0036] In one embodiment, the shapes and configurations of the walls 32 and 34 of the flexible internal pressure chamber 14 and the shape and configuration of the outer portion 24 may be adjusted such that the change in the position of at least one cutting edge 16 attached to the outer surface 28 of the tool body 12 is independent of the speed of rotation of the cutting tool system 10. In another embodiment, the shapes and configurations of the walls 32 and 34 of the flexible internal pressure chamber 14 and the shape and configuration of the outer portion 24 may be adjusted such that the change in the position of at least one cutting edge 16 attached to the outer surface 28 of the tool body 12 depends on the speed of rotation of the cutting tool system 10.

[0037] Figure 6 An embodiment showing graph 46 is for Figures 1 to 2 the embodiment, which plots the displacement of the outer portion 24 of the tool body 12 along an axis 48 at different diameters of the inner surface 30 of the outer portion 24 and different pressures of the flexible inner pressure chamber 14. A curve 50 is shown when the flexible inner pressure chamber 14 of the tool body 12 is at a pressure of 20 bar, another curve 52 is shown when the flexible inner pressure chamber 14 of the tool body 12 is at a pressure of 40 bar, and another curve 54 is shown when the flexible inner pressure chamber 14 of the tool body 12 is at a pressure of 60 bar. When the flexible inner pressure chamber 14 is in an unpressurized state, graph 46 uses a constant diameter 56 of 85 mm along axis 58 of the inner surface 30 of the outer portion 24, and the tool body 12 has a constant rotational speed of 5,000 revolutions per minute. Graph 46 shows on the X-axis the measured value of the diameter 60 of the inner surface 30 of the outer portion 24 along axis 48 when the flexible inner pressure chamber 14 is in an unpressurized state, and on the Y-axis shows the displacement of the outer portion 24 of the tool body 12 along axis 48.

[0038] Figure 7 An embodiment showing graph 62 is for Figures 1 to 2 the embodiment, which plots the displacement of the outer portion 24 of the tool body 12 along axis 58 at different diameters of the inner surface 30 of the outer portion 24 and different pressures of the flexible inner pressure chamber 14. A curve 64 is shown when the flexible inner pressure chamber 14 of the tool body 12 is at a pressure of 20 bar, another curve 66 is shown when the flexible inner pressure chamber 14 of the tool body 12 is at a pressure of 40 bar, and another curve 68 is shown when the flexible inner pressure chamber 14 of the tool body 12 is at a pressure of 60 bar. When the flexible inner pressure chamber 14 is in an unpressurized state, graph 62 uses a constant diameter 56 of 85 mm along axis 58 of the inner surface 30 of the outer portion 24, and the tool body 12 has a constant rotational speed of 5,000 revolutions per minute. Graph 62 shows on the X-axis the measured value of the diameter 60 of the inner surface 30 of the outer portion 24 along axis 48 when the flexible inner pressure chamber 14 is in an unpressurized state, and on the Y-axis shows the displacement of the outer portion 24 of the tool body 12 along axis 58.

[0039] As Figures 6 to 7As commonly shown, the displacement of the outer portion 24 of the tool body 12 along both axes 48 and 58 can increase with an increase in the pressure of the flexible internal pressure chamber 14, and can also increase with an increase in the diameter 60 of the inner surface 30 of the outer portion 24 along axis 48. When the outer portion 24 of the tool body 12 expands outward along axis 48, the displacement of the outer portion 24 of the tool body 12 along spool 48 can be positive. When the outer portion 24 of the tool body 12 contracts inward along axis 58, the displacement of the outer portion 24 of the tool body 12 along axis 58 can be negative.

[0040] Figure 8 An embodiment showing graph 70 is for Figures 1 to 2 the embodiment, which plots the displacement of the outer portion 24 of the tool body 12 along axis 48 at different diameters of the inner surface 30 of the outer portion 24 and different revolutions per minute of the tool body 12. A curve 72 is shown when the revolutions per minute of the tool body 12 is 5,000 revolutions per minute, another curve 74 is shown when the revolutions per minute of the tool body 12 is 10,000 revolutions per minute, and another curve 76 is shown when the revolutions per minute of the tool body 12 is 15,000 revolutions per minute. When the flexible internal pressure chamber 14 is in an unpressurized state, graph 70 uses a constant diameter 56 of 80 millimeters of the inner surface 30 of the outer portion 24 along axis 58, and a constant pressure of 20 bar within the flexible internal pressure chamber 14. Graph 70 shows on the X-axis the measured value of the diameter 60 of the inner surface 30 of the outer portion 24 along axis 48 when the flexible internal pressure chamber 14 is in an unpressurized state, and on the Y-axis shows the displacement of the outer portion 24 of the tool body 12 along axis 48.

[0041] Figure 9 An embodiment showing graph 78 is for Figures 1 to 2Example, showing the displacement along axis 48 of the outer part 24 of the drawing tool body 12 at different diameters of the inner surface 30 of the outer part 24 and different revolutions per minute of the tool body 12. A curve 80 is shown when the revolutions per minute of the tool body 12 is 5,000 revolutions per minute, another curve 82 is shown when the revolutions per minute of the tool body 12 is 10,000 revolutions per minute, and another curve 84 is shown when the revolutions per minute of the tool body 12 is 15,000 revolutions per minute. When the flexible internal pressure chamber 14 is in an unpressurized state, the graph 78 uses a constant diameter 56 of 80 mm along axis 58 of the inner surface 30 of the outer part 24, and a constant pressure of 40 bar inside the flexible internal pressure chamber 14. The graph 78 shows on the X-axis the measured value of the diameter 60 of the inner surface 30 of the outer part 24 along axis 48 when the flexible internal pressure chamber 14 is in an unpressurized state, and on the Y-axis shows the displacement of the outer part 24 of the tool body 12 along axis 48.

[0042] As Figures 8 to 9 Collectively shown, when the diameter 60 along axis 48 of the inner surface 30 of the outer part 24 is approximately 82.5 mm, the displacement of the outer part 24 of the tool body 12 along axis 48 remains constant as the revolutions per minute of the tool body 12 increases. When the diameter 60 of the inner surface 30 of the outer part 24 along axis 48 is greater than or less than 82.5 mm, the displacement of the outer part 24 of the tool body 12 along axis 48 changes as the revolutions per minute of the tool body 12 increases. Additionally, Figures 8 to 9 Shows that the sizes and configurations of the respective parts (i.e., diameters 56 and 60) of the outer part 24 of the tool body 12 can be selected such that the displacement of the outer part 24 of the tool body 12 grows proportionally with the pressure. This indicates that the sizes and configurations of the respective parts of the outer part 24 of the tool body 12 can be selected to achieve the desired displacement parameters of the respective parts of the outer part 24 of the tool body 12 at different pressures inside the flexible internal pressure chamber 14 and different revolutions per minute of the tool body 12. In this way, the tool body 12 can be sized and configured to achieve the desired cutting parameters at different positions of the tool body 12 that hold the cutting edge 16.

[0043] Figure 10 Is a flowchart showing an embodiment of a cutting method 86. The method 86 can utilize any of the cutting tool systems disclosed herein. In other embodiments, the method 86 can utilize different cutting tool systems.

[0044] In step 88, the pressure in the flexible internal pressure chamber of the tool body can be controlled to elastically deform the flexible internal pressure chamber. In step 90, the rigid outer portion of the tool body can be deformed due to the deformation of the flexible internal pressure chamber. In step 92, the position of at least one cutting edge attached to the rigid outer portion of the tool body can be changed due to the deformation of the rigid outer portion of the tool body.

[0045] In another embodiment, method 86 may further include controlling the pressure in the flexible internal pressure chamber of the tool body with an external control device, a computer numerical control device, an electronic unit, a pressure sensor, a valve, and / or a frequency-driven pump. These components can be in electronic communication and work together to control the pressure in the flexible internal pressure chamber of the tool body.

[0046] In yet another embodiment of method 86, the deformation of the rigid outer portion of the tool body in step 90 may include at least one portion of the rigid outer portion of the tool body expanding outward and at least another portion of the rigid outer portion of the tool body contracting inward.

[0047] In still another embodiment of method 86, the flexible internal pressure chamber of the tool body can increase its elastic deformation as the pressure in the flexible internal pressure chamber increases. This can cause the rigid outer portion of the tool body to gradually deform as the pressure in the flexible internal pressure chamber increases. This can cause the position of at least one cutting edge attached to the rigid outer portion of the tool body to gradually change as the pressure in the flexible internal pressure chamber increases.

[0048] In other embodiments of method 86, one or more steps of method 86 can be modified substantially or sequentially, one or more steps of method 86 can be not followed, or one or more additional steps can be added. In still other embodiments, method 86 can be further varied.

[0049] The abstract is provided to allow the reader to quickly ascertain the nature of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. Additionally, in the foregoing detailed description, it can be seen that for purposes of simplifying the disclosure, various features are grouped together in various embodiments. The methods of the present disclosure should not be construed as reflecting an intention that the claimed embodiments require more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as reflected in the appended claims, the inventive subject matter lies in less than all the features of a single disclosed embodiment. Accordingly, the appended claims are hereby incorporated into the detailed description, with each claim standing on its own as a separately claimed subject matter.

[0050] While particular aspects of the subject matter described herein have been shown and described, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that, based on the teachings herein, changes and modifications may be made without departing from the subject matter described herein and its broader aspects, and thus the appended claims are intended to cover all such changes and modifications within the true scope of the subject matter described herein. In addition, it should be understood that the present disclosure is defined by the appended claims. Accordingly, the present disclosure is not limited except as by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A cutting tool system, comprising: Tool body; a flexible internal pressure chamber disposed within the tool body; as well as at least one cutting edge attached to said tool body; Wherein the flexible internal pressure chamber is configured to elastically deform due to the pressure within the flexible internal pressure chamber, which in turn deforms the tool body, which in turn changes the position of the at least one cutting edge attached to the tool body.

2. The cutting tool system of claim 1 further comprising a computer numerical control device to assist in controlling the pressure within the flexible internal pressure chamber.

3. The cutting tool system according to claim 2 further includes a pressure sensor disposed in the flexible internal pressure chamber.

4. The cutting tool system according to claim 2, further comprising a valve and / or a frequency driven pump connected to the flexible internal pressure chamber.

5. The cutting tool system of claim 1, wherein an outer portion of the tool body is rigid.

6. The cutting tool system of claim 1, wherein the tool body comprises a cylindrical shape when the flexible internal pressure chamber is in an unpressurized state.

7. The cutting tool system of claim 1, wherein the tool body comprises a non-uniform shape when the flexible internal pressure chamber is in an unpressurized state.

8. A cutting tool system according to claim 1, wherein when the flexible internal pressure chamber is under the pressure within the flexible internal pressure chamber, at least one portion of the tool body expands outwardly and at least another portion of the tool body contracts inwardly.

9. A cutting tool system according to claim 1, wherein the flexible internal pressure chamber is configured to gradually elastically deform as the pressure within the flexible internal pressure chamber increases, thereby causing the tool body to gradually deform as the pressure within the flexible internal pressure chamber increases, thereby causing the position of the at least one cutting edge attached to the tool body to gradually change as the pressure within the flexible internal pressure chamber increases.

10. The cutting tool system of claim 1, wherein said change in said position of said at least one cutting edge attached to said tool body is independent of a speed at which said cutting tool system rotates.

11. A cutting tool system comprising: a tool body including a rigid outer portion; a flexible internal pressure chamber disposed within said tool body, said flexible internal pressure chamber supporting said rigid outer portion; at least one cutting edge attached to said rigid outer portion of said tool body; at least one pressure sensor connected to the flexible internal pressure chamber; a valve connected to the flexible internal pressure chamber; as well as a computer numerical control device connected to the at least one pressure sensor and the valve, the computer numerical control device being configured to monitor the pressure within the flexible internal pressure chamber using the at least one pressure sensor and to control the pressure within the flexible internal pressure chamber using the valve; Wherein the flexible internal pressure chamber is configured to elastically deform due to the pressure applied within the flexible internal pressure chamber by the computer numerical control device, thereby deforming the rigid external part, thereby changing the position of at least one cutting edge attached to the rigid external part of the tool body.

12. The cutting tool system of claim 11, wherein the tool body comprises a cylindrical shape when the flexible internal pressure chamber is in an unpressurized state.

13. The cutting tool system of claim 11, wherein the tool body comprises a non-uniform shape when the flexible internal pressure chamber is in an unpressurized state.

14. A cutting tool system according to claim 11, wherein when the flexible internal pressure chamber is under the pressure within the flexible internal pressure chamber, at least one portion of the tool body expands outwardly and at least another portion of the tool body contracts inwardly.

15. A cutting tool system according to claim 11, wherein the flexible internal pressure chamber is configured to gradually deform elastically as the pressure within the flexible internal pressure chamber increases, thereby causing the tool body to gradually deform as the pressure within the flexible internal pressure chamber increases, thereby causing the position of the at least one cutting edge attached to the rigid external part of the tool body to gradually change as the pressure within the flexible internal pressure chamber increases.

16. The cutting tool system of claim 11, wherein said change in position of said at least one cutting edge attached to said rigid outer portion of said tool body is independent of the speed at which said cutting tool system rotates.

17. A cutting method, comprising: controlling the pressure within a flexible internal pressure chamber of the tool body to elastically deform the flexible internal pressure chamber; causing a rigid outer portion of said tool body to deform due to said deformation of said flexible inner pressure chamber; as well as The position of at least one cutting edge attached to the rigid outer portion of the tool body is caused to change due to the deformation of the rigid outer portion of the tool body.

18. The method of claim 17, further comprising controlling the pressure within the flexible internal pressure chamber of the tool body in part using a computer numerical control device.

19. The method of claim 17, wherein deforming the rigid outer portion of the tool body comprises expanding at least one portion of the rigid outer portion of the tool body outwardly and contracting at least another portion of the rigid outer portion of the tool body inwardly.

20. The method according to claim 17 further includes causing the flexible internal pressure chamber of the tool body to gradually elastically deform as the pressure in the flexible internal pressure chamber increases, thereby causing the rigid external part of the tool body to gradually deform as the pressure in the flexible internal pressure chamber increases, thereby causing the position of at least one cutting edge attached to the rigid external part of the tool body to gradually change as the pressure in the flexible internal pressure chamber increases.

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