Adjustable Milling Tool Holder for Precise Variable Groove Widths

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Solution Overview

Problem

Milling tools require multiple sizes for different groove applications, leading to high costs and storage needs, while existing tools lack adjustable milling widths without compromising strength, stability, and precision.

Innovation Solution

A milling tool holder with two adjustable parts that can be locked into various positions along a longitudinal axis, using a spacer element and locking mechanism for precise torque transmission and adjustable milling width, ensuring high stability and precision.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple slot and parting cutters of varying sizes are used to produce multiple slots of different sizes, then different milling widths can be achieved, but costs increase and storage requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemilling width adjustmentVSAvoidnumber of tools
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The milling tool holder is designed with a modular structure comprising a first holder part and a second holder part that can be variably positioned relative to each other. This allows a single tool holder to perform multiple functions by adjusting the position of the second holder part, thereby achieving different milling widths without requiring multiple separate tools. The cutting inserts on both holder parts work together to create variable slot widths, making one tool replace multiple specialized tools.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The milling tool holder is divided into separate modular components: a first holder part with first and second cutting inserts, and a second holder part with third and fourth cutting inserts. These segmented parts can be independently positioned and adjusted along the longitudinal axis, allowing flexible configuration of the milling width. This segmentation enables the system to adapt to different machining requirements while maintaining a compact, adjustable structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If a milling tool is designed with adjustable milling width, then versatility improves, but structural complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemilling width adjustmentVSAvoidholder structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The second holder part is designed to be nested within or alongside the first holder part, with both parts sharing a common longitudinal axis. The holder parts contain each other in a compact arrangement, reducing overall structural complexity while enabling variable positioning. This nesting approach allows the adjustable mechanism to be integrated into a compact form factor without requiring complex external adjustment mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the holder parts are variably positioned to adjust milling width, then adaptability improves, but maintaining strength and stability becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemilling width adjustmentVSAvoidholder strength
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The milling tool holder employs a dynamic adjustment mechanism that allows the second holder part to be variably positioned along the longitudinal axis relative to the first holder part. This dynamic positioning capability enables continuous or discrete adjustment of the milling width while maintaining structural integrity. The holder parts can be locked at different positions to provide both adjustability and stability during operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Adaptability or versatility

If the holder parts are variably positioned to adjust milling width, then adaptability improves, but maintaining precision becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemilling width adjustmentVSAvoidmilling precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The adjustment mechanism for positioning the second holder part relative to the first holder part employs precision mechanical elements such as threaded fasteners, keyed connections, or indexed positioning systems. These mechanical substitution approaches replace less precise adjustment methods and provide repeatable, accurate positioning at different milling width settings. The locking mechanism ensures that once positioned, the holder parts maintain their relative positions with high precision during the milling operation.

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

Data Source

PatentEP3703893B1Milling tool holder and milling tool
Publication Date: 2022.09.28 HARTMETALL WERKZEUGFAB PAUL HORN
  • EP3703893B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3703893B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3703893B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The invention relates to a milling tool holder (10), comprising: a first holder part (16) having a first cutting-insert receptacle (13a) for receiving a first cutting insert (12a) and having a second cutting-insert receptacle (13b) for receiving a second cutting insert (12b); a second holder part (18), which can be variably positioned along a longitudinal axis (32) relative to the first holder part (16) in order to set a milling width, the second holder part (18) having a third cutting-insert receptacle (13c) for receiving a third cutting insert (12c) and having a fourth cutting-insert receptacle (13d) for receiving a fourth cutting insert (12d); a locking element (20) for fixing the first and second holder parts (16, 18) at the set milling width. In the assembled state, the first and second holder parts (16, 18) are positioned relative to each other in such a way that the third cutting-insert receptacle (13c) is arranged between the first cutting-insert receptacle (13a) and the second cutting-insert receptacle (13b) in the circumferential direction (34) and that the second cutting-insert receptacle (13b) is arranged between the third cutting-insert receptacle (13c) and the fourth cutting-insert receptacle (13d) in the circumferential direction (34).