Adjustable Plate Element for Machine Tool Cutting Insert

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional machine tools require significant adjusting forces and can suffer from accuracy issues and misalignment when adjusting cutting plates, leading to inefficiencies and potential chatter effects during machining.

Innovation Solution

The machine tool employs adjustable abutments with curved bearing surfaces and a differential screw mechanism that allows precise adjustment of cutting plates without introducing bending moments, enabling precise positioning and alignment with minimal effort and reducing the risk of misalignment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If an adjusting screw is used to adjust the cutting insert, then the cutting edge position can be adjusted, but large adjusting forces are required and bending forces act on the screw which are detrimental to adjustment accuracy

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadjustment accuracyVSAvoidadjusting force

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

A differential screw acts as an intermediary mechanism between the adjustment operation and the cutting insert. It converts rotational motion into precise linear displacement with a mechanical advantage that reduces the required adjusting force while maintaining high adjustment accuracy through its differential thread geometry

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The adjustable abutment features a curved outer section surface that cooperates with a curved guide section in the linear guide. This curved geometry allows the abutment to follow a precise arc-shaped path during adjustment, eliminating binding and ensuring smooth, accurate movement with minimal force while maintaining constant contact

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

2Ease of operation

If the plate element is adjusted by loosening the fastening screw, then the position can be changed, but the plate element becomes misaligned again when fixed subsequently

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadjustment easeVSAvoidalignment precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The differential screw mechanism performs preliminary positioning of the plate element before the fastening screw is tightened. The adjustable abutment with curved surface pre-establishes the correct alignment and position, so that when the fastening screw is subsequently tightened, the plate element remains properly aligned without requiring loosening for adjustment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The adjustment function is separated from the fastening function. The differential screw mechanism provides fine adjustment capability independently of the fastening screw, replacing the conventional method where the fastening screw had to be loosened for adjustment. This substitution allows continuous adjustment during machining without compromising alignment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Productivity

If conventional adjustment methods are used, then the cutting plate can be adjusted, but significant adjusting forces are required leading to inefficiencies and potential chatter effects

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemachining efficiencyVSAvoidadjusting force

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The curved outer section surface of the adjustable abutment working with the curved guide section creates a smooth, binding-free adjustment path. This geometric design reduces friction and allows the abutment to move effortlessly along its arc-shaped trajectory, minimizing the adjusting force required and eliminating chatter effects that would reduce machining efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Solution Approach 2:

The differential screw mechanism serves as a force-amplifying intermediary that converts small rotational inputs into precise linear adjustments of the abutment. This mechanical advantage reduces the effort required by the operator while maintaining control and precision, thereby improving overall machining efficiency without requiring significant adjusting forces

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP2401105B1Machining tool having adjustable plate element as well as use and method of setting the same

Publication Date: 2019.10.30 KOMET GROUP GMBH

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Figure 4a~8

AI summary

The main body (12) of a machine tool (10) comprises a plate seat (18) having a plate element (16) arranged thereon. The plate element (16) has at least one plate edge (38), which protrudes freely to the outside over the plate seat (18) and rests against a bottom support surface of the plate seat (18). The plate element (16) can be fixed to the plate seat (18) by way of a bolt (20) extending through a bore hole in the plate element (16). A first brace (22) for the plate element (16) is provided on the plate seat (18), said brace having a support surface (34) against which the plate element (16) rests non-positively with a lateral plate surface. A further brace (24) is designed on the plate seat (18) for a lateral plate surface of the plate element (16) to rest against non-positively. In order to adjust the plate edge (38) of the plate element (16), an adjustment device (30) is associated with at least one brace (22) and enables the brace (22) to be raised and lowered with respect to the bottom support surface of the plate seat (18). A linear guide (50) is provided for said at least one brace (22), said guide absorbing the forces and torque occurring during the adjustment of the plate element (16) and introducing them into the main body (12) of the machine tool (10).