Adjustable Cutting Tool Holder for Fast Edge Angle Changes

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional machine tools require time-consuming and labor-intensive tool changes to adjust the cutting tool edge angle, leading to increased machining time and potential workpiece instability during cutting operations.

Innovation Solution

A machine tool with a main spindle and a moving device that allows for the cutting tool to be inclined at a predetermined angle, utilizing an angle adjustment mechanism with a rotary member and drive unit to easily change the cutting tool's edge angle without replacing the tool or holder, enabling efficient adjustment of the cutting direction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the cutting tool edge angle is reduced to widen the cutting range, then machining time is reduced, but the load on the workpiece increases causing chattering vibration and bending

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemachining timeVSAvoidworkpiece stability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The holder is designed with a rotary member that enables dynamic adjustment of the cutting tool edge angle during machining operations. This allows the operator to change the predetermined angle according to specific machining requirements, thereby optimizing the balance between cutting range and workpiece stability without being constrained by fixed angle tools

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple types of cutting tools with different edge angles are provided, then the ability to adjust edge direction is improved, but the complexity of tool replacement and mounting increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveedge angle adjustment capabilityVSAvoidtool replacement procedure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The holder is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a tool support structure and as an angle adjustment mechanism. The rotary member integrated into the holder allows a single holder to accommodate multiple edge angles, eliminating the need for multiple specialized tools and simplifying the overall system

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

Solution Approach 2:

The holder incorporates a rotary member that enables dynamic adjustment of the cutting tool edge angle during machining operations. This allows the operator to change the predetermined angle according to specific machining requirements, thereby optimizing the balance between cutting range and workpiece stability without being constrained by fixed angle tools

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3162478B1Machine tool and machining method
Publication Date: 2023.03.29 MURATA MASCH LTD
  • EP3162478B1 patent drawingFigure 1(a)~1(b)
  • EP3162478B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3162478B1 patent drawingFigure 3(a)~3(b)

AI summary

[Problem] Provided is a machine tool that is able to easily change the direction of the edge of a cutting tool in a short time. [Solving Means] The machine tool includes a main spindle 7 that rotates while holding a workpiece W, a moving device (M1 to M3) that moves a cutting tool T1 including a linear cutting blade that cuts the workpiece, with respect to the workpiece W in a moving direction (directions P1, P2) including at least a Z-direction parallel with the axis of the main spindle 7 and a Y-direction perpendicular to both the Z-direction and an X-direction determining the amount of cutting of the workpiece, a holder 25 that holds the cutting tool T1 in a state in which the direction of the linear cutting blade Th is inclined with respect to the Z-direction by a predetermined angle when seen from the X-direction, and an angle adjustment mechanism 29 that changes the edge angle.