Asymmetric Coupling Pin Assembly for Secure Cutting Head Changes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cutting tools face challenges in achieving a quick and secure assembly of the cutting head to the tool shank, with current coupling mechanisms being complex and time-consuming.
Innovation Solution
A cutting tool design featuring a coupling pin with a pin engagement groove and a pin receptacle, along with a clamping through bore, allows for easy assembly and secure attachment by a fastening member, enabling the cutting head and tool shank to be adjustable between released and locked positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional coupling mechanism with multiple components is used to securely attach the cutting head to the tool shank, then the attachment security is improved, but the assembly complexity and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple coupling functions into a single integrated coupling pin structure. The coupling pin incorporates both the engagement groove for positional definition and the clamping recess for secure attachment, eliminating the need for separate positioning and clamping components. This merging reduces assembly complexity while maintaining secure attachment through the unified pin design that performs both functions simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling mechanism is segmented into distinct functional zones on the coupling pin: the engagement groove section for precise positioning and the clamping recess section for secure fastening. This segmentation allows each feature to be optimized independently while working together as a unified system, reducing overall complexity compared to multiple separate components.
2Reliability
If a complex coupling mechanism with multiple steps is used to ensure secure attachment, then the attachment security is improved, but the assembly time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling pin is pre-configured with both the engagement groove and clamping recess features during manufacturing. When assembly occurs, these pre-formed features immediately provide both positioning and clamping functions without requiring sequential operations. The preliminary formation of both functional zones on the pin eliminates multi-step assembly processes, reducing assembly time while ensuring secure attachment.
3Productivity
If a simple coupling mechanism is used to reduce assembly time, then the assembly speed is improved, but the attachment security deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling pin employs asymmetric geometry with a specifically shaped engagement groove and clamping recess that provide inherent mechanical advantage. The asymmetric design ensures that the fastening member engages the clamping recess in a single directional motion, providing secure attachment while maintaining simple assembly. The asymmetric features prevent incorrect installation and ensure reliable clamping force application.
4Reliability
If a non-cylindrical coupling pin with engagement grooves is used to improve attachment security, then the attachment security is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling pin maintains a predominantly cylindrical form for ease of manufacturing, with localized asymmetric features (engagement groove and clamping recess) added only where needed for functional performance. This local quality approach allows the majority of the pin to be produced using simple cylindrical machining or forming processes, while the specific functional zones incorporate the necessary geometric complexity for secure attachment.
Data Source
AI summary
A cutting tool includes a cutting head and a tool shank, each having an axial abutment surface. One of the two includes a coupling pin, while the other includes a pin receptacle and a clamping through bore that opens out to the pin receptacle. The coupling pin has an engagement groove and the pin receptacle has an engagement ridge. The coupling pin is received into the pin receptacle. The cutting head and tool shank are releasably attached together by a fastening member that passes through the clamping through bore and acts on the coupling pin so that the engagement groove abuts the engagement ridge and the axial abutment surfaces on each part abut each other.