Asymmetric Setting Element for Cutting Tool Clamping

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing tool clamping system with a longitudinally displaceable setting wedge can undesirably rotate in its guide during tool change, leading to inaccurate precision setting and potential damage to the setting element and cutting insert, as the automatic orientation is compromised when the setting element bears only point-like or one-sidedly against the cutting-body rear wall.

Innovation Solution

A setting element with a cylindrical basic body and a small region of asymmetrical contour, such as a circular segment or slot-key combination, is designed to prevent rotation while maintaining automatic orientation, ensuring the active surface bears flush against the cutting-body rear wall, using a headless screw for longitudinal movement and a pin or nose for anti-rotation locking.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a cylindrical basic body is used for the setting element, then automatic orientation in the guide is achieved, but undesirable rotation during tool change occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomatic orientationVSAvoidrotation stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies asymmetry by forming a contour on the cylindrical basic body that deviates from perfect cylindrical symmetry. This contour, which may include flat regions, grooves, or other asymmetric features, creates an asymmetric cross-section that prevents rotation while the element remains guidable in the setting element guide. The asymmetric contour ensures that the setting element can only be inserted in the correct rotational position, thereby preventing undesirable rotation during tool change while maintaining automatic orientation capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

2Reliability

If a prismatic cross-sectional shape is used, then rotation is prevented, but bearing surfaces bear only linearly or point-like against mating surfaces, compromising automatic orientation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverotation preventionVSAvoidautomatic orientation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by maintaining a substantially cylindrical basic body shape for the majority of the setting element, which provides the necessary automatic orientation capability. However, a specific local region of the cylindrical surface is modified by forming an asymmetric contour, which prevents rotation. This localized modification ensures that the bearing surfaces maintain adequate contact area for precise automatic orientation while the asymmetric contour feature prevents rotational movement during tool change.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Ease of operation

If the setting element bears point-like or one-sidedly against the cutting-body rear wall, then rotation is possible, but precision setting accuracy deteriorates and damage risk increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverotation freedomVSAvoidsetting accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The asymmetric contour formed on the cylindrical basic body prevents the setting element from rotating in the guide during tool change. This ensures that the active surface of the setting element consistently bears flush against the cutting-body rear wall in a planar manner, rather than point-like or one-sided contact. The asymmetric feature maintains proper orientation and contact throughout operation, preventing both rotation and precision setting errors.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

Data Source

PatentUS8911184B2Regulating element
Publication Date: 2014.12.16 KENNAMETAL INC
  • US8911184B2 patent drawing
  • US8911184B2 patent drawing
  • US8911184B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The invention relates to a regulating element for a cutting member clamped in a tool seat of a cutting tool, comprising a cylindrical basic body, and an active surface impacting the cutting member at a face side when in a mounted state, having a contour deviating from the cylindrical shape at the cylinder sleeve of the basic body as anti-twist protection for the regulating element.