Asymmetric Tool Holder for Internal and External Groove Machining

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional tool systems for machining, particularly those used for broaching, face limitations in machining both internal and external grooves efficiently due to the need for significant traverse movements beyond the workpiece center axis, which is often not feasible with conventional machining processes like lathes.

Innovation Solution

The clamping and holding areas of the tool system are arranged such that their longitudinal axes are parallel or intersect at an acute angle, allowing the cutting tool to be positioned closer to the workpiece center axis, enabling machining with shorter travel paths and without moving the tool system beyond the center axis, with a support structure that absorbs cutting forces and reduces load torques.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the cutting tool is positioned offset from the tool center axis to machine external grooves, then external groove machining becomes possible, but the tool must traverse beyond the workpiece center axis which is not feasible with conventional machining processes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecapability to machine external groovesVSAvoidtraverse path requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies asymmetry by offsetting the holding area relative to the clamping area, creating an asymmetric tool holder configuration where the cutting tool is positioned at a distance from the tool center axis. This asymmetric arrangement enables the cutting edge to reach external groove locations without requiring the tool to traverse beyond the workpiece center axis, thus resolving the contradiction between external groove machining capability and traverse path limitations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a dimensional change by arranging the clamping area and holding area at different longitudinal positions along the tool axis. The clamping area is positioned at one end while the holding area with the cutting tool is offset along the longitudinal axis, effectively utilizing the axial dimension to position the cutting edge appropriately without requiring excessive radial traverse movement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Productivity

If the cutting tool is positioned closer to the workpiece center axis to reduce traverse path, then machining can be done with shorter travel, but the cutting edge cannot reach external groove areas

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemachining efficiency with shorter travelVSAvoidreach to external groove areas
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The asymmetric offset arrangement of the holding area relative to the clamping area enables the cutting tool to achieve an optimal position that balances both requirements. The cutting edge is positioned close enough to the workpiece center axis to minimize traverse path for internal grooves, while still having sufficient radial reach through the offset configuration to access external groove areas, thus simultaneously improving productivity and maintaining adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

3Device complexity

If the clamping area and holding area are arranged coaxially, then the tool system is simple and stable, but the cutting tool cannot be positioned optimally for both internal and external groove machining

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetool system simplicityVSAvoidcapability to machine both internal and external grooves
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent resolves this contradiction by introducing a controlled asymmetric offset between the clamping area and holding area. This asymmetric configuration maintains relative simplicity while enabling the cutting tool to be positioned optimally for both internal and external groove machining. The offset distance is carefully designed to provide the necessary reach without excessive complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes the longitudinal axis dimension to separate the clamping area and holding area positions. By arranging these areas at different longitudinal positions rather than coaxially, the cutting tool achieves optimal positioning for versatile machining while maintaining a relatively simple tool holder structure without requiring complex multi-axis mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentEP2212041B1Tool system, particularly for slotting
Publication Date: 2013.11.06 HARTMETALL WERKZEUGFAB PAUL HORN
  • EP2212041B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2212041B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP2212041B1 patent drawingFigure 4~6

AI summary

The invention relates to a tool system for machining, comprising a cutting tool (3) having a blade (7) and a holder (1) for holding the cutting tool (3), wherein the holder (1) comprises a clamping region (2) extending along a first longitudinal axis (5) running centrally in the clamping region (2) and a holding region (4) extending along a second longitudinal axis (6) running centrally in the holding region (4), to which the cutting tool (3) is attached in the region of the end facing away from the clamping region (2). In order to guarantee broader areas of use, the invention proposes that the clamping region (2) and the holding region (4) be disposed such that the first longitudinal axis (5) and the second longitudinal axis (6) run parallel to one another at a distance or intersect at an acute angle, and that the cutting tool (3) be attached to the holding region (4) such that the blade (7) is located in the region of a circumferential section of the end of the holding region (4) facing away from the clamping region (2), said circumferential section having the smallest distance from the first longitudinal axis (5).