Biconcave Cutting Insert Geometry for Narrower Stable Cutting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing indexable cutting inserts for turning or lathing applications are limited by their size, with a greater number of cutting edges requiring a larger minimal size, which compromises stability, strength, and heat transport capacity.

Innovation Solution

The design of a biconcave cutting insert with a cross-section that increases in width non-linearly towards the cutting faces, maintaining strength and heat transport while allowing for a smaller cutting width, and featuring a concave flank face for improved chip flow.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Duration of action of moving object

If the number of cutting edges is increased, then the indexable cutting insert can be used longer, but the minimal size of the cutting insert must be greater

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveusage durationVSAvoidcutting insert size
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of moving objectVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The cutting insert is divided into multiple cutting edges that can be indexed sequentially. The insert has at least two cutting edges, allowing the user to switch between them as each edge becomes dull, thereby extending the total usage duration without requiring a larger insert body.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from conventional linear arrangements to a three-dimensional configuration where cutting edges are positioned on different surfaces and orientations of the insert body. This spatial arrangement allows multiple cutting edges to be packed into a compact volume, increasing usage duration without proportionally increasing the minimal insert size.

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

2Length of moving object

If the cutting insert is made shorter and narrower, then the cutting width is reduced, but the strength and stability are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecutting widthVSAvoidinsert strength
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of moving objectVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The cutting insert employs curved and rounded geometric features including a rounded rear end, curved cutting edges, and arched support surfaces. These curved geometries distribute mechanical stresses more evenly throughout the compact body, maintaining strength and stability despite the reduced cutting width and shorter dimensions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Solution Approach 2:

The insert features locally optimized geometries such as reinforced corners, varied surface curvatures, and strategically positioned support structures. These local quality variations ensure that critical areas maintain adequate strength and rigidity even though the overall insert size is reduced.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Length of moving object

If the cutting insert is made shorter and narrower, then the cutting width is reduced, but the heat transport capacity is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecutting widthVSAvoidheat transport capacity
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of moving objectVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The curved and rounded geometries of the insert, including the arched support surfaces and curved cutting edges, facilitate more efficient heat distribution and transport. The curved paths allow heat to dissipate more effectively through the insert body and into the tool holder, maintaining adequate heat transport capacity despite the reduced size.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes geometric parameter optimization where specific curvature radii, surface angles, and dimensional ratios are carefully selected to maximize heat transport efficiency. The rounded rear end and curved surfaces create favorable thermal pathways that maintain heat transport capacity in the compact insert design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3930946B1Indexable cutting insert
Publication Date: 2025.01.29 WHIZCUT OF SWEDEN AB
  • EP3930946B1 patent drawingFigure 1~4

AI summary

The proposed technology relates to an indexable cutting insert (10) for a cutting tool. The cutting insert (10) comprises: a first side surface (12) and an opposing second side surface (14), and a peripheral surface (16) extending between the first side surface (12) and the second side surface (14). The cutting portion (18) comprises a first cutting face (24) and an opposing second cutting face (26), a flank face (28) extending between the first cutting face (24) and the second cutting face (26), a first cutting edge (20) between the first cutting face (24) and the flank face (28), and a second cutting edge (22) between the second cutting face (26) and the flank face (28). The cutting portion (18) is bisected by a first plane (AA´) transverse to the first side surface (12) and the cutting portion (18) has a biconcave cross-section transverse to the first plane (AA´).