Cutting Insert Clamping Wedge with Integrated Force Sensing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing metal-cutting tools face challenges in accurately measuring forces near the cutting edge without compromising mechanical stability, as sensors either interfere with clamping stability when attached close to the cutting edge or provide less accurate measurements when placed further away.

Innovation Solution

A tool design featuring a sensor integrated into a recess within the clamping element, allowing precise placement near the cutting edge while maintaining stability, using a force sensor that can measure multidimensional forces and transmit data for evaluation and control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the sensor is attached close to the cutting edge, then measurement precision is improved, but mechanical stability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveforce measurement accuracyVSAvoidclamping stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor is nested within a recess in the clamping element, placing it as close as possible to the cutting edge while being integrated into the existing clamping structure. This nesting approach allows the sensor to occupy space within the clamping element rather than adding external components that would compromise stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The clamping element is designed with a specific recess structure that provides local support for the sensor. This localized structural adaptation allows the sensor to be positioned optimally for measurement while the surrounding clamping element structure maintains overall mechanical stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Ease of manufacture

If the sensor is attached to the connection point, then ease of manufacture is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesensor installation easeVSAvoidforce measurement accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The clamping element is segmented to include a dedicated recess for the sensor, separating the sensor mounting function from the overall clamping function. This segmentation allows the sensor to be installed in a predefined location that optimizes measurement precision while the rest of the clamping element maintains its structural integrity and ease of manufacture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Measurement precision

If the sensor is integrated into the clamping element, then device complexity is increased, but measurement precision is improved

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveforce measurement accuracyVSAvoidtool structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor is merged with the clamping element by integrating it into a recess within the clamping element structure. This merging approach combines the sensing function with the existing clamping component, reducing the need for separate mounting structures and minimizing overall device complexity while achieving high measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enables precise and accurate force measurement close to the cutting edge without affecting tool stability, allowing for effective monitoring and control of machining processes.

Implementation Method 1

EP 1 984 142 B1 discloses such a tool... to use piezoceramic sensors to measure the compressive, tensile and shearing forces

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentEP3911466B1Machining tool and machine tool having such a tool
Publication Date: 2022.10.05 HARTMETALL WERKZEUGFAB PAUL HORN
  • EP3911466B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3911466B1 patent drawingFigure 3~6

AI summary

The invention relates to a tool (10) for machining a workpiece, having a cutting insert (14) having at least one cutting edge (30), a cutting insert holder (12) which has a cutting insert receptacle (22) for receiving the cutting insert (14), a clamping element (16) acting as a clamping wedge which can be fastened in the cutting insert receptacle (22) in order to clamp the cutting insert (14) in the cutting insert holder (12), a fastening element (18) for fastening the clamping element (16) in the cutting insert receptacle (22) and simultaneously clamping the cutting insert (14) in the cutting insert holder (12), and a sensor (64) which is designed to generate a measurement signal that is dependent on a force acting on the cutting insert (14), wherein the clamping element (16) has a recess (62) in which the sensor (64) is arranged.