Compressible Coolant Plug for Cutting Tool Holder Jaw Deflection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cutting tools with coolant passages often face challenges in efficiently delivering coolant to the cutting edge due to limited space and the need for additional accessories, which can obstruct tool operation.
Innovation Solution
A cutting tool holder design featuring a resilience recess and a compressible tool coolant plug that forms a fluid path from the holder body coolant channel to the upper jaw coolant channel, allowing coolant to be sprayed towards the cutting edge without resisting the deflection of the upper jaw, even in tools with limited space constraints.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If external coolant-providing accessories are used to deliver coolant to the cutting edge, then coolant delivery effectiveness is improved, but device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The coolant delivery function is merged with the upper jaw structure itself. The upper jaw contains internal coolant channels that directly deliver coolant to the cutting edge, eliminating the need for separate external coolant-providing accessories. This integration resolves the contradiction by achieving effective coolant delivery while simplifying the overall tool structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The upper jaw serves multiple functions: it provides mechanical clamping force to hold the cutting insert and simultaneously acts as a coolant delivery system through its internal channels. This multi-functionality allows the same component to achieve both structural support and coolant delivery, reducing device complexity while maintaining effectiveness.
2Manufacturing precision
If rigid coolant plugs are used in coolant passages, then coolant flow path is well-defined, but the upper jaw deflection is resisted and tool operation is obstructed
Solution Approach 1:
The coolant plug material parameter is changed from rigid to elastomeric/compressible. This parameter change allows the plug to maintain a defined coolant flow path while simultaneously allowing the upper jaw to deflect during operation. The elastomeric material deforms under compression to permit jaw movement while still guiding coolant flow, thus resolving the contradiction between flow path precision and operational ease.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastomeric coolant plug acts as a flexible element within the coolant passage. This flexibility allows the plug to accommodate upper jaw deflection while maintaining the coolant flow path. The flexible nature of the elastomeric material enables it to deform with jaw movement rather than resisting it, solving the contradiction between defined flow path and deflection capability.
3Device complexity
If coolant passages are integrated within the holder body and upper jaw, then external accessories are eliminated, but space constraints make passage routing difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The coolant passages are routed through the thickness dimension of the upper jaw rather than requiring lateral space. By utilizing the vertical dimension from the holder body through the upper jaw to the cutting edge, the design achieves integrated coolant delivery without requiring additional lateral space or complex lateral routing, thus resolving the space constraint contradiction.
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
This design ensures effective coolant delivery to the cutting edge, enhancing cooling and chip evacuation while maintaining tool functionality and avoiding the need for external coolant-providing accessories, thus improving machining efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
when the upper jaw resiliently deflects towards the base jaw, the tool coolant plug is compressed and the plug coolant channel forms a fluid path from the holder body coolant channel to the upper jaw coolant channel
Implementation Method 2
a compressible tool coolant plug located within the resilience recess
Implementation Method 3
the cutting tool coolant fluid is sprayed towards a cutting edge of the cutting insert
Implementation Method 4
in order to cool down the cutting edge and evacuate metal chips cut out of the work piece
Data Source
AI summary
A cutting tool holder (100) has a holder body (102) and upper and base jaws (104, 106). A cutting insert (152) may be received between the upper and base jaws (104, 106). A resilience recess (110) is located adjacent a rearward end of the upper jaw (104), allowing the upper jaw (104) to deflect towards the base jaw (106). An upper jaw coolant channel (120) has an upper jaw inlet (121) in fluid communication with the resilience recess (110), and an upper jaw outlet (123), opening out to a front end of the upper jaw (104). A holder body coolant channel (114) has a holder body outlet (113) in fluid communication with the resilience recess (110). A tool coolant plug (126), made of compressible material, is located in the resilience recess (110). The tool coolant plug (126) has a plug coolant channel (128) passing therethrough, forming a fluid path from the holder body coolant channel (114) to the upper jaw coolant channel (120).