Parallelogram Cutting Plate with Convex Corners for End Mill Versatility
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cutting plates for end mills face challenges in achieving flexibility and durability due to designs that compromise either usability or strength, particularly when switching between different machining operations requiring varying tool geometries, leading to inefficient tool changes and reduced productivity.
Innovation Solution
A cutting plate with a parallelogram-based shape featuring straight cutting edges, radius cutting edges, and convex cutting edges, where the radius cutting edges merge into convex cutting edges with a larger curvature, and transition areas allowing for adjustable setting angles to accommodate different machining processes without compromising strength.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a concavely shaped area is arranged between two convexly curved areas on a cutting edge to enable flexible geometry changes, then adaptability is improved, but strength deteriorates due to high local material stresses creating predetermined breaking points
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by transitioning from a symmetric concave curvature design to an asymmetric convex curvature design. The cutting plate features convex curvatures at the corners instead of concave curvatures, creating an asymmetric shape that eliminates weak points while maintaining geometric flexibility for different machining operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful effect of concave curvatures (which create stress concentration and breaking points) into a beneficial design by using convex curvatures instead. The convex shapes eliminate the predetermined breaking points while still allowing the cutting plate to be used for various machining operations by adjusting the setting angle.
2Adaptability or versatility
If different cutting edge geometries are used for different machining operations, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases requiring frequent tool changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universality by designing a single cutting plate with convex curvatures that can perform multiple machining operations. By adjusting the setting angle of the same cutting plate, different machining operations such as shoulder milling, copy milling, wide finishing, and high-feed milling can be carried out without changing the tool, making the cutting plate multi-functional.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by enabling the cutting plate to adapt to different machining operations through dynamic adjustment of the setting angle. The convex curvature design allows the cutting edge to engage with the workpiece at different angles and positions, providing dynamic versatility for various machining processes with a single tool.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the setting angle is changed to selectively bring different cutting edge areas into engagement, then adaptability is improved, but the usability of the straight cutting edge deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses asymmetry in the convex curvature design to ensure that the straight cutting edge portions remain accessible and usable across different setting angles. The asymmetric convex shapes at the corners allow the straight cutting edges to engage properly with the workpiece regardless of the setting angle adjustment, maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by designing specific convex curvature regions at the corners while maintaining straight cutting edge portions in other areas. This localized convex design allows different parts of the cutting plate to serve different functions: the convex corners provide geometric flexibility while the straight edges maintain optimal cutting performance and usability across various setting angles.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The cutting insert for a finger milling cutter, whose shape is derived from the basic form of a parallelogram, has two straight cutting edges (1) extending along the longitudinal sides of the parallelogram on which the shape of the cutting insert is based. Adjoining the straight cutting edges (1) in the region of the acute angles (6) of the underlying parallelogram are radius cutting edges (2), which transition into convexly curved cutting edges (3) in a transition region (4) in the region of the transverse sides of the parallelogram on which the shape of the cutting insert is based. The radius of curvature (R3) of the convexly curved cutting edges (3) is larger than the radius of curvature (R2) of the radius cutting edge (2). The transition region is either straight or convexly curved.