Coolant Channel Grooves for Stronger Cutting Tool Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cutting tools with coolant flow channels complicate manufacturing and weaken the cutting insert, while existing solutions for delivering coolant to cutting edges often interfere with the strength of the insert.
Innovation Solution
A nozzle with a single through hole for a fastening member and internal coolant channels featuring grooves that align with the flow direction to enhance coolant flow, allowing for efficient coolant delivery to the cutting edge without compromising the tool's strength, produced through additive manufacturing to avoid plugged holes and ensure sturdiness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If coolant flow channels are provided in the cutting insert, then coolant delivery to cutting edges is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases and strength decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The coolant delivery system is segmented into two separate components: the holder body with coolant supply channels and the cutting insert with coolant outlets. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured independently using optimal processes, avoiding the complexity of manufacturing channels directly in the cutting insert while still achieving effective coolant delivery to the cutting edges.
Solution Approach 2:
The holder body acts as an intermediary component that receives coolant from the coolant supply and distributes it through its internal channels to the cutting insert. This intermediary structure enables coolant delivery without requiring complex channel fabrication in the cutting insert itself, thus reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining effective cooling.
2Temperature
If coolant flow channels are provided in the cutting insert, then coolant delivery to cutting edges is improved, but structural strength is weakened
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the coolant delivery system into the holder body and cutting insert as separate components, the cutting insert remains a solid, strength-optimized component without internal channels that would weaken it. The holder body assumes the coolant distribution function, allowing the cutting insert to maintain its structural integrity while still receiving effective coolant delivery through its externally provided outlets.
3Temperature
If spray nozzles are directed at cutting edges, then coolant delivery is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The holder body and cutting insert are merged into an integrated assembly where the holder body's coolant supply channels directly connect to the cutting insert's coolant outlets. This merging eliminates the need for separate spray nozzles and external coolant delivery mechanisms, reducing device complexity while maintaining effective coolant delivery to the cutting edges.
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
The nozzle design facilitates effective coolant delivery to the cutting edge, reducing manufacturing complexity and maintaining the strength of the cutting insert, leading to improved tool life and reduced cutting temperatures by optimizing coolant flow and pressure.
Implementation Method 1
the at least one internal coolant channel comprises grooves extending internally at least partially along the coolant channel for enhanced flow properties, the direction of the grooves coincides with the flow direction at least along half of the length of the at least one internal coolant channel to reduce obstruction of the flow of coolant
Implementation Method 2
directing a coolant to a cutting edge of the cutting insert for minimizing the heat accumulated due to the interaction of a cutting insert with a machined workpiece
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 1C~1E
Figure 1F~1K
AI summary
The present invention relates to a cutting tool having at least one internal coolant channel (17) for fluid having a flow direction (F), the at least one internal coolant channel having a length. The at least one coolant channel (17) comprises grooves (42) extending internally at least partially along the coolant channel.