Coolant Nozzle Layout for Stronger Cutting Inserts

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional cutting tools with coolant flow channels complicate manufacturing and weaken the cutting insert, while existing methods for delivering coolant to cutting edges often interfere with the strength of the insert.

Innovation Solution

A cutting tool design featuring a holder body with a pocket and a nozzle having internal coolant channels that connect to a coolant supply conduit, allowing for efficient coolant delivery to the cutting edge without compromising the insert's strength, using a single through hole for fastening and mirror symmetry for versatility.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If coolant flow channels are provided in the cutting insert, then coolant delivery to the cutting edge is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases and the cutting insert strength is weakened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecutting edge temperatureVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cooling system is segmented into two separate components: the cutting insert and the nozzle. The coolant channels are provided in the nozzle rather than the cutting insert, allowing the insert to remain simple and easy to manufacture while still achieving effective coolant delivery to the cutting edge through the separate nozzle component.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A separate nozzle is introduced as an intermediary component between the coolant supply and the cutting insert. This nozzle contains the coolant channels and directs coolant to the cutting edge, eliminating the need for channels in the cutting insert itself while maintaining effective cooling.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Temperature

If coolant flow channels are provided in the cutting insert, then coolant delivery to the cutting edge is improved, but the cutting insert strength is weakened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecutting edge temperatureVSAvoidcutting insert strength
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The cutting insert is separated from the cooling system functions, containing only the cutting edges without any coolant channels. The cooling function is assigned to a separate nozzle, preserving the structural integrity and strength of the cutting insert while still achieving effective coolant delivery to the cutting edge.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Quantity of substance

If multiple coolant channels are provided in the nozzle, then coolant flow is increased, but the nozzle structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoolant flowVSAvoidnozzle structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The nozzle is designed with mirror symmetry about a plane containing its longitudinal axis, allowing a single nozzle design to serve multiple positions and orientations. This universal design enables the system to achieve increased coolant flow capability while maintaining structural simplicity through symmetry rather than complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 design enhances coolant flow to the cutting edge, reducing manufacturing complexity and maintaining the insert's strength, leading to improved tool life and reduced cutting temperatures and forces due to effective chip removal and reduced friction.

Implementation Method 1

at least one internal coolant channel being provided in the nozzle and extending from a first opening to a second opening, said first opening connecting to a coolant supply conduit in the holder body, said second opening serving as exit for the coolant at the forward end

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFluid flow:

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

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat removal:

Data Source

PatentEP3167985B1A cutting tool
Publication Date: 2022.12.21 SECO TOOLS AB
  • EP3167985B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP3167985B1 patent drawingFigure 1C~1E
  • EP3167985B1 patent drawingFigure 1F~1K

AI summary

The present invention relates to a tool comprising a holder body (2"), a cutting insert (5") and a nozzle (10"), said nozzle (10") having a single through hole (11 ") for a fastening member (12"), said nozzle having a forward end (13"), a rear end (14") and a bottom face (15"), said through hole extending between the bottom face and an opposite top face (16"), at least one internal coolant channel (17") being provided in the nozzle and extending from a first opening (18") to a second opening (19"), said first opening connecting to a coolant supply conduit in the holder body, said second opening serving as exit for the coolant at the forward end. The at least one coolant channel (17") and the first opening (18") are spaced from the through hole (11 "). The bottom face (15;15';15") of the nozzle comprises a guide device (23) such as a projection or recess adjacent to the forward end (13;13';13") to set the direction of the nozzle by having the guide device cooperating with a recess or projection on a cutting insert or clamping means. Use of a cutting insert is also disclosed.