Coolant Reflector Structure for Turning Tool Chip Evacuation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing turning tools face inefficiencies in chip evacuation and coolant distribution during machining operations, particularly in deep holes and open-ended holes, leading to uncontrolled coolant spread and inadequate chip removal.

Innovation Solution

A turning tool with a coolant reflector that redirects coolant emerging from the tool body rearward towards the cutting insert, enhancing chip evacuation and coolant control by using a reflecting structure at the front end to direct coolant efficiently out of the machined hole.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If coolant is applied to the cutting zone to help evacuate chips, then chip evacuation is improved to some extent, but coolant is spread in an uncontrolled manner to places where it is not wanted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvechip evacuation efficiencyVSAvoiduncontrolled coolant spread
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A coolant reflector is introduced as an intermediary component between the coolant supply and the cutting zone. The reflector has a specific geometry with a rearward-facing surface that intercepts coolant flow and redirects it toward the cutting insert, thereby controlling coolant distribution and preventing uncontrolled spread while maintaining effective chip evacuation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The coolant reflector changes the directional parameters of coolant flow by using its geometric surface configuration. The rearward-facing surface with specific inclination angles redirects coolant from forward flow to rearward flow, optimizing coolant delivery to the cutting zone while controlling spread patterns

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If coolant emerges from an opening in the front of the turning tool to reach the cutting insert, then chip evacuation is assisted, but in deep holes the distance between tool and bottom is large reducing effectiveness

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvechip evacuation assistanceVSAvoiddistance in deep holes
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of allowing coolant to flow forward from the front opening to reach the cutting insert, the coolant reflector inverts the flow direction by presenting a rearward-facing surface that redirects coolant backward toward the cutting zone. This inversion enables effective coolant delivery even in deep holes where the tool is positioned far from the hole bottom

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Productivity

If chips are evacuated through the opening opposite where the turning tool enters the hole, then chip removal is achieved, but coolant spreads uncontrollably and ends up on the workshop floor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvechip removalVSAvoidcoolant loss
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The coolant reflector serves as a mediating structure that captures coolant flow and redirects it along a controlled path back toward the cutting zone. This prevents coolant from escaping uncontrollably and ending up on the workshop floor, thereby reducing coolant loss while maintaining effective chip removal through the opposite opening

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 solution effectively flushes chips out of the hole and controls coolant distribution, improving machining efficiency and reducing unwanted coolant spread, especially in deep and open-ended holes.

Implementation Method 1

a coolant reflector including a reflecting structure arranged to receive coolant emerging from the exit opening in the tool body and reflect the coolant at least partly rearward and towards the cutting insert

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentEP4389328A1Coolant reflector and turning tool comprising a coolant reflector
Publication Date: 2024.06.26 SANDVIK COROMANT
  • EP4389328A1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1C
  • EP4389328A1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2C
  • EP4389328A1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B

AI summary

The present invention relates to a coolant reflector (12, 13, 14) for a turning tool and a turning tool comprising such coolant reflector. The turning tool comprises a tool body (1) including a front end (2), a rear end (3), a peripheral surface (4) connecting the front end and the rear end, and a central axis (C) extending from the front end to the rear end. The turning tool further comprises a cutting insert (5, 6), or a seat for accommodating a cutting insert, arranged in the tool body, and a coolant channel (9) extending at least partly through the tool body (1) for supplying coolant to the cutting insert (5,6), the coolant channel being in fluid communication with an exit opening (11) in the tool body. The coolant reflector includes a reflecting structure (15, 16, 25) arranged to receive coolant emerging from the exit opening (11) in the tool body (1) and reflect the coolant at least partly rearward and towards the cutting insert (5, 6).