Cutting Edge K Factor Adjustment via Radial Offset Blasting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for adjusting the K factor of cutting edges, such as those on drill bits and end mills, lack precision and repeatability, particularly in controlling the symmetry of the hone cross section, which affects tool life and performance.
Innovation Solution
A treatment machine that adjusts the K factor by controlling the radial offset distance between the blast stream and the rotational axis of the worktool, using a blast gun with a non-circular, preferably rectangular, blast pattern to achieve precise control of the K factor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the angle of the blast stream is adjusted in relation to the rotational axis of the tool, then different K factors can be achieved, but the control precision and repeatability of the K factor adjustment is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the controlling parameter from blast stream angle to radial offset distance. By adjusting the radial position of the worktool relative to the blast stream direction, precise and repeatable K factor control is achieved. The radial offset distance directly determines the degree of asymmetry in material removal, enabling accurate K factor adjustment within the range 0.5 to 1.5 with high precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from adjusting the blast stream angle (angular dimension) to adjusting the radial offset distance (radial dimension). This dimensional change provides a more direct and controllable method for achieving the desired K factor, as the radial offset has a more pronounced and predictable effect on the asymmetry of the hone cross section.
2Ease of manufacture
If conventional blasting methods are used with circular blast pattern, then material removal can be achieved, but the symmetry control of the hone cross section is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent intentionally introduces asymmetry by offsetting the worktool radially from the center of the blast stream. This asymmetric positioning causes selective material removal on one side of the cutting edge, enabling precise control of the hone cross section symmetry and achieving the desired K factor values between 0.5 and 1.5.
3Productivity
If the blast pressure, angle, or abrasive particle properties are adjusted, then material removal rate can be controlled, but the K factor adjustment lacks repeatability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the primary control parameter from blast stream angle to radial offset distance. This parameter change provides a more repeatable method for K factor adjustment, as the radial offset can be precisely positioned and reproduced. The mounting means enables accurate and consistent positioning of the worktool at specific radial offsets, ensuring repeatable K factor results across multiple operations.
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
Enables accurate adjustment of the K factor to within 0.02, allowing a range of 0.4 to 1.9 with an edge radius precision of less than 50 microns, enhancing the controllability and consistency of cutting edge geometry.
Implementation Method 1
The impact of the pressurised slurry or treatment material cleans and ablates the surface to create the desired finish
Implementation Method 2
The impact of the pressurised slurry or treatment material cleans and ablates the surface
Data Source
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AI summary
A treatment machine (40) for adjusting a K factor of a cutting edge of a worktool (60) is described. In an embodiment the treatment machine comprises: a blast gun (50) for directing a pressurised blast stream of abrasive particles in a blast direction (72); mounting means for securing the worktool such that a rotational axis (62) of the worktool is radially offset from the blast direction (72) by an offset distance (80), and wherein control of the offset distance between the blast direction and the rotational axis adjusts the K factor of the cutting edge (64, 66).