Cutting Head Key Assembly With Flexible Sleeve Clamping

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing rotary cutting tools face challenges in easily attaching and detaching small cutting heads with diameters between 4 mm to 5.99 mm to tool holders, requiring improved mechanisms for secure and efficient mounting and dismounting.

Innovation Solution

A cutting tool key with a rotatable handle component, a locking member, and an elastically flexible sleeve member that surrounds the cutting head, allowing for adjustable attachment and detachment by rotating the key until the cutting head is securely fastened or released from the tool holder.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If conventional cutting tool keys are used to attach small cutting heads (4-5.99 mm diameter), then the attachment mechanism becomes complex and difficult to operate, but using simpler mechanisms fails to provide secure fastening for small cutting heads

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of attachment and detachmentVSAvoidcomplexity of cutting tool key mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a flexible sleeve member that elastically deforms to engage and disengage the cutting head from the tool holder. The sleeve's flexibility allows it to compress during attachment and expand during detachment, providing a simple yet secure connection mechanism without complex moving parts or multiple components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

2Reliability

If conventional locking mechanisms are used for small cutting heads, then secure fastening is achieved, but the attachment and detachment process becomes time-consuming and reduces productivity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecurity of cutting head attachmentVSAvoidspeed of attachment and detachment
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The flexible sleeve member performs multiple functions automatically: it guides the cutting head into position, secures it through elastic deformation, and releases it upon compression. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for separate locking steps or complex actuation mechanisms, enabling rapid attachment and detachment while maintaining secure fastening.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If the cutting tool key is designed for small cutting heads (4-5.99 mm), then versatility is improved, but the gripping force and locking capability are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompatibility with small cutting headsVSAvoidgripping force and locking torque
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes elastic deformation as the key parameter change mechanism. The flexible sleeve member's elastic modulus and deformation characteristics are optimized to provide sufficient gripping force on small cutting heads while maintaining the ability to release easily. The elastic properties enable the sleeve to generate adequate locking force through compression without requiring complex mechanical advantage systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 easy and secure attachment and detachment of small cutting heads to tool holders, ensuring reliable operation and versatility across various cutting head sizes, with the flexible sleeve providing a secure clamp and aiding in assembly visibility.

Implementation Method 1

the sleeve member is elastically flexible and circumferentially surrounds the head receptacle portion

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

the flexible sleeve providing a secure clamp

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP3419788B1Cutting tool key, cutting head key assembly and method of attaching cutting head to tool holder
Publication Date: 2021.08.04 ISCAR LTD
  • EP3419788B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3419788B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3419788B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

A cutting tool key includes a handle component, for actuating rotation of the cutting tool key and a locking member that is attached to the handle component. The locking member includes a head receptacle portion at a rear end thereof and a sleeve member attached to the locking member. The sleeve member is elastically flexible and circumferentially surrounds the head receptacle portion. A cutting head key assembly includes a cutting head that is located at the head receptacle portion and elastically clamped thereat by the sleeve member. The cutting head key is rotated to releasably attach the cutting head to the tool holder.