Cutting Insert Clamping Structure for Stable Y-Axis Turning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Cutting devices used for Y-axis turning in machining often experience inadequate clamping of cutting inserts due to the short length and geometry of the clamping finger, leading to vibration and poor surface quality, especially when using thin parting bars.

Innovation Solution

A cutting device with a separate clamping element that engages the clamping finger, allowing it to be moved between clamping and release positions, ensuring consistent clamping force through a clamping screw that introduces force directly onto the clamping surfaces, and a coolant channel system for effective coolant distribution.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Shape

If a short clamping finger is used for Y-axis turning, then the cutting device can be made thinner and longer for better surface quality, but the clamping force becomes insufficient leading to vibration

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethinness of cutting deviceVSAvoidclamping reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The clamping mechanism is divided into separate functional elements: the clamping finger (which provides the clamping surface) and the clamping element (which generates and applies the clamping force). This segmentation allows the clamping finger to be short while still achieving reliable clamping through the separate clamping element that engages with it.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The clamping element acts as an intermediary between the tool holder structure and the cutting insert. It transfers and concentrates the clamping force onto the clamping finger, which then applies the force to the cutting insert, enabling effective clamping despite the short length of the clamping finger.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Device complexity

If the clamping finger is made shorter for Y-axis geometry, then the device complexity is reduced, but the clamping force application becomes inadequate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveclamping mechanism complexityVSAvoidclamping force
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the parameters of the clamping mechanism by introducing a separate clamping element with specific geometric parameters (threaded engagement, lever arm geometry) that enable high clamping force generation. This allows the clamping finger itself to remain short while the clamping element provides the necessary force multiplication and application.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If a separate clamping element is introduced, then the clamping force is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveclamping reliabilityVSAvoidclamping mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The clamping mechanism incorporates dynamic elements including the movably mounted clamping finger that can transition between clamping and release positions, and the threaded clamping element that converts rotational motion into linear clamping force. This dynamic design provides reliable clamping when needed while allowing easy release and insert replacement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 provides reliable and trouble-free machining results by ensuring secure clamping of the cutting insert and efficient coolant application, reducing vibration and improving surface quality during Y-axis turning operations.

Implementation Method 1

a clamping screw (29) which can be moved between a clamping position and a release position, wherein the clamping position of the clamping element corresponds to the clamping position of the clamping finger, while the release position of the clamping element corresponds to the release position of the clamping finger. The clamping force is applied directly to the clamping finger via the clamping screw

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical Force: Mechanical Force

Implementation Method 2

a coolant channel system for effective coolant distribution

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFluid Flow:

Data Source

PatentEP4331754A1Cutting device
Publication Date: 2024.03.06 KARL HEINZ ARNOLD
  • EP4331754A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4331754A1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP4331754A1 patent drawing

AI summary

In a cutting device for machining workpieces, comprising a tool holder (13) having a holder longitudinal axis (16), wherein the tool holder (13) has a holder top (17) and a holder bottom (18) which each extend along the holder longitudinal axis (16) and has a holder end face (19) which is oriented transversely to the holder longitudinal axis (16), wherein the tool holder (13) has a cutting insert receptacle (20) for receiving a cutting insert (14) which is bounded by a first and a second clamping surface (22, 23) opposite it, one of which is formed on a clamping finger (24) which is movably mounted between a clamping position clamping the cutting insert (14) against the clamping surfaces (22, 23) and a release position releasing the cutting insert (14),and wherein the clamping finger (24) forms the end face of the tool holder (13) with the holder end face (19) formed thereon, at least one clamping element (29) belonging to the cutting device (11) and engaging at an interface on the clamping finger (24), which is formed separately from the tool holder, is assigned in the clamping finger and by actuation of which the clamping finger (24) can be moved into the clamping position or release position.