Cutting Insert Mounting Mechanism for Faster Indexing

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional cutting tool holders require significant time and labor to index or replace cutting inserts due to the need for removing and reattaching fasteners, which is inefficient and costly, especially when dealing with multiple inserts.

Innovation Solution

A cutting tool holder design featuring a securing member with conical portions and a support surface that allows for easy mounting and securing of cutting inserts, enabling quick placement and removal without obstructing the insert bore, thereby reducing the need for extensive reorientation and reattachment processes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a conventional fastener passing through a bore in the cutting insert into the bottom of the seat is used, then the cutting insert can be securely fastened, but significant time and labor are required to remove and reattach the fastener for indexing or replacing inserts

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecure fasteningVSAvoidtime and labor for indexing

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the fastener from the traditional through-bore configuration and repositions it to bear against the base surface of the seat. The fastener now extends only partially through the seat, with its head bearing against the base surface and its distal end engaging the cutting insert, eliminating the need to pass through the entire insert thickness and reducing removal complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The fastener is segmented into distinct functional zones: a head portion bearing against the base surface, a shaft portion extending into the seat bore, and an engaging portion that contacts the cutting insert. This segmentation allows each portion to perform its specific function optimally while facilitating easier indexing operations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If a fastener is used that requires passing through the cutting insert, then secure engagement is achieved, but the process becomes complex involving removal, reorientation, and reattachment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecure engagementVSAvoidcomplexity of indexing process

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the fastener from the traditional through-bore configuration and repositions it to bear against the base surface of the seat. The fastener now extends only partially through the seat, with its head bearing against the base surface and its distal end engaging the cutting insert, eliminating the need to pass through the entire insert thickness and reducing removal complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of the fastener passing through the cutting insert from one side to the other, the invention inverts the approach by having the fastener bear against the base surface and engage the insert from the seat interior. This inversion simplifies the indexing process by eliminating the need to remove and reorient the fastener

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Data Source

PatentEP3041632B1Mounting mechanism for a cutting insert, a cutting insert therefor and a cutting tool using said insert

Publication Date: 2023.06.07 NO SCREW LTD

Figure 1~2A
Figure 2B~2C
Figure 2D~2E

AI summary

A cutting tool holder of the kind in which the fastening screw (securing member) remains engaged with the tool holder seat during mounting/dismounting of the cutting insert. The seat is further formed with a support surface configured for engaging and providing support to the head portion of the securing member at least in the securing position.