Cutting Insert Carrier with Nested Screw Access for Narrow Pockets
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automated systems for mounting and dismounting cutting inserts on tool bodies are bulky and difficult to use in narrow mounting pockets, limiting their effectiveness and productivity.
Innovation Solution
A system and method utilizing a carrier device with a channel and magnet or vacuum means to pick up and release cutting inserts, allowing for automated mounting and dismounting with a screwing tool, even in narrow spaces, and including a rotatable support unit for adjustable positioning and a screwing tool for automatic fastening and loosening.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional grippers and screwdriver tools are used for mounting cutting inserts, then the mounting process can be performed, but the tools cannot be used in narrow mounting pockets
Solution Approach 1:
The screwdriver tool is nested inside the carrier device, with the screwdriver shaft extending through a channel in the carrier body. This allows the screwdriver to be accessed through the carrier device without requiring separate tool insertion, enabling operation in narrow mounting pockets where conventional separate tools cannot fit.
Solution Approach 2:
The carrier device combines multiple functions into a single integrated tool: it holds the cutting insert via magnetic attraction, provides a channel for screwdriver access, and enables both transport and fastening operations. This merged design eliminates the need for separate grippers and screwdriver tools.
2Productivity
If automated systems are introduced to improve productivity, then mounting and dismounting speed increases, but the systems become very bulky
Solution Approach 1:
The screwdriver mechanism is nested within the carrier device structure, with the shaft passing through a longitudinal channel. This nested arrangement allows the automated fastening function to be integrated into the compact carrier device without requiring a separate bulky screwdriver tool, maintaining small size while enabling automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The carrier device performs multiple functions: it transports the cutting insert, holds it securely via magnetic attraction, and provides integrated access for screwdriver operation. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for multiple separate automated tools, reducing overall system size while maintaining productivity.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the cutting insert is mounted in a narrow mounting pocket to prevent rotation, then stability is improved, but automated tools cannot access the insert
Solution Approach 1:
The screwdriver is nested within the carrier device, with its shaft extending through a channel that provides direct access to the fastening screw head. This nested configuration allows the screwdriver to reach the screw even when the cutting insert is seated in a narrow mounting pocket, maintaining both stability and accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The carrier device acts as an intermediary tool that bridges the gap between the narrow mounting pocket and the automated screwdriver mechanism. By providing a channel through its body, it mediates access to the fastening screw without requiring the tool to directly enter the constrained mounting space.
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 efficient and automated mounting and dismounting of cutting inserts in narrow pockets, improving stability and reducing the risk of rotation, while allowing for easy adjustment and alignment, thus simplifying the process and increasing productivity.
Implementation Method 1
The carrier device comprises at least one magnet or vacuum means for picking up the cutting insert
Implementation Method 2
The carrier device comprises at least one magnet or vacuum means for picking up the cutting insert
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
The invention relates to a system for automated mounting and dismounting of at least one cutting insert (4) on a tool body (10) with a screwing tool (14). The system comprises - at least one fastening screw (8) having a shaft (56) and a head (16), the shaft (56) having an end point (50) opposite to the head (16); - at least one cutting insert (4) comprising a top surface (26), a bottom surface (44), and a circumferential side surface (62) connecting the top surface (26) and the bottom surface (44), the cutting insert (4) further comprising a through hole (6), having a longitudinal axis (A), extending from the top surface (26) to the bottom surface (44) for receiving the shaft (56) of the fastening screw (8); and - a carrier device (2) being able to pick up and release the at least one cutting insert (4) with the therein placed fastening screw (8), the carrier device (2) comprising a body having a front surface (32), a rear surface (24), and a circumferential side surface (58) connecting the front surface (32) and the rear surface (24), wherein the carrier device (2) comprises a channel (12), having a longitudinal axis (B), extending from a front end opening (54) in the front surface (32) to a rear end opening (52) in the rear surface (24), wherein the channel (12) has a length L. The invention also relates to a method for automated mounting of at least one cutting insert (4) with a fastening screw (8) on a tool body (10), and a computer program product for performing the method.