Cutting Insert Grip Geometry for Robotic Turning Tool Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cutting inserts with cutting edges on both upper and lower surfaces are difficult to automate due to non-parallel opposing side surfaces, making them challenging to grip with robot hands and limiting their use in automated systems.
Innovation Solution
The cutting insert design includes a first and second end surface with obtuse and acute corners, a peripheral side surface inclined with respect to the center axis, and grip portions such as chamfered plane surfaces or recessed portions to facilitate gripping by both operators and robot hands, allowing for adjustable clearance angles and improved coolant delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the peripheral side surface is formed in a helical shape to be inclined with respect to the center axis, then the clearance angle can be ensured, but the cutting insert becomes difficult to be gripped by a robot hand or operator
Solution Approach 1:
The peripheral side surface is divided into two functional zones: an inclined first peripheral side surface (31, 33) for ensuring clearance angle, and a second peripheral side surface (32, 34) with grip portions for easy gripping. This segmentation allows each surface to fulfill its specific function without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the peripheral side surface are given different geometric properties. The first peripheral side surface has an inclination angle for clearance, while the second peripheral side surface has specific grip portions (recessed portions or protruding portions) for gripping. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction between clearance requirement and grippability.
2Manufacturing precision
If the center axis is inclined with respect to the tool main body to ensure clearance angle, then the clearance angle is achieved, but the rake angle adjustment is limited by protruding peripheral parts
Solution Approach 1:
The clearance angle function is separated from the rake angle adjustment function. The inclined first peripheral side surface provides clearance angle, while the end surface geometry (with obtuse and acute corners) provides rake angle adjustment freedom, eliminating the mutual restriction between these two parameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The end surfaces are designed with asymmetric corner configurations (obtuse corners at second and fourth positions, acute corners at first and third positions), allowing flexible rake angle adjustment while the inclined side surfaces maintain clearance angle, breaking the symmetry constraint that limited previous designs.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a cutting insert easy to be gripped by an operator or a robot hand. First and second end surfaces (10, 20) are formed in substantially polygonal shapes having second and fourth corners (B, H) formed at obtuse angles and first and third corners (A, G) formed at acute angles. A peripheral side surface (30) includes a first curved portion (41) connecting the first and third corners (A, G), a second curved portion (42) connecting the second and fourth corners (B, H), and a first side surface (31) interposed between the first and second curved portions (41, 42). The first side surface (31) is inclined with respect to a center axis (O). The second curved portion (42) is provided with a grip portion (50), and the grip portion (50) includes at least one of a shape of each of plane surfaces (51, 53) chamfered parallel to the center axis (O) and a shape of a recessed portion (52) formed to be spaced apart from the first and second end surfaces (10, 20) and recessed toward the center axis (O).