Cutting Insert Wedge Clamping for Lateral Force Stability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cutting tools for grooving and groove-turning face challenges in securely retaining cutting inserts against lateral cutting forces, leading to instability.

Innovation Solution

The cutting tool design features a cutting insert with elongated engagement arrangements on its upper and lower surfaces, which include wedge surfaces that converge to define an acute angle, and a tool holder with corresponding slot engagement arrangements, allowing for secure clamping between the insert and the tool holder.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If V-shaped ridges and grooves are used to improve stability against lateral cutting forces, then stability is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestability of cutting insertVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The engagement arrangement is divided into multiple wedge surfaces (first wedge surface, second wedge surface, third wedge surface, fourth wedge surface) that are laterally spaced apart and distributed around the insert perimeter. This segmentation allows the clamping force to be distributed across multiple contact points, improving stability against lateral cutting forces while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different wedge surfaces are positioned at specific locations around the insert perimeter to address local stability requirements. The wedge surfaces are arranged to provide targeted engagement at critical points where lateral forces are most likely to cause instability, rather than using a uniform engagement structure throughout.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Stability of the object's composition

If multiple wedge surfaces are used to improve clamping stability, then stability is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveclamping stabilityVSAvoidease of manufacture

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The engagement arrangement segments the clamping function into multiple wedge surfaces that can be manufactured as integrated features of the insert and tool holder bodies. This segmentation enables each wedge surface to be formed using standard manufacturing processes, avoiding the need for complex post-processing or assembly operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple wedge surfaces are merged into a single integrated engagement arrangement that is formed as part of the insert and tool holder manufacturing process. This merging eliminates the need for separate manufacturing steps for each wedge surface, reducing overall manufacturing complexity while maintaining the stability benefits of multiple contact points.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Stability of the object's composition

If wedge surfaces with acute angles are used to prevent sliding, then anti-sliding performance is improved, but stress concentration increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveanti-sliding performanceVSAvoidstress concentration

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSStress or pressure

Solution Approach 1:

The acute wedge surfaces are segmented and distributed around the insert perimeter, with laterally spaced apart arrangements. This segmentation allows the clamping force to be distributed across multiple contact points, reducing stress concentration at any single location while maintaining effective anti-sliding performance through the cumulative effect of multiple wedge surfaces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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

This configuration enhances the stability of the cutting insert against lateral cutting forces by ensuring a secure and stable clamping mechanism, preventing sliding and improving the tool's performance during grooving and groove-turning operations.

Implementation Method 1

an upper clamping jaw (66) comprising a clamping jaw surface (70); and a lower base jaw (68) comprising a base jaw lower surface (72) which faces the clamping jaw surface (70), the upper clamping jaw (66) being resiliently displaceable relative to the lower base jaw (68)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS11806793B2Cutting insert having laterally spaced apart, longitudinally extending wedge abutment surfaces, tool holder and cutting tool

Publication Date: 2023.11.07 ISCAR LTD

AI summary

A cutting tool used for grooving and turning operations where a cutting insert is releasably securable in a tool holder. The cutting insert includes insert upper and lower surfaces, at least one of which includes an insert engagement arrangement having two converging insert engagement wedge surfaces. The tool holder includes an insert receiving slot having a clamping jaw surface and a base jaw lower surface, at least one of which includes a slot engagement arrangement having two converging slot engagement wedge surfaces. When assembled, the cutting insert is releasably clamped in the insert receiving slot. The at least one insert engagement arrangement abuts the at least one slot engagement arrangement only at the insert engagement wedge surfaces and the slot engagement wedge surfaces.