Cutting Insert Coupling Screw Retention for Two-Sided Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cutting tools with female threads face issues of coupling screw instability and accessibility, particularly during turning operations, where the screw may fall out or move away from the driving tool due to inadequate holding mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A cutting tool design featuring a holding member that applies a reaction force to the coupling screw, allowing axial motion without rotation, and includes a pocket with support walls to secure the cutting insert, enabling access from both sides and preventing screw protrusion, with the holding member being either elastic or non-elastic and replaceable.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a coupling screw is used to secure the cutting insert, then the cutting insert can be firmly attached to the cutting tool body, but the coupling screw may fall out or move away from the driving tool during turning operations due to inadequate holding mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
A holding member is introduced as an intermediary element between the coupling screw and the cutting tool body. This holding member engages with the coupling screw to prevent it from falling out or moving away during turning operations, while still allowing access for tightening and loosening. The holding member acts as a mediator that maintains screw stability without compromising operational accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The holding member extends into the tool coupling bore from a different spatial dimension, creating a three-dimensional holding structure. This allows the coupling screw to be held securely in the axial direction while maintaining rotational accessibility from the side, effectively using dimensional space to resolve the contradiction between stability and accessibility.
2Strength
If the holding member applies a reaction force equal to or lower than the maximum holding force, then plastic deformation is prevented in the coupling screw or holding member, but the coupling screw may still move axially under excessive external forces
Solution Approach 1:
The holding member is designed with specific material properties and geometric parameters that allow it to apply a controlled reaction force. By adjusting the holding force parameter to be equal to or lower than the maximum holding force, the system prevents plastic deformation while maintaining operational stability. This parameter optimization resolves the contradiction between strength and stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The holding member provides a pre-established holding force that cushions against external forces attempting to move the coupling screw axially. This beforehand cushioning prevents both plastic deformation under normal conditions and excessive movement under higher forces, maintaining system integrity across varying load conditions.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the tool coupling bore is dimensioned to retain the coupling screw in its entirety, then the coupling screw is prevented from protruding outwardly, but the driving tool cannot access the coupling screw from both sides of the cutting tool
Solution Approach 1:
The holding member is positioned within the tool coupling bore in such a way that it retains the coupling screw axially while leaving the lateral sides accessible. This dimensional arrangement allows the coupling screw to be prevented from protruding outwardly while still enabling driving tool access from both sides of the cutting tool for tightening and loosening operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The tool coupling bore is effectively segmented into different functional zones: one zone for axial retention of the coupling screw (preventing protrusion) and another zone for lateral access (enabling driving tool engagement). This segmentation resolves the contradiction by assigning different spatial regions to different functions.
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 ensures secure attachment and easy access to the coupling screw, preventing plastic deformation and facilitating efficient screw threading and turning, while allowing axial movement without rotation when external forces exceed the holding force, thus enhancing tool stability and usability.
Implementation Method 1
the holding member applies a reaction force RF on the coupling screw in a direction of a coupling screw rotation axis R
Implementation Method 2
The holding member can be non-elastic, and resiliently secured to the cutting tool via an elastic member
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
A cutting tool body is configured for securing a cutting insert with a female thread. The cutting tool body includes a machining end and a tool peripheral surface which extends therefrom. The cutting tool body further includes a through, non-threaded tool coupling bore which opens out to the tool peripheral surface and a coupling screw which has a coupling screw thread. The coupling screw is being located in the tool coupling bore and configured to secure the cutting insert. The cutting tool body further includes a holding member which engages the coupling screw thread at least when the holding member is not in contact with the cutting insert.