Cutting Tool Assembly Adapter Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cutting tool assemblies suffer from the adapter becoming partially or completely freed from the mounting walls due to slight un-tightening of screws caused by vibration or negligence, leading to instability during machining operations.
Innovation Solution
The cutting tool assembly features a holder with a recess and an adapter secured by fixing screws and a clamping screw, where the clamping screw is inclined at an acute angle to provide additional rigidity and secure retention, resiliently coupling the clamping jaws to firmly hold the cutting insert and reinforce the adapter's fixation to the holder.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the adapter is retained to the holder solely by screws, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the reliability of retention deteriorates due to vibration or negligence causing un-tightening
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping screw is designed with an inclined axis that converts rotational motion into linear clamping motion, creating a dynamic self-tightening effect during insertion. This dynamic mechanism ensures the adapter remains firmly clamped against the holder even under vibration, resolving the contradiction between simple screw retention and reliable retention.
Solution Approach 2:
The inclined clamping screw pre-applies a clamping force that counteracts the loosening effect of vibration before it occurs. The geometry of the inclined screw creates a preliminary compressive force on the adapter, preventing un-tightening during machining operations.
2Reliability
If multiple screws are used to secure the adapter, then the retention reliability improves, but the device complexity and setup time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The inclined clamping screw serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as both a fixing element and a clamping element. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate fixing and clamping screws, reducing device complexity while maintaining reliable retention through its dual action of securing and clamping the adapter.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the functions of multiple screws into a single inclined clamping screw that performs both fixation and clamping. By combining these functions into one element, the device complexity is reduced while the reliability is maintained through the screw's inclined geometry that ensures firm retention.
3Reliability
If multiple screws are used to secure the adapter, then the retention reliability improves, but the setup time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The inclined clamping screw performs multiple functions in a single operation, eliminating the need for multiple screw installation steps. This multi-functional element secures and clamps the adapter simultaneously, reducing setup time while maintaining reliable retention.
Solution Approach 2:
The inclined geometry of the clamping screw is pre-designed to automatically generate the clamping force during the screw insertion process itself. This preliminary action ensures that the adapter is firmly secured during the single act of screw installation, eliminating the need for additional tightening operations and reducing setup time.
Data Source
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AI summary
A cutting tool assembly (20) includes an exchangeable adapter (24) releasably secured to a holder (22). The adapter is provided with a side plate (68). In a bottom view of the holder (22), a portion (106) of a front surface (40) of the holder (22) adjacent a first side surface (34) of the holder forms an internal acute angle a with the first holder side surface (34) and in a bottom view of the adapter (24), a rear surface (74) of the adapter side plate (68) forms the acute angle a with an inner side surface (62) of the adapter (24).