Cutting Tool Clamping Mechanism Without External Fasteners
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cutting tool clamping mechanisms require an external force, such as a screw, to maintain firm clamping between the shank and gripping bore portions, which can lead to instability and potential disengagement during tool operation.
Innovation Solution
A cutting tool clamping mechanism comprising a male and female portion with a coupling tooth and drive surface, where the male portion is inserted into an access hole and turned clockwise to engage the drive surface, creating a secure abutment between the gripping surface and stem peripheral surface without the need for an external force.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a clamping screw is used to force the shank portion into the gripping bore portion, then firm clamping can be maintained, but the device complexity increases and additional external force is required
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the clamping screw from the system entirely. The shank portion is designed with a tapered shape that allows it to be forcibly fitted into the gripping bore portion by a single axial movement, eliminating the need for the separate clamping screw component that was previously required to maintain the clamping force.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a screw to apply external force to maintain clamping, the invention inverts the approach by designing the shank portion itself to generate the clamping force through its tapered geometry. The axial insertion movement transforms into radial clamping force automatically, reversing the traditional screw-based mechanism.
2Reliability
If a clamping screw is used to maintain firm clamping, then the shank portion can be pressed against the gripping bore portion, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase due to thread engagement constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The invention eliminates the threaded connection entirely by removing the clamping screw. This removes all the manufacturing precision requirements associated with thread engagement, such as minimum wall thickness for threading and precise thread fit between the screw and the clamping surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the clamping mechanism from a threaded connection (requiring precise thread parameters) to a tapered geometric fit. The clamping force is generated through the tapered angle and axial insertion distance, replacing the need for precision thread engagement and minimum wall thickness constraints.
3Reliability
If the shank portion diameter is made larger than the gripping bore portion diameter for firm clamping, then clamping stability improves, but the ease of operation decreases due to difficulty in insertion
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping cavity is segmented into two distinct parts: an access hole with a larger diameter that facilitates easy insertion of the shank portion, and a gripping bore portion with a smaller diameter that provides firm clamping. This segmentation allows the shank to be easily inserted through the access hole and then forcibly fitted into the gripping bore portion to achieve stable clamping.
Solution Approach 2:
The access hole is designed with a larger diameter than the shank portion to preliminary facilitate easy insertion and alignment. This preliminary action of easy insertion through the access hole prepares the shank for the subsequent forcing action into the gripping bore portion, making the overall operation easier despite the tight final fit.
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 solution ensures a firm and stable clamping mechanism that maintains engagement between the shank and gripping bore portions, preventing disengagement and providing reliable operation without the need for additional external force.
Implementation Method 1
The driven surface of the coupling tooth rises away from the stem peripheral surface in a direction towards a stem rear surface... the driven surface of the coupling tooth is in engagement with the drive surface of the coupling recess... the stem peripheral surface is in full abutment with the gripping surface
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
A tool clamping mechanism (10) connects a first member (12) to a second member (14). The first member (12) has a cylindrical stem (20) with a coupling tooth (28) projecting from the stem (20). The second member (14) has a clamping cavity (50) formed by the union of a gripping bore (54) and an access hole (52). The access hole (52) has an access bore (62) and a tooth access hole (64) formed to accommodate the stem (20) and the coupling tooth (28) respectively. The stem diameter (D3) of the stem (20) is larger than the gripping bore (D2) diameter of the gripping bore (54). The clamping cavity (50) further has a coupling recess (66) for accommodating the coupling tooth (28). The coupling recess (66) has a drive surface (68) for engaging a driven surface (38) located on the coupling tooth (28) to create a force which pushes the stem (20) from the access bore (62) into the gripping bore (54) and helps prevent separation of the two members (12, 14).