Cutting Tool Delivery Apparatus for Internal Workpiece Machining
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cutting tool delivery systems require large openings or convoluted shapes in workpieces and support brackets, leading to structural issues and increased costs due to the need for special engineering.
Innovation Solution
A cutting tool delivery apparatus that axially and radially positions a static cutting tool inside a workpiece, using a movable drive/support spindle and a tool carrier with a releasable spear member, allowing for engagement with the workpiece without large apertures, and is controlled by a programmable or CNC machine for precise machining.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If large openings or apertures are formed in the workpiece to deliver the cutting tool, then the cutting tool can be delivered to the desired location, but the structural integrity of the workpiece deteriorates and special engineering is required increasing cost
Solution Approach 1:
The cutting tool is delivered through a multi-stage nesting process: first through a large aperture in the workpiece holder, then through a delivery tube, and finally through a smaller aperture in the workpiece. This nested delivery path allows tool access without requiring large openings in the workpiece itself, thereby maintaining structural integrity while enabling tool delivery.
Solution Approach 2:
A delivery tube acts as an intermediary component that bridges the gap between the external tool delivery system and the internal workpiece location. The tube allows the cutting tool to be conveyed to the desired position without requiring direct large openings in the workpiece, thus preserving the workpiece structure while enabling tool access.
2Ease of operation
If convoluted shapes and delivery paths are used for the support bracket or hanger, then the cutting tool can reach the necessary location, but the device complexity increases and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support bracket is segmented into multiple functional components: a holder body, a delivery tube, and a mounting mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function with a simple geometry, avoiding the need for a single complex convoluted bracket design. The holder provides support, the tube provides delivery path, and the mounting mechanism provides attachment capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The delivery system utilizes three-dimensional space by extending the delivery tube through the holder body to reach internal workpiece locations. This spatial arrangement allows the support bracket to maintain a simple external shape while providing complex internal delivery capability through the dimensional arrangement of its components.
3Ease of operation
If the support bracket or hanger is specially engineered to accommodate convoluted paths, then the cutting tool can be delivered, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the support bracket into separate standard components (holder body, delivery tube, mounting elements), each component can be manufactured using conventional, cost-effective processes. This avoids the need for expensive special engineering of a single complex bracket, reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining delivery functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The holder design incorporates universal features that can accommodate different cutting tools and workpiece configurations. The standardized delivery tube and mounting mechanism can be used across multiple applications, reducing the need for custom-engineered solutions and thereby lowering manufacturing costs through economies of scale and standardization.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus can deliver a static cutting tool to a position located inside a workpiece to be machined. The cutting tool can be used for machining at least one surface inside of the workpiece. The cutting tool is operable in combination with an electronic controlled machine tool having at least one axially movable drive/support spindle. A cutting tool body can have at least one cutter and an aperture adapted for receiving the axially movable drive/support spindle of the electronic controlled machine tool. A movable carriage can be used for releasibly supporting the tool body and for transporting the tool body between a home position, where the tool body is spaced from coaxial alignment with the axially movable drive/support spindle of the electronic controlled machine tool, and a ready position, where the aperture of the tool body is in a coaxially aligned position with respect to the axially movable drive/support spindle of the electronic controlled machine tool. The carriage can be used for transferring support of the cutting tool body with respect to the movable drive/support spindle of the electronic controlled machine tool when the carriage is in the ready position.