Cutting Tool Insert Holder Segmented Support Design

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cutting tools face challenges in securely retaining cutting inserts during operations due to uneven distribution and direction of reaction forces, which can lead to instability and reduced cutting accuracy.

Innovation Solution

A cutting insert with five-fold rotational symmetry and an insert holder design featuring transverse supports that apply reaction forces perpendicular to specific abutment regions, ensuring the cutting insert is securely retained through converging and diverging forces, and a rigid non-resilient securing portion that maintains stability under cutting forces.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional insert holder designs are used with conventional support arrangements, then the structure is simpler, but the retention of cutting insert is insufficient and cutting accuracy deteriorates due to uneven reaction forces

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveretention of cutting insertVSAvoidinsert holder structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The insert holder is divided into multiple support elements (first support, second support, third support) that are spatially separated and independently positioned. Each support engages with a specific wall of the cutting insert, creating multiple discrete abutment regions. This segmentation allows each support to independently apply reaction forces, improving overall retention reliability while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The support elements are arranged in three-dimensional space with specific spatial relationships. The abutment regions are positioned at different locations and orientations, creating a multi-dimensional force distribution system. This spatial arrangement allows reaction forces to be applied from multiple directions, enhancing insert retention through volumetric constraint rather than simple planar support.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If supports are arranged to provide broad coverage, then retention improves, but reaction forces become unevenly distributed causing insert instability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveretention of cutting insertVSAvoidinsert stability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

Each support element is specifically designed to engage with a particular wall of the cutting insert at a predetermined abutment region. The first support engages the first wall, the second support engages the second wall, and the third support engages the third wall. This localized engagement ensures that reaction forces are distributed evenly across multiple contact points, preventing concentration of forces that would cause instability while maintaining comprehensive retention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The support elements are positioned asymmetrically relative to the cutting insert, with each support at a different location and orientation. The abutment regions are arranged to create asymmetric force vectors that collectively provide balanced retention. This asymmetric arrangement allows each support to apply forces optimized for its specific engagement point, achieving uniform overall distribution without requiring symmetric positioning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

3Stability of the object's composition

If rigid non-resilient securing portion is used, then stability under cutting forces improves, but adaptability to force variations decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestability under cutting forcesVSAvoidadaptability to force variations
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

While the securing portion itself is rigid and non-resilient for stability, the system achieves adaptability through the geometric arrangement of multiple abutment regions. The rigid structure maintains stable positioning under cutting forces, while the distributed abutment regions naturally adapt to force variations by distributing loads across multiple contact points. The rigid framework combined with flexible force distribution pathways provides both stability and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP1998915B1Cutting tool
Publication Date: 2011.05.04 ISCAR LTD
  • EP1998915B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP1998915B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP1998915B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The disclosure provides a cutting tool which may utilize the manner in which a cutting insert is supported therein to better retain the cutting insert. The disclosure also provides a method of assembling the cutting insert in the cutting tool in a manner which may increase the cutting accuracy of the cutting tool.