Rotatable Cutting Tool Key Surfaces That Prevent Axial Slippage
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rotatable machining tools face issues with key attachment surface formations that can slip axially, leading to potential damage to the cutting edge during torque introduction, as the current flat key attack surfaces are not optimally designed for secure engagement.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of non-parallel contact surfaces with complementary key surfaces, including curved and flat surfaces, that provide a larger contact area and secure axial engagement, preventing slipping and enhancing torque transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If flat parallel key engagement surfaces are used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but axial slippage occurs during torque application causing damage to cutting edges
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies curvature by replacing the traditional flat parallel key engagement surfaces with at least one curved key engagement surface that is inclined relative to the tool axis. This curved surface prevents axial slippage of the wrench during torque application while maintaining ease of manufacture through standard machining operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the key engagement surface by inclining it at a specific angle (5° to 45°) relative to the tool axis. This parameter change transforms the surface from a flat parallel configuration to an inclined curved configuration, providing axial positioning functionality while preserving manufacturing simplicity.
2Device complexity
If flat parallel key engagement surfaces are used, then manufacturing complexity is low, but the contact area is insufficient leading to slippage and potential damage
Solution Approach 1:
The curved key engagement surface increases the effective contact area between the wrench and the tool compared to flat surfaces. The curvature allows for a larger surface area engagement while maintaining low device complexity through straightforward machining processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new dimensional aspect by inclining the key engagement surface relative to the tool axis. This creates a three-dimensional engagement geometry that increases contact area without significantly increasing overall device complexity, as the inclination can be achieved through standard machining.
3Reliability
If the key engagement surface is inclined relative to the tool axis, then axial positioning is improved preventing slippage, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent specifies a practical range for the inclination angle (5° to 45°) that optimizes axial positioning while considering manufacturing capabilities. This parameter range provides sufficient axial constraint to prevent slippage during torque application without imposing excessively tight manufacturing precision requirements.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
The invention relates to a rotatable cutting tool (10), in particular a tool head (10), such as a milling, grinding or drilling head, which extends along a tool axis (W) defining an axial direction, wherein the cutting tool (10) has a cutting formation (13) in a first axial longitudinal end region (12) which is designed for material removal from a workpiece, wherein the cutting tool (10) has a screw connection formation in a second axial longitudinal end region (18) opposite the first, which is designed for screw connection with a coupling component, such as a shank component, tool holder (24) and/or chuck, and wherein the cutting tool (10) has key engagement surface formations (30, 36) diametrically opposed to each other with respect to the tool axis (W), which are designed for torque-transmitting contact engagement with key surfaces of a torque wrench.According to the invention, at least one key attack surface formation (30, 36) has at least one axial locking formation (31, 33) which comprises at least one contact surface that is not parallel to the tool axis (W).