Cutting Tool Shank Retaining Element Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cutting tools face issues with low repeatability in cutting head location and displacement due to cutting forces, which affect accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A tool holder design featuring a shank with a retaining thread, an adaptor with a transverse bore, and a retaining element with a hook that limits rotation and prevents axial separation, ensuring secure engagement of the cutting head without thread engagement between the forward portion of the retaining element and the adaptor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the support bar and coupling bar are threadingly engaged with various diameters, then the cutting head can be mounted, but the repeatability of positioning is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into three separate components: a support bar fixed in the shank, a coupling bar with the cutting head, and a retaining element. This segmentation allows each component to have a standardized single-diameter thread, improving positioning repeatability while maintaining mounting capability through the assembled configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining element acts as an intermediary component that secures the coupling bar to the support bar. It features a transverse bore that receives a hook, creating a positive mechanical lock that ensures repeatable positioning without requiring complex multi-diameter threading.
2Ease of operation
If the cutting head is releaseably mounted to allow easy replacement, then ease of operation is improved, but stability under cutting forces is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system transitions from a static threaded connection to a dynamic assembly-disassembly system. The cutting head can be easily removed by detaching the coupling bar from the support bar through the retaining element mechanism, then reattached with consistent positioning, combining ease of operation with reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining element is extracted as a separate removable component rather than being integrated into the support bar or coupling bar. This allows the cutting head assembly to be quickly detached and reattached while maintaining stable positioning through the standardized thread and retaining element combination.
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 design enhances the repeatability and stability of the cutting head's position, reducing displacement under cutting forces and maintaining accuracy while allowing for easy replacement of the cutting head.
Implementation Method 1
The forward portion of the retaining element and a rear portion of the adaptor overlap in a direction transverse to the longitudinal tool axis A without being threadingly engaged to one another. The forward portion of the retaining element may be positioned and configured to limit rotation of the adaptor about the longitudinal axis A.
Implementation Method 2
the threaded portion of the cutting head is threadingly engaged to the first thread of the adaptor, thereby removably securing the cutting head to the adaptor
Implementation Method 3
an adaptor extending along the longitudinal axis A and having an external thread engaged to said at least one retaining thread
Data Source
AI summary
A cutting tool has a cutting head which is removably secured to an adaptor of a tool holder. Upon replacement of the cutting head the adaptor remains fixed in the tool holder. In addition to the adaptor, the cutting tool includes a shank in which the adaptor may be retained, and a retaining element configured to form a sub-assembly with the adaptor without being threadingly engaged thereto. The retaining element is positioned and configured to limit rotation of the adaptor about a longitudinal axis of the tool.