Cutting Tool Shank with Segmented Coolant Channels
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cutting tools face issues with reduced flexural strength due to numerous coolant passages, limited torque transmission, and compatibility problems between shanks and cutting heads, particularly with conical clamping cones and complex coolant guides.
Innovation Solution
A cutting tool design featuring a central coolant passage branching into two sub-passages in the shank, an annular distribution groove on the cutting head for coolant distribution, and a positive-locking coupling with flat bearing surfaces for improved torque transmission and visibility during assembly, along with a differential thread for secure clamping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple coolant passages are distributed over the periphery of the shank, then each blade on the cutting head can be supplied with coolant, but the flexural strength of the shank is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The single central coolant passage is segmented into two sub-passages that flank the receptacle, providing coolant distribution to multiple blades while maintaining shank structural integrity through minimal passage penetration
Solution Approach 2:
The annular distribution groove on the cutting head acts as an intermediary that receives coolant from the two sub-passages and distributes it to multiple blades, eliminating the need for numerous individual coolant passages through the shank
2Ease of operation
If a clamping cone is used as coupling between cutting head and shank, then the cutting head can be detachably fixed, but the effective clamping surfaces are very small resulting in low torque transmission
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a conical clamping mechanism that reduces effective surface area, the patent inverts the approach by using flat bearing surfaces that maximize contact area between the coupling pin and receptacle, enabling high torque transmission while maintaining detachability
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling mechanism transitions from a conical (3D tapered) surface to flat (2D planar) bearing surfaces arranged in pairs, changing the dimensional approach to achieve both ease of operation and high force transmission
3Reliability
If conical clamping surfaces are arranged very deeply in the shank, then the coupling can be secured, but the surfaces cannot be seen from outside making alignment difficult and increasing tilting risk
Solution Approach 1:
The flat bearing surfaces are positioned at the opening edge of the receptacle where they are visible before assembly, allowing preliminary alignment action to be performed externally, eliminating the need for indicators and reducing tilting risk
4Reliability
If a screwing insert with differential thread is used for coupling, then the cutting head and shank can be effectively restrained, but the assembly process becomes complex with two separate threading operations
Solution Approach 1:
The complex differential threading mechanism is extracted and replaced with a simpler positive-locking coupling using flat bearing surfaces and a single clamping screw, achieving the same restraint effectiveness with reduced assembly complexity
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a cutting tool for a machine tool, comprising a cutting head (1), a shaft (2), and a coupling which removably fixes the cutting head (1) to the shaft (2), said coupling comprising a coupling pin (6) on the back of the cutting head (7) and a receptacle (5) in the shaft (2), which receptacle is complementary to the coupling pin (6) and accommodates the coupling pin (6) when the coupling is closed, comprising a central coolant channel (20) in the shaft (2), which separates into two sub-channels (12) in the region of the receptacle (5), the two sub-channels (12) flanking the receptacle (5) in the wall thereof and opening into the flat contact surface (10) annularly surrounding the opening edge (8) of the receptacle (5), and comprising a flat collar (16) on the back of the cutting head (7) having an annular distribution groove (15). The tool also comprises at least one coolant hole (19) connecting the cutting edges (14) on the cutting head (1) to the distribution groove (15).