Cutting Tool Shim and Lever Clamping Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional cutting tool assemblies with V-type levers face issues of weakened clamping force due to longer extension portions, leading to potential bending or breaking during cutting operations, necessitating a solution for secure and fast clamping of V-type cutting inserts.

Innovation Solution

A cutting tool assembly featuring a shim with concave and convex surfaces, an inclined clamping head, and a set screw with tapered portions, which allows for secure clamping of V-type cutting inserts without weakening the clamping lever, and enables easy assembly and disassembly without additional top clamping devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the extension portion of the lever is made longer to accommodate V-type cutting inserts, then the clamping capability is improved, but the strength of the extension portion is weakened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveclamping capabilityVSAvoidstrength of extension portion
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The invention moves the screw head from a horizontal arrangement (side-by-side with the lever) to a vertical arrangement (above the lever), utilizing the vertical dimension to resolve the spatial conflict. This allows the lever extension to be sufficiently long for V-type inserts while keeping the screw head positioned above to avoid interfering with the extended lever portion, thereby maintaining both clamping capability and structural strength.

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

2Force

If the screw head is positioned closer to the cutting insert, then the clamping force is improved, but interference with the lever extension occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveclamping forceVSAvoidinterference with lever
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention resolves the interference issue by changing the spatial arrangement from a horizontal layout to a vertical layout. The screw head is positioned vertically above the lever rather than horizontally adjacent to it, allowing the lever extension to reach the cutting insert without being blocked by the screw head, thus eliminating interference while maintaining effective clamping force.

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

3Reliability

If additional clamping devices are added on top of the shank or insert, then the clamping reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveclamping reliabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention makes the existing screw head serve multiple functions: it not only secures the lever to the shank but also acts as a clamping device that directly presses the cutting insert through the lever mechanism. This eliminates the need for additional dedicated clamping devices on top of the shank or insert, maintaining high clamping reliability while keeping the device structure simple.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3074164B1Cutting tool assembly
Publication Date: 2020.09.23 TAEGUTEC
  • EP3074164B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3074164B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3074164B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

A cutting tool assembly includes a shank, a shim, a cutting insert, a clamping lever and a set screw. The shank has an insert pocket with a base wall, a lever receiving portion and a screw hole. The shim is disposed on the base wall of the insert pocket and has a shim bore. The cutting insert is disposed on the upper surface of the shim and has an insert bore. The clamping lever is received in the lever receiving portion and clamps the cutting insert to the insert pocket. The clamping lever has first and second extension portions. The set screw is fastened to the screw hole and has a screw head, a threaded portion and an engaging groove. The engaging groove of the set screw engages the second extension portion. The shim includes an avoiding portion for avoiding an interference with the screw head.