Cutting Tool Assembly With Side-Access Clamping for Shorter Reach
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rotating cutting tool assemblies have a long axial length due to the clamping device, which complicates tool exchange and increases the tool's overall length, making them less useful.
Innovation Solution
The clamping device's differential screw is accessible from the side of the second tool part, allowing for clamping and release without needing access to the rear, enabling quicker tool part exchange and a more compact design with a shorter axial length, facilitated by a transversal cavity and elastic retaining ring, and a coolant system that minimizes coolant loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the clamping device is designed with a long axial length to accommodate the differential screw mechanism, then the clamping function is reliable, but the total tool length increases and tool exchange becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The differential screw mechanism is repositioned from a longitudinal arrangement (extending axially through the tool holder) to a transverse arrangement (accessible from the side). This dimensional change allows the clamping mechanism to function reliably while significantly reducing the axial length of the tool holder, thereby resolving the contradiction between clamping reliability and compact tool length.
2Device complexity
If the clamping device requires access to the rear of the second tool part for tool exchange, then the clamping mechanism can be simple, but the tool exchange process becomes time-consuming and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The access direction for tool exchange is changed from longitudinal (rear access) to transverse (side access via the cavity). This allows operators to quickly exchange tool parts from the side without needing to access the rear of the tool holder, significantly reducing tool exchange time while maintaining the simplicity of the clamping mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The differential screw mechanism is extracted from the main body of the tool holder and positioned to be accessible through a cavity in the second tool part. This extraction allows the clamping mechanism to remain simple while enabling quick access from the side for tool exchange operations.
3Device complexity
If the differential screw is positioned centrally in the tool holder, then the structure is compact, but coolant flow and chip evacuation become problematic
Solution Approach 1:
The differential screw is repositioned from a central longitudinal position to a transverse position accessible from the side. This creates a clear pathway for coolant to flow axially through the tool and for chips to be evacuated, resolving the contradiction between structural compactness and coolant flow efficiency.
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 configuration allows for easy assembly and disassembly, reduces the tool's length, and ensures proper cooling while maintaining strength and ease of manufacturing, enhancing the tool's usability and efficiency in machining elongated holes.
Implementation Method 1
The clamping device comprises a differential screw, respectively having a threaded portion, provided with contradirectional thread leads, which engage in the two clamp blocks
Implementation Method 2
a coolant system that minimizes coolant loss
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~5
Figure 6
AI summary
A cutting tool assembly comprises a first tool part (1) and a second tool part (2).The first tool part comprises a forward end portion (5) comprising a cutting edge and a rearward end portion (6) comprising a conical section (7) and an engagement section (8). The second tool part comprises a conical recess (11) and a clamping device (20) rearwards the conical recess. The clamping device is provided in a transversal cavity (19) of the second tool part and comprises a first clamp block (21), a second clamp block (22) and a differential screw (23) engaging the first and second clamp blocks. The first and second clamp blocks engage the engagement section of the first tool part to pull the first tool part into the conical recess when the first and second clamp blocks are moved towards each other by the differential screw protruding rearwards from the first and second clamp blocks.