Multi-Insert Cutting Tool Groove Layout for Smooth Swarf Discharge

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cutting tools face issues with swarf clogging in the grooves during machining, leading to reduced swarf discharging performance and increased cutting resistance, which affects the accuracy of the work surface.

Innovation Solution

A cutting tool design with a specific arrangement of cutting inserts and swarf discharging grooves, where the angle between the outer circumferential surface and the tangent of the swarf discharging groove is greater than 90°, and an equally divided arrangement of cutting edges to minimize overlap and reduce cutting resistance, along with an arc-shaped portion in the swarf discharging groove to enhance swarf discharge.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional swarf discharging grooves are used, then the structure is simple, but swarf clogging occurs and discharging performance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveswarf discharging performanceVSAvoidgroove structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies curvature by forming an arc-shaped portion in the swarf discharging groove, where the groove extends in the axial direction with a curved path rather than a straight line. This arc-shaped configuration enables swarf to be discharged more smoothly along the curved surface, preventing clogging while maintaining structural simplicity. The curved geometry leverages the natural flow of swarf particles to improve discharge efficiency without adding complex mechanical components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

2Productivity

If cutting edges are closely arranged, then productivity increases, but cutting resistance increases and machining accuracy deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemachining efficiencyVSAvoidwork surface accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs asymmetric arrangement of cutting edges where the angular spacing between adjacent cutting edges is not uniform. Specifically, the angle between cutting edges varies along the circumference, creating an asymmetric pattern that reduces overlapping of cutting paths. This asymmetric configuration allows for higher density of cutting edges (improved productivity) while minimizing interference between adjacent cuts, thereby maintaining work surface accuracy and reducing cutting resistance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

3Productivity

If multiple cutting inserts are used, then productivity increases, but swarf clogging in grooves worsens

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemachining outputVSAvoidswarf clogging
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the swarf discharging function by providing multiple separate grooves (first swarf discharging groove, second swarf discharging groove, etc.) corresponding to each cutting insert. Each groove is independently configured with an arc-shaped portion that facilitates smooth swarf discharge. This segmentation prevents swarf from multiple cutting inserts from mixing and clogging in a single groove, allowing each groove to handle swarf from its corresponding insert independently, thereby maintaining high productivity without clogging issues.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS11504780B2Cutting tool
Publication Date: 2022.11.22 SUMITOMO ELECTRIC HARDMETAL CORP
  • US11504780B2 patent drawing
  • US11504780B2 patent drawing
  • US11504780B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The first cutting insert is attached to a first pocket. The second cutting insert is attached to a second pocket. The third cutting insert is attached to a third pocket. The first pocket has a first seat surface, a second seat surface, a third seat surface, and a first swarf discharging groove. The second pocket has a fourth seat surface, a fifth seat surface, a sixth seat surface, and a second swarf discharging groove. The third pocket has a seventh seat surface, an eighth seat surface, a ninth seat surface, and a third swarf discharging groove. In a cross section perpendicular to an axis, an angle formed between a straight line along the sixth seat surface and a tangent of the second swarf discharging groove at a boundary between the outer circumferential surface and the second swarf discharging groove is more than 90°.