Cutting Tool Assembly With Transverse Clamping for Shorter Tool Length
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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 overall tool length, making them less useful.
Innovation Solution
A cutting tool assembly with a clamping device located in a transversal cavity of the second tool part, featuring a differential screw accessible from the side, allowing for easy assembly and disassembly without requiring access to the rear of the tool, and a compact design with a short axial length.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the clamping device is designed with a long axial length to securely hold the tool part, then the clamping reliability is improved, but the overall tool length increases and tool exchange becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping device is repositioned from a longitudinal arrangement (extending axially at the rear) to a transverse arrangement (positioned sideways in a transverse cavity). The differential screw mechanism operates in a transverse direction rather than axially, allowing the clamp blocks to grip the tool part from the side. This dimensional change reduces the axial length requirement while maintaining clamping effectiveness.
2Reliability
If the clamping device is positioned at the rear of the tool holder to secure the tool part, then the clamping function is achieved, but access to the rear is required for tool exchange which complicates the process
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping device is segmented into separate components (differential screw, first clamp block, second clamp block) that are distributed within a transverse cavity. The differential screw mechanism is positioned such that its operating end is accessible from the side of the tool holder, allowing the clamping and release operations to be performed without removing the tool holder from the machine tool.
3Strength
If the clamping device extends significantly rearwards in the tool holder to secure the tool part, then the clamping strength is improved, but the total length of the tool increases with negative implications on usefulness
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping force is generated through a transverse differential screw mechanism rather than a longitudinal one. The screw threads engage the clamp blocks in a transverse direction, creating clamping force that acts radially inward on the tool part. This transverse clamping action achieves sufficient holding strength without requiring extended axial length.
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
Facilitates quick tool exchange by keeping the second tool part in the machine tool, reduces the overall length of the assembly, and ensures efficient coolant delivery while minimizing contamination and loss.
Implementation Method 1
a differential screw extending along a transversal axis and engaging the first and second clamp blocks, wherein the differential screw is configured to move the first and second clamp blocks in parallel with the transversal axis away from and towards each other
Implementation Method 2
the first and second clamp blocks comprise a respective engagement surface arranged to engage the engagement section of the first tool part, when the conical section is placed in the conical recess, in order to pull the first tool part into a holding position in the conical recess when the first and second clamp blocks are moved towards each other
Data Source
AI summary
A cutting tool assembly includes a first tool part and a second tool part. The first tool part has a forward end portion including a cutting edge and a rearward end portion having a conical section and an engagement section. The second tool part includes a conical recess and a clamping device rearwards the conical recess. The clamping device is provided in a transversal cavity of the second tool part and has a first clamp block, a second clamp block and a differential screw 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.