Drill Flute Cross-Section Variation for Chip Removal

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional drilling tools face challenges with chip removal and stability, as large flute cross-sections compromise tool stability, while small rake angles hinder chip flow, leading to chip jamming and reduced service life.

Innovation Solution

A drilling tool with a double-edged point and point-symmetrical cutting edges, featuring ground chip flutes in the chip formation zone to increase flute cross-section and curvature, and an internal coolant/lubricant system to improve chip flow, along with a design that allows for optimized cutting edge geometry and rake angle correction without weakening the tool core.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the flute cross-section is increased to improve chip flow, then chip removal is improved, but tool stability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvechip removalVSAvoidtool stability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by varying the flute cross-section along the axial direction: the flute cross-section is increased specifically in the chip formation zone (at the tool tip) to improve chip flow, while the flute cross-section toward the shank end is reduced to maintain tool stability. This localized differentiation resolves the contradiction by providing large flute cross-section where needed for chip removal while preserving overall tool rigidity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Productivity

If a positive rake angle is used to facilitate chip sliding, then chip flow is improved, but main cutting edge stability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvechip flowVSAvoidmain cutting edge stability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by using different rake angles in different zones: a positive rake angle is used in the chip formation zone to facilitate chip sliding and flow, while a negative or small positive rake angle is used toward the shank end to increase main cutting edge stability and prevent breakage. This zonal differentiation resolves the contradiction between chip flow and edge stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Productivity

If the flute cross-section is increased to improve chip flow, then chip jamming is reduced, but the tool requires costly reshaping

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvechip flowVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-forming the varied flute cross-section geometry during the initial tool manufacturing process using specialized grinding wheels. The flute cross-section is designed to be larger at the chip formation zone and smaller toward the shank end from the outset, eliminating the need for costly post-manufacturing reshaping operations while achieving improved chip flow and reduced jamming.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP2576111B1Drilling tool
Publication Date: 2017.03.08 GUEHRING KG
  • EP2576111B1 patent drawing
  • EP2576111B1 patent drawing
  • EP2576111B1 patent drawing

AI summary

The invention relates to a drilling tool (1) comprising a clamping shaft (2) and a cutting element (3) contiguous with said clamping shaft (2). The cutting element (3) comprises at least one flute (4) having a flute surface that has a concave cross-section. The at least one flute (4) has a cut-in section (12) in the chip-forming zone adjacent to the main cutting edge (9) in the area of the flute front and/or the back segment to enlarge the flute cross-section.