Dynamic Clamping Mechanism for Rapid Cutting Insert Indexing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cutting tools require significant time and labor to index or replace cutting inserts due to the need to remove and reattach fasteners, which is inefficient and costly, especially when dealing with multiple inserts.
Innovation Solution
A cutting tool holder design featuring a fastening member with a head portion and two clamping regions that allows for secure engagement of cutting inserts without disengaging the fastening member from the holder, enabling easy mounting and dismounting of inserts while maintaining the fastening member within the holder.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional fastener passing through a bore in the cutting insert into the bottom of the seat is used, then the cutting insert can be securely attached to the cutting tool holder, but significant time and labor are required to remove and reattach the fastener for indexing or replacing inserts
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening member is segmented into two distinct clamping regions: a first clamping region that engages with the cutting insert, and a second clamping region that engages with the seat. This segmentation allows the fastening member to perform multiple functions simultaneously - securing the insert while remaining engaged with the holder, enabling rapid indexable operations without complete fastener removal and reattachment
Solution Approach 2:
The fastening member is configured to be movable between different positions - specifically, it can be moved from an initial position where it engages the seat bore to a final position where it secures the cutting insert. This dynamic capability allows the fastening member to adapt its engagement state, enabling the insert to be mounted and dismounted without removing the fastening member itself, thus reducing indexing time
2Reliability
If a fastening member with multiple clamping regions is used to secure the cutting insert, then the insert can be firmly attached without disengaging the fastening member, but the structure of the fastening member becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening member is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously performs multiple functions: it engages with the seat bore for positioning, provides a first clamping region for securing the cutting insert, and provides a second clamping region for additional engagement. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require separate components into a single integrated fastening member, achieving reliable attachment without proportionally increasing complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The fastening member features a nested structure where the shank portion is received within the seat bore, and the head portion with its two clamping regions extends therealong. This nested arrangement allows the fastening member to be compact when not in use while providing sufficient engagement surfaces when activated, maintaining structural efficiency despite the multiple functional requirements
Data Source
AI summary
A cutting tool holder (10) configured for mounting thereon a cutting insert (30) to form a cutting tool (1); the cutting insert (30) has a top face (32T), a bottom face (32B), at least one side wall (32S) extending between the top face (32T) and the bottom face (32B), and an insert bore (35) extending between the top face (32T) and the bottom face (32B); the cutting tool holder (10) comprises a body (12) and a fastening member (50), the body (12) comprising an insert seat (20) having a base surface (22) and being configured for receiving therein the cutting insert (30); and a seat bore (25) having an open end at the base surface (22); the fastening member (50) defines a fastening member axis (XFM) and comprises and shank portion (52) and a head portion (51) extending therealong; the shank portion (52) is configured for being received within the seat bore (25); and the head portion (51) comprises a first clamping region, and a second clamping region axially spaced therefrom and disposed between the shank portion (52) and the first clamping region; the fastening member (50) is configured for assuming a mounting position, in which the fastening member (50) remains in engagement with the seat bore (25) in the mounting position while allowing positioning of the cutting insert (30) into the insert seat (20), and a securing position in which the first and second clamping regions are disposed so as to engage two axially-spaced regions of the cutting insert (30) thereby securing it in the insert seat (20).