Indexable Cutting Insert Asymmetric Mounting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Designing indexable cutting inserts for smaller tools poses a challenge in maintaining strength and providing sufficient surface space for mounting without compromising the insert's integrity, especially when corner radii become large, leading to potential improper mounting issues.

Innovation Solution

A single-sided cutting insert design with a central surface portion disposed at a greater distance from the hole's axis than the supporting surface portion, featuring a ridge that prevents incorrect mounting by ensuring the hole does not align properly with the toolholder's threaded hole, thus preventing upside-down installation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the insert size is reduced for smaller tools, then the adaptability to smaller workpieces is improved, but the strength of the insert deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to smaller workpiecesVSAvoidstrength of the insert

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies asymmetry by making the insert single-sided with an asymmetric configuration where the central surface portion is positioned at a greater distance from the hole axis than the supporting surface portion. This asymmetric design prevents improper mounting while maintaining structural integrity in smaller inserts, resolving the contradiction between adaptability to small workpieces and insert strength.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

2Productivity

If the corner radius is increased for larger cutting edges, then the cutting performance is improved, but the available surface area for mounting deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecutting performanceVSAvoidsurface area for mounting

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent resolves the contradiction by transitioning from a double-sided insert design to a single-sided design with an asymmetric configuration. This dimensional reconfiguration allows larger corner radii for better cutting performance while maintaining sufficient mounting surface area through the asymmetric positioning of the central surface portion relative to the hole axis.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Productivity

If the insert is made double-sided to increase usable edges, then the productivity is improved, but the risk of improper mounting increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of usable cutting edgesVSAvoidcorrect mounting orientation

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies asymmetry by designing a single-sided insert where the central surface portion is positioned at a greater distance from the hole axis than the supporting surface portion. This asymmetric configuration ensures that the hole cannot align properly with the toolholder's threaded hole unless the insert is correctly oriented, thereby preventing improper mounting while maintaining high productivity through multiple usable cutting edges on the single side.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

4Ease of operation

If the hole size is increased for easier mounting, then the ease of operation is improved, but the structural integrity of the insert deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of mountingVSAvoidstructural integrity of the insert

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by creating an asymmetric configuration where the central surface portion is positioned at a greater distance from the hole axis than the supporting surface portion. This local geometric differentiation allows for an optimally sized hole that facilitates easy mounting while the asymmetric positioning maintains structural integrity by distributing stresses appropriately in the smaller insert design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP3455018B1Indexable single-sided cutting insert with means for preventing improper mounting of the insert, and cutting tool including such an insert

Publication Date: 2020.06.24 SECO TOOLS AB

Figure 1~2
Figure 3~6
Figure 7~9B

AI summary

A cutting insert (25) includes a rake end surface (35) having four corners (37a-d) and, in a center thereof, a central surface portion (39), a supporting end surface (41) having four corners (43a-d) and, in a center thereof, a central supporting surface portion (45), a peripheral side surface (47) extending between the rake end surface (35) and the supporting end surface (41), the peripheral side surface (47) comprising two opposing major side surfaces (49a-b)m a hole (51) extending through the cutting insert (25) from one of the major side surfaces (49a or 49b) to the other of the major side surfaces (49b or 49a), wherein the central surface portion (39) is disposed at a greater distance from a central axis (A) of the hole (51) than is the central supporting surface portion (45). The single-sided cutting insert (25) has a corner (37a-37d) radii or cutting edge (63a-63b) radii (R) that extend over at least a quarter of a width (W) of the cutting insert.