Indexable Cutting Insert With Rotatable Multi-Edge Geometry

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing indexable cutting inserts lack versatility in positioning, requiring frequent replacement when cutting edges wear out, as they are not easily reconfigurable to expose new cutting edges without purchasing new inserts.

Innovation Solution

An indexable cutting insert with a body featuring a cylindrical main surface and radially inward recess surfaces, allowing multiple cutting edges to be formed by intersections, which can be rotated to expose new edges beyond the tool holder's periphery, and a clamping screw hole for secure mounting, enabling efficient edge switching during machining operations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Duration of action of moving object

If traditional cutting inserts with fixed cutting edges are used, then initial cutting performance is maintained, but tool life is limited and frequent replacement is required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetool lifeVSAvoidtime for replacement
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of moving objectVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The cutting insert is divided into multiple segments with multiple cutting edges arranged around the periphery. Each cutting edge can be independently used, allowing the insert to be rotated and repositioned to expose fresh cutting edges as previous ones wear, thereby extending tool life without replacement

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The cutting insert is designed to be dynamically reconfigurable through rotation and repositioning on the tool holder. The insert can be rotated to different angular positions and flipped to access cutting edges on opposite sides, transforming a static single-edge tool into a dynamic multi-position tool

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Duration of action of moving object

If cutting inserts are designed with multiple cutting edges for extended use, then tool life is extended, but the complexity of positioning and reconfiguration increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetool lifeVSAvoidease of reconfiguration
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The cutting insert is designed with multiple identical cutting edges that are universally interchangeable. Each cutting edge can serve as the active cutting surface, and the insert can be rotated to any position where any cutting edge can function, providing universal multi-functionality that simplifies operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple cutting edges are pre-positioned around the periphery of the insert during manufacturing. This preliminary arrangement of cutting edges at predetermined positions allows for easy rotation and repositioning during use, eliminating the need for complex reconfiguration procedures

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple cutting edges are arranged around the periphery, then versatility in positioning is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning versatilityVSAvoidinsert structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple cutting edges are merged into a single integrated insert body, sharing common structural elements such as the mounting hole, body geometry, and cutting edge configuration. This merging approach provides positioning versatility while avoiding the complexity of separate components for each cutting edge

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP2131984B1Indexable cutting insert and method of machining
Publication Date: 2021.02.24 SECO TOOLS AB
  • EP2131984B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1D
  • EP2131984B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

A cutting insert (21) includes a body having a first surface, a second surface, and an intermediate surface. The intermediate surface includes a generally cylindrical main surface (31) and at least one recess surface (33) extending radially inwardly from the main surface, the main surface and the recess surface extending between the first surface and the second surface. Cutting edges (39) are defined by intersections between the main surface (31) and the recess surface (33).