Indexable Turning Insert Asymmetric Clearance for Deep Grooving

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing indexable turning inserts with more than 3 cutting edges are not suitable for transverse turning due to support center part limitations, making them less attractive from a cost perspective and capable of only shallow groove operations.

Innovation Solution

An indexable turning insert with four cutting parts, each with a clearance side and angles designed to allow transverse turning, where every second cutting part has its clearance side on the same side, enabling mutual indexing and deeper groove capabilities, along with a specialized insert holder for secure positioning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the number of cutting edges on a turning insert is increased to 5 or more, then cost-effectiveness improves, but the maximum groove depth is reduced and transverse turning becomes impossible

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecost-effectivenessVSAvoidgroove depth capability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies asymmetry by configuring four cutting edges where every second cutting part has its clearance side on the same side of the insert. This asymmetric arrangement creates alternating clearance sides that enable the insert to achieve both high cost-effectiveness (4 cutting edges) and sufficient groove depth capability, resolving the contradiction between number of cutting edges and groove depth capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

2Productivity

If an insert with 5 cutting edges is used, then cost-effectiveness improves, but the support centre part hits the work piece during transverse turning

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecost-effectivenessVSAvoidtransverse turning capability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The asymmetric configuration of clearance sides on alternating cutting parts allows the insert to perform transverse turning without the support centre part interfering with the work piece, while maintaining 4 cutting edges for cost-effectiveness

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes three-dimensional spatial arrangement of the four cutting edges with alternating clearance sides, creating sufficient clearance space in the radial dimension to enable transverse turning operations without support centre interference

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Ease of operation

If an insert with only 3 cutting edges is used for transverse turning, then transverse turning capability is maintained, but cost-effectiveness decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransverse turning capabilityVSAvoidcost-effectiveness
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent increases from 3 to 4 cutting edges while maintaining transverse turning capability through asymmetric clearance side configuration, thereby improving cost-effectiveness without sacrificing operational capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

Data Source

PatentEP2234745B1An indexable turning insert, a cutting tool comprising such an insert and use thereof
Publication Date: 2015.11.18 SECO TOOLS AB
  • EP2234745B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP2234745B1 patent drawingFigure 4~6
  • EP2234745B1 patent drawingFigure 7~8

AI summary

An indexable turning insert (1) comprising two opposing larges sides formed by a support centre part (4) and a plurality of cutting parts (5-8) projecting outwardly therefrom, each having a cutting edge (9-12) extending between said sides and being spaced apart around the outer perimeter of the centre part for indexing, has four said cutting parts. Each cutting part has a clearance side (13) extending on one of said sides of the insert from the cutting edge of the cutting part towards said centre part while making clearance angles in two dimensions with respect to the cutting edge, and the cutting edge of each cutting part makes an angle being below 90° by less than said clearance angles with the other of said sides of the insert.