Indexable Insert Clamp Structure for Easier Tool Body Replacement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing tool bodies for indexable cutting inserts face challenges in easy replacement due to the need for left-hand screws to counteract cutting resistance, leading to increased labor and risk of clamp screw loss during replacement, especially in confined spaces.

Innovation Solution

A tool body design featuring an insert mounting seat with a clamp member that can be lowered and raised to engage a hook portion with the cutting insert, allowing for easy removal without completely withdrawing the clamp member, thus preventing fall and enabling replacement from a more accessible direction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a clamp screw is used to fix the cutting insert, then the cutting insert can be securely fixed, but the clamp screw may be loosened by cutting resistance requiring left-hand screws which increases worker labor and complexity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefixing reliabilityVSAvoidscrew tightening/loosening operation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The clamp member is inverted from a traditional screw mechanism to a hook-shaped structure that engages with the cutting insert. The operating member rotates to move the clamp member between engaged and disengaged positions, eliminating the need for left-hand or right-hand screw configurations and simplifying the operation to a single rotational direction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The clamp member transitions from a static fixed position to a dynamic positionable structure. It can be rotated between an engaged position (where the hook portion contacts the cutting insert) and a disengaged position (where the hook portion is separated), allowing easy replacement without complete withdrawal.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If the clamp screw is withdrawn completely from the insert mounting seat for replacement, then the cutting insert can be replaced, but the clamp screw may be dropped and lost in confined spaces

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecutting insert replacementVSAvoidclamp screw retention

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The clamp member is designed with a hook portion that preliminarily engages with the cutting insert before complete removal. This engagement prevents the clamp member from being completely withdrawn and lost, while still allowing easy replacement of the cutting insert by rotating to the disengaged position.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Productivity

If the clamp member is completely withdrawn for insert replacement, then the insert can be changed, but additional labor and time are required for complete withdrawal and reinsertion

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinsert replacement efficiencyVSAvoidreplacement time

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The clamp member performs a partial action by rotating between engaged and disengaged positions without requiring complete withdrawal from the insert mounting seat. This partial rotational movement is sufficient to release the cutting insert while keeping the clamp member in position, reducing replacement time and labor.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

4Reliability

If left-hand screws are used to counteract cutting resistance, then the fixing reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases due to needing to identify and use different screw types

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefixing reliabilityVSAvoidscrew type identification and selection

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The operating member serves multiple functions: it rotates to engage/disengage the clamp member, and its rotation direction is universal (always the same direction) regardless of cutting resistance direction. This eliminates the need for different left-hand or right-hand screw types, simplifying the device while maintaining fixing reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS11759865B2Tool body

Publication Date: 2023.09.19 TUNGALOY CORP

AI summary

A tool body in which a cutting insert can be replaced easily is provided. The tool body which fixes the indexable cutting insert includes an insert mounting seat which is provided on a first surface of the tool body, a clamp member which binds the cutting insert placed on the insert mounting seat, and an operating member which operates the clamp member. The operating member can lower the clamp member from the first surface toward a second surface of the tool body on an opposite side thereof to the first surface and can raise the clamp member from the second surface toward the first surface. The clamp member has a hook portion which is brought into contact with a diameter reducing portion formed on an inner peripheral surface of a mounting hole of the cutting insert in a state where the clamp member is lowered.