Indexable Cutting Insert Clamping for Wide-Insert Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cutting tools face challenges in securely and reliably holding 'wide-type' indexable cutting inserts, particularly those with large maximum widths, due to inadequate clamping mechanisms that can lead to instability during metal cutting processes.
Innovation Solution
The cutting tool design features a holder with spaced apart lower and upper clamping portions and a pivot axis, allowing for even distribution of clamping force and retention of the cutting insert through moment forces without the need for a clamping screw, ensuring stable positioning of wide-type cutting inserts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional clamping mechanisms (lever and clamping screw) are used to secure cutting inserts, then the insert can be held in place, but the clamping force distribution is uneven and reliability is insufficient for wide-type inserts
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping mechanism is segmented into multiple independent clamping elements (first and second clamping elements) that distribute clamping force across different regions of the insert. Each clamping element can independently apply force to different portions of the insert perimeter, ensuring even force distribution and improved reliability for wide-type inserts.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the insert perimeter are provided with different clamping characteristics through the first and second clamping elements. The clamping force is locally optimized at different positions around the insert, with each clamping element tailored to secure specific portions of the insert based on their geometric characteristics and cutting load requirements.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a clamping screw is used to secure the cutting insert, then the insert can be retained, but the clamping force is not evenly distributed across the insert
Solution Approach 1:
The single clamping screw is replaced with multiple clamping elements that are distributed around the insert perimeter. This segmentation allows clamping force to be applied at multiple discrete locations, creating an even force distribution pattern that prevents insert deformation and ensures stable positioning during cutting operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamping elements are positioned and configured to counterbalance cutting forces acting on different portions of the insert. By distributing clamping elements around the perimeter, the system creates counteracting force pairs that maintain insert stability under varying cutting load conditions.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~5a
AI summary
A cutting tool (20) has a holder (22) and an indexable cutting insert (24) secured therein. The holder (22) has a head (26) having spaced apart lower and upper clamping portions (30; 32) located on opposite sides of a first horizontal plane (PI). The lower clamping portion (30) has spaced apart first and second lower clamping surfaces (34; 36) located on opposite sides of a second vertical plane (P2) parallel to the longitudinal axis of the holder, and the upper clamping portion (32) has an upper clamping surface (38) intersected by the second plane (P2). The cutting insert has a peripheral surface (44) with a plurality of circumferentially spaced cutting portions (48), and the second plane (P2) intersects the plurality of cutting portions (48). The upper clamping surface (38) makes contact with a first abutment portion (56') of the peripheral surface (44), and a second abutment portion (56") of the peripheral surface (44) makes contact with the first and second lower clamping surfaces (34; 36).