Interchangeable Auxiliary Cutting Tools on a Machining Tool Shank

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cutting tools require specific installation measures for secondary cutting tools, limiting their interchangeability and necessitating complete tool replacement when worn, leading to high costs and reduced versatility.

Innovation Solution

A main cutting tool with radially arranged, cassette-like receiving openings allows for interchangeable attachment of secondary cutting tools, enabling easy replacement and adaptation to different tasks without altering the tool's cylindrical working area.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If secondary cutting tools are permanently attached to the shank of the main cutting tool, then the tool structure is simplified and manufacturing is easier, but the tools cannot be replaced or adapted to different tasks

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidtool interchangeability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The cutting tool is divided into separate functional components: the main cutting tool body and detachable secondary cutting tools. The secondary cutting tools are mounted on holders that can be independently attached and detached from the main tool shank, allowing each component to be manufactured separately and assembled as needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The mounting system transitions from a static, permanent attachment to a dynamic, changeable configuration. The secondary cutting tools can be attached, detached, and repositioned on the main cutting tool shank, enabling the tool to adapt its configuration based on different working requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Shape

If secondary cutting tools are permanently attached to the main cutting tool, then the overall tool structure is more compact, but the main tool must be completely replaced when secondary tools wear out, increasing costs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetool compactnessVSAvoidtool replacement cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The cutting tool system is segmented into the main tool body and separate secondary cutting tool holders. This segmentation allows the secondary tools to be independently replaced when worn, without affecting the main tool body, thereby reducing replacement costs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The secondary cutting tools and their holders are designed as consumable components that can be discarded when worn out and recovered/reused on different main tools. This approach recovers the value of the main tool body while replacing only the worn secondary components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #34Discarding and recovering

3Manufacturing precision

If additional installation measures are taken in the cylindrical shank for secondary cutting tools, then precise fitting is achieved, but the shank structure is weakened and miniaturization is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefitting precisionVSAvoidshank structural strength
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of modifying the shank structure extensively in the radial direction, the mounting features are arranged in the axial direction along the shank. This dimensional shift allows precise mounting of secondary tools without significantly compromising the radial structural integrity of the shank.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The shank is designed with pre-formed mounting features (such as grooves or recesses) that are created during the main tool manufacturing process. These preliminary structures enable precise attachment of secondary tools without requiring additional complex installation measures that would weaken the shank.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP4349512A1Machining tool with further shank-side auxiliary cutting tools
Publication Date: 2024.04.10 HEULE WERKZEUG
  • EP4349512A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4349512A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4349512A1 patent drawingFigure 5~8

AI summary

Cutting tool (4, 5) which is driven by its shank (2, 3) in a rotating or pushing and pulling motion about its longitudinal axis (41) and on the shank (2, 3) further shank-side auxiliary cutting tools (6, 7, 8) are attached, wherein the auxiliary cutting tools (6, 7, 8) are attached to the shank (2, 3) of the cutting tool (4, 5) in an interchangeable manner.