Lever Clamping Tool for Stable Cutting Insert Attachment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing indexable cutting tools face issues with unstable clamping and complex structures, leading to potential damage during clamping and increased manufacturing costs due to the use of multiple screw members and intricate shapes.

Innovation Solution

A clamping tool with a first jaw portion and operation lever that locks onto a holder, using a lever mechanism to press the cutting insert's head portion downward, eliminating the need for screws and simplifying the structure by fitting the shaft portion into a holder, and a second jaw portion to release the insert during unclamping, using a common tool for both operations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If a hammer is used to hit the top surface of the insert to fit it into the holder, then the insert can be attached to the holder, but the insert may be damaged or the fitted state may become unstable

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of attachmentVSAvoidstability of fitted state

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the traditional hammering method with a press-fit mechanism using a pressing member that applies controlled axial force. The pressing member is guided by guide surfaces to ensure proper alignment and distributes the force evenly, eliminating the impact damage and instability associated with hammering while achieving reliable attachment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a spline-shaped shank and recessed socket are used for the tool bit and holder, then the tool bit can be indexed and fixed, but the shapes become complicated and manufacturing becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveindexing capabilityVSAvoidease of manufacture

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the indexing function from the complex spline geometry and implements it through simpler indexed positions on the insert perimeter that engage with corresponding features in the holder. This separation allows the shank and socket to have simple cylindrical shapes while maintaining the ability to index the insert to predetermined angular positions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the geometric parameters of the connection interface from complex spline profiles to simple cylindrical shapes with indexed engagement features. This parameter simplification maintains the indexing capability while dramatically reducing manufacturing complexity for both the insert and holder.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If multiple constituent members including clamp members and adjusting screws are used, then the tool bit can be fixed to the holder, but the number of parts increases and manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefixing capabilityVSAvoidnumber of parts

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple separate components (clamp members, adjusting screws, guide structures) into an integrated holder structure with built-in pressing members and guide surfaces. The holder itself performs the functions of clamping, guiding, and positioning, eliminating the need for separate fastening components and reducing the total part count while maintaining secure attachment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The solution provides stable clamping and unclamping of cutting inserts while reducing structural complexity and manufacturing costs, preventing damage and ensuring accurate alignment, and facilitating easy management of the clamping tool.

Implementation Method 1

a first pressing portion configured to push the head portion downward in the insert axial direction and fit the shaft portion into a shaft hole portion of the holder when the operation lever is rotationally moved in a first direction using the locking portion as a fulcrum

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLever mechanism: Lever

Data Source

PatentUS20240066604A1Clamping work tool, blade-tip-replaceable cutting tool with clamping work tool, and cutting insert

Publication Date: 2024.02.29 MITSUBISHI MATERIALS CORP

AI summary

Provided is a clamping tool for attaching a cutting insert to a holder or detaching a cutting insert from a holder, the cutting insert including a head portion having a circular cutting edge and a shaft portion, the clamping tool including: a first jaw portion configured to be locked to the holder; and an operation lever configured to be connected to the first jaw portion, in which the first jaw portion has a locking portion configured to be locked to the holder, and a first pressing portion configured to push the head portion downward and fit the shaft portion into a shaft hole portion of the holder when the operation lever is rotationally moved in a first direction using the locking portion as a fulcrum.