Machining Tool Assembling Aid for Insert Mounting

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing tools for chip removing machining require skilled operators to mount cutting inserts in upside-down positions, which is complicated and prone to errors, especially when the insert seat is not easily accessible.

Innovation Solution

The tool incorporates an assembling aid with a clamping section that extends above the bottom surface of the insert seat, allowing for facilitated mounting of cutting inserts even in upside-down positions, and an attachment member for securing the insert, ensuring it remains in place until tightened.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the cutting insert is mounted in an upside-down position to accommodate machine tool constraints, then the insert seat position is determined by the machine tool, but the mounting operation becomes particularly complicated and requires very skilled operators

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinsert seat position adaptabilityVSAvoidmounting operation ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

A clamp is introduced as an intermediary device between the cutting insert and the insert seat. The clamp temporarily holds the cutting insert in position during mounting, making the operation feasible even in upside-down positions without requiring highly skilled operators to simultaneously position and fasten the insert

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The clamp is pre-positioned on the insert seat before the cutting insert is installed. This preliminary action prepares the mounting location in advance, allowing the cutting insert to be easily placed and secured without complex simultaneous operations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If the operator positions the cutting insert with fingers while simultaneously fastening the attachment member, then the cutting insert is fixed in place, but the operation is particularly complicated and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecutting insert fixation reliabilityVSAvoidmounting time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting operation is segmented into two independent steps: first, the clamp is used to position and temporarily secure the cutting insert; second, the attachment member is fastened to permanently fix the insert. This segmentation eliminates the need for simultaneous complex operations, reducing both time and skill requirements while maintaining reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The clamp serves as a temporary intermediary holding device that simplifies the mounting process. It allows the cutting insert to be securely positioned without requiring the operator to simultaneously perform positioning and fastening operations, thereby reducing mounting time while ensuring reliable fixation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If the insert seat is not easily accessible in the machine tool, then the machine tool structure is optimized for the operation, but the mounting operation becomes particularly complicated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemachine tool operation efficiencyVSAvoidinsert mounting ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The clamp acts as a simple intermediary device that can be easily manipulated even in hard-to-reach locations. Its simple structure allows operators to effectively mount cutting inserts in inaccessible insert seats without requiring complex tooling or positioning mechanisms

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The clamp is designed to be self-contained and self-explanatory in its operation. It automatically provides clamping force when engaged with the insert seat, requiring minimal operator skill or complex adjustment mechanisms, thereby simplifying mounting in inaccessible locations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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

This solution enables easier and more accurate mounting of cutting inserts with reduced risk of them falling, allowing for single-handed handling and improved accessibility, enhancing operator safety and efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

the clamping section is biased towards the bottom surface of the insert seat

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3650150A1A tool for chip removing machining and a kit for a tool for chip removing machining
Publication Date: 2020.05.13 WALTER AG
  • EP3650150A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3650150A1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3650150A1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a tool (1) for chip removing machining comprising a tool body (2). The tool body includes at least one insert seat (3) for accommodating a cutting insert (5) having a top surface (6) and a bottom surface (7). The tool body (2) is configured for securing the cutting insert (5) in the insert seat (3) by an attachment member (27, 30), and the insert seat (3) has a bottom surface (4) and at least one side surface (13, 14). The tool (1) comprises further at least one assembling aid (8), e.g. in the form of a metallic spring clip (8), which is provided at least at one insert seat (3) and which includes a clamping section (9) and a mounting section (10). The clamping section (9) extends above the bottom surface (4) of the insert seat (3) for, when the cutting insert (5) is accommodated in the insert seat (3), engaging the top surface (6) of the cutting insert (5). The clamping section (9) is biased towards the bottom surface (4) of the insert seat (3) and the mounting section (10) is attached to the tool body (2). The present disclosure also relates to a kit comprising a shim and an assembling aid.