Machining Tool Cassette and Clamping Claw for Coolant Delivery

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing machining tools face challenges with coolant distribution, as bores in cutting inserts weaken the inserts, and separate coolant nozzles are difficult to adjust, leading to inadequate coolant supply and increased risk of tool breakage, especially when machining titanium.

Innovation Solution

A tool design featuring a U-shaped cartridge with a form-fitting connection using ribs and grooves between the cartridge and base holder, along with a clamping claw system that secures the cartridge and directs high-pressure coolant to the cutting edge, preventing lateral displacement and ensuring precise positioning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If bores are made in the cutting insert for coolant supply, then coolant can reach the cutting edge, but the cutting insert body is weakened and breakage risk increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoolant supplyVSAvoidcutting insert strength
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The coolant supply function is extracted from the cutting insert itself and relocated to the cartridge assembly. The cartridge contains coolant channels that deliver coolant to the cutting insert through its peripheral surface, avoiding the need for bores in the cutting insert body.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The cartridge acts as an intermediary component between the coolant supply system and the cutting insert. It receives coolant through internal channels and distributes it to the cutting insert's peripheral surface, enabling coolant delivery without compromising the insert's structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Quantity of substance

If a separate holding device with nozzle is used for coolant delivery, then coolant can be sprayed onto the cutting edge, but the device is difficult to adjust and position

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoolant deliveryVSAvoidadjustability
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The coolant delivery function is merged with the cartridge that holds the cutting insert. The cartridge integrates both the cutting insert seating and coolant distribution functions, eliminating the need for separate adjustable nozzle devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The cartridge automatically positions its coolant outlets relative to the cutting insert when the insert is installed. The form-fit connection between cartridge and insert ensures proper alignment without requiring manual adjustment of the coolant delivery system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Device complexity

If the cartridge is held only by clamping force, then the structure is simple, but lateral displacement occurs under transverse forces

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveclamping structureVSAvoidcartridge positioning
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The cartridge and base holder feature asymmetric form-fit profiles with ribs and corresponding recesses. This asymmetric geometry prevents lateral displacement in specific directions while maintaining a relatively simple clamping structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The connection between cartridge and base holder is segmented into multiple independent form-fit elements (ribs and recesses). This segmentation provides lateral stabilization through distributed contact points while keeping the overall structure simple and the cartridge easily replaceable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

4Productivity

If the cartridge can be easily removed and replaced, then quick changes are possible, but secure clamping and positioning become difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecassette change speedVSAvoidclamping security
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The clamping system uses a dynamic clamping claw that can be actuated to secure the cartridge during operation and released for quick removal. The form-fit profiles provide automatic positioning during insertion, ensuring reliability without compromising ease of replacement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The form-fit profiles between cartridge and base holder are pre-configured to automatically guide and position the cartridge correctly during insertion. This preliminary positioning action ensures secure clamping and proper alignment before the clamping force is applied, enabling both quick changes and reliable fixation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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

Enables quick and secure cassette changes, improved coolant delivery to the cutting edge, and enhanced chip control, reducing the risk of tool breakage and heat buildup during machining.

Implementation Method 1

the coolant jet is sprayed from a nozzle tip under pressure and at high speed into the space between the free surface of the tool and the workpiece onto the cutting edge

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHigh-pressure fluid jet: Jet

Implementation Method 2

the clamping claw is guided by at least one coolant line, which opens into at least one outlet nozzle on the clamping claw head

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFluid flow through channels:

Data Source

PatentEP3746245B1Tool for machining
Publication Date: 2023.08.09 ZCC CUTTING TOOLS EURO
  • EP3746245B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2

AI summary

The invention relates to a tool for machining, comprising: a base holder (10); an exchangeable cassette (15), having a cutting plate seat; a clamping claw (11), having a clamping claw arm and a terminal clamping claw head (12); and a cutting insert (13), wherein: - the clamping claw is detachably connected to the base holder, and in the tool at least one cooling liquid line is led through the base holder and the clamping claw, which cooling liquid line leads into at least one outlet nozzle (121) on the clamping claw head; - the exchangeable cassette is integrally formed in a U shape with a center portion (151) and two legs (152, 153), which are arranged on both sides of the center portion and of which the leg (152) having the cutting plate seat is L-shaped and has a hook-shaped extension (154), which is arranged substantially perpendicular to the plate seat and engages in a recess or an undercut of the base holder. According to the invention, the cassette and the base holder each have an interlocking-connection profile (156) in the contact region thereof, which interlocking-connection profile secures the cassette relative to the base holder to prevent lateral movement.