Milling Cutter Insert Holder Alignment for Faster Tool Changes

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing milling cutters for processing plastic materials face challenges with complex and time-consuming tool changes due to the need for precise clamping and adjustment, leading to increased production downtimes and transport difficulties.

Innovation Solution

The design includes alignment surfaces in the receiving pocket for radial alignment of the insert holder, allowing it to be inserted and fixed without tools, with a self-tightening mechanism that utilizes centrifugal force for increased clamping force, and a clamping bolt that can be easily released for quick removal, enabling faster and more economical tool changes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If positioning pins are used to clamp insert holders in the base body, then the insert holder is securely fixed, but the tool change process becomes time-consuming and requires additional tools

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveclamping securityVSAvoidtool change time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The clamping bolt is designed to automatically clamp the insert holder when the disc rotates, utilizing centrifugal force. The bolt features a guide surface and clamping surface that enable self-positioning and self-clamping without requiring external tools or manual intervention, thus reducing tool change time while maintaining secure fixation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The clamping mechanism transitions from a static positioning pin system to a dynamic self-tightening bolt system that activates during rotation. The bolt automatically engages and clamps the insert holder through centrifugal force, adapting the clamping action to the operational state of the disc

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Stability of the object's composition

If the base body is made heavy with high moment of inertia, then the milling cutter maintains stability during operation, but transport and handling become difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational stabilityVSAvoidtransport ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The milling cutter is divided into a permanent disc-shaped base body and removable insert holders. This segmentation allows the base body to be optimized for operational stability while the removable components can be easily transported and replaced without moving the entire heavy assembly

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Measurement precision

If complex adjustment work is required to fix the base body to the spindle, then precise positioning is achieved, but the setup process becomes time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning precisionVSAvoidsetup time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Alignment surfaces are pre-formed on the insert holder and receiving pocket, enabling automatic radial alignment during insertion. This preliminary preparation of alignment features eliminates the need for complex adjustment work during setup while ensuring precise positioning

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

This design facilitates quicker and more efficient tool changes, reducing production downtime and transport issues by allowing for precise alignment and secure fixation without the need for additional tools, and enhances the clamping force during rotation.

Implementation Method 1

a self-tightening mechanism that utilizes centrifugal force for increased clamping force

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCentrifugal force: Centrifugal Force

Data Source

PatentEP3556499B1Milling cutter for processing plastic materials
Publication Date: 2023.06.14 EURACRYL GMBH
  • EP3556499B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3556499B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3556499B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for producing a component assembly and a component assembly in which a first component (2) and a second component (3) are welded together by forming a fillet weld (4). To reduce the tendency to corrosion, a joint area (5) to be smoothed, which comprises the fillet weld (4) and component sections (6, 7) adjoining it on both sides, is melted at least superficially such that the surface in the smoothed area (5A) has a continuous profile and transitions seamlessly into adjacent unsmoothed areas, and impurities are removed.