Milling Tool Holder Segmented Shank Retention

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current tool holder designs for milling drums in cold planers frequently require machines to be taken out of service for extended periods due to damage or breakage, leading to increased maintenance time and costs.

Innovation Solution

The tool holder design incorporates a combination of frustoconical and cylindrical portions with radial openings, providing a self-holding taper fit and press fit to securely attach to the tool mounting block without external fasteners, enhancing retention and ease of replacement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional friction or interference connection tool holders are used, then the tool holder can be mounted to the tool block, but the tool holder is frequently damaged or broken requiring extended machine downtime for replacement

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetool holder retentionVSAvoidmachine downtime
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The tool holder shank is segmented into multiple portions including a first tapered portion, a second tapered portion, and a cylindrical portion. This segmentation allows each portion to serve a specific function: the first tapered portion provides initial insertion, the second tapered portion creates interference fit, and the cylindrical portion provides friction fit, collectively improving retention reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different portions of the tool holder shank have different geometric properties tailored to specific mounting requirements. The tapered portions provide self-holding characteristics while the cylindrical portion provides friction-based retention. This local differentiation of geometric quality ensures optimal performance at each interface zone

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If dual tapered shank with interference fit is used, then secure mounting is achieved, but the structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemounting securityVSAvoidtool holder structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple retention mechanisms (tapered interference fit, friction fit, and self-holding geometry) are merged into a single integrated tool holder shank structure. This combination achieves secure mounting through协同 action of different portions rather than requiring separate components or fasteners

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The tool holder shank is designed to self-retain through its own geometric features without requiring external fasteners, clips, or additional retention mechanisms. The tapered and cylindrical portions work together to automatically secure the tool holder in the tool block through interference and friction fits

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of repair

If frequent tool holder replacement is needed, then broken tool holders can be replaced, but productivity is reduced due to extended servicing periods

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetool holder replacementVSAvoidmachine operational efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of repairVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The retention function is extracted from external fasteners and integrated into the tool holder shank geometry itself. This allows the tool holder to be easily removed and replaced by simply pulling it out of the tool block without disassembling additional components, significantly reducing replacement time

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The shank geometry parameters (taper angles, diameters, lengths) are optimized to provide sufficient retention during operation while allowing easy removal when needed. The cylindrical portion's friction fit can be overcome with moderate force for quick replacement, balancing retention and ease of repair

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 improves the longevity of machine components, reduces servicing time and expense by securely retaining tool holders, minimizing losses during operation, and allowing for quick installation and removal without additional fasteners.

Implementation Method 1

providing a self-holding taper fit and press fit to securely attach to the tool mounting block

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTaper fit: Friction

Implementation Method 2

The tool holder may also include a frustoconical portion located between the flange and the first end with respect to the axial direction and a cylindrical portion located between the flange and the first end

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectInterference fit: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS10184336B2Milling tool holder
Publication Date: 2019.01.22 CATERPILLAR PAVING PROD INC
  • US10184336B2 patent drawing
  • US10184336B2 patent drawing
  • US10184336B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A tool holder is disclosed for use with a milling drum. The tool holder may have a cylindrical body defining a first end and a second end, the first end configured to be received within a tool mounting block of the milling drum, the second end configured to receive a cutting bit. A flange may be located between the first and second end with respect to an axial direction, and a first bore, with a first opening defined by the second end and extending towards the first end. A frustoconical portion may be located between the flange and the first end with respect to the axial direction and a cylindrical portion located between the flange and the first end. At least one radial opening may pass through at least the wall of the cylindrical portion to intersect or be open to the first bore.