Modular Cutting Tool Body With Transition Geometry for Complex Tooling
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Manufacturing cutting tools with complex geometries is difficult and costly due to the need for extensive machining and limitations in conventional techniques, which restrict the variety of tool geometries that can be produced.
Innovation Solution
A modular approach using separately manufactured cylindrical members with a transition member that connects them, allowing for a flexible and efficient manufacturing method to create cutting tools with complex geometries by transforming tool characteristics such as coolant channel design and diameter through additive manufacturing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional machining methods are used to manufacture cutting tools with complex geometries, then manufacturing precision can be maintained, but manufacturing time and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The cutting tool is divided into multiple separately manufacturable parts (first member, second member, and transition member) that are subsequently joined together. This segmentation allows each part to be manufactured using optimized processes, reducing overall manufacturing time while maintaining precision through controlled joining operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The first and second members are manufactured in advance as separate components with predetermined geometries, allowing parallel production and reducing the overall manufacturing cycle time. The transition member is also prepared separately with matching interfaces, enabling efficient assembly of the complete tool structure.
2Manufacturing precision
If conventional machining methods are used for complex tool geometries, then manufacturing quality can be ensured, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the tool into separate members, each with simpler individual geometries, the manufacturing process for each component becomes less complex. The overall tool complexity is managed through standardized joining interfaces rather than requiring complex monolithic manufacturing processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The transition member serves multiple functions: it connects the first and second members, provides geometric transition between different tool sections, and maintains structural integrity. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components, simplifying the overall manufacturing approach.
3Adaptability or versatility
If separately manufactured parts are joined to form complex tool geometries, then adaptability of tool designs increases, but manufacturing precision may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The transition member acts as an intermediary component between the first and second members, providing precise geometric transition and alignment. Its specially designed interfaces ensure accurate positioning and secure connection, maintaining manufacturing precision while enabling geometric transformation between different tool sections.
Solution Approach 2:
The transition member features locally optimized interfaces with specific geometries tailored for precise mating with the first and second members. These localized precision features ensure accurate alignment and connection at critical joint areas, maintaining overall tool precision despite the modular construction.
Data Source
AI summary
A cutting tool body includes a first member and a second member, both having a substantially cylindrical shape, and arranged such that a tool body central axis coincides with a central axis of each of the first and the second members. The first member has a tool characteristic of a first magnitude and the second member has the tool characteristic of a second magnitude, different from the first magnitude. The cutting tool body includes a transition member arranged between the first and second members and connected at a first end to the first member and at a second end to the second member. The tool characteristic in the transition member is of the first magnitude at the first end and of the second magnitude at the second end. The transition member has a transition region between the first and the second ends in which the tool characteristic transforms from the first magnitude to the second magnitude.