Modular Drill Double-Sided Cam for Faster Cutting Head Changeout
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modular drills require significant time and effort to replace worn-out cutting heads, often necessitating the removal of the tool holder, which is inefficient and unsafe.
Innovation Solution
A double-sided cam system is integrated into the modular drill, allowing the cutting head to be installed and replaced while the tool shank remains installed, with cam surfaces contacting a draw pin to secure and release the cutting head, reducing changeout time and enhancing safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If the tool holder is removed to replace the cutting head, then the cutting head can be replaced, but the changeout time increases and safety decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The cam mechanism is divided into two independent sides: a first side with a first cam surface for engaging a first draw pin, and a second side with a second cam surface for engaging a second draw pin. This segmentation allows one draw pin to be replaced while the other remains engaged, enabling cutting head replacement without removing the tool holder and maintaining continuous safety support.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a single-sided cam is used, then the structure is simpler, but the cutting head cannot be replaced without removing the tool holder
Solution Approach 1:
The double-sided cam serves multiple functions: the first side secures the cutting head via the first draw pin, while the second side enables replacement via the second draw pin. This multi-functionality allows the single cam component to handle both securing and replacing operations without requiring tool holder removal, balancing adaptability with controlled complexity.
3Ease of manufacture
If the cam surfaces are parallel to the longitudinal axis, then the draw pin engagement is simpler, but the securing force may be insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The cam surfaces are designed with specific geometric properties: they extend parallel to the longitudinal axis to simplify manufacturing and draw pin engagement, while the draw pin grooves are positioned at specific locations to optimize the engagement geometry. This local optimization ensures adequate securing force is achieved through the groove-cam surface interaction rather than requiring complex cam surface geometries.
Data Source
AI summary
A modular drill is disclosed. The modular drill includes a tool shank extending from a shank top end to a shank bottom end along a rotational axis and includes a cam slot extending at least partially through a width of the tool shank. The modular drill also includes a cutting head centered on the rotational axis including a cutting head top surface, a cutting head bottom surface, a draw pin extending from the cutting head bottom surface along the rotational axis, and a draw pin groove around at least a partial length of a circumference of the draw pin comprising a cam follower surface. The modular drill includes a double sided cam received within the cam slot of the tool shank and includes at least one cam surface contacting the cam follower surface.