Modular Drill Clamping Fingers for Fast Insert Exchange
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drills with removable inserts require removal from the tool holder to change inserts, which is inconvenient and may lead to improper retention during drilling.
Innovation Solution
A modular drill design featuring a main body with clamping fingers and a retention bit, allowing for insert exchange without removing the drill from the tool holder, using a screw mechanism or cam wrench to securely hold and release the insert.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a threaded screw mechanism is used to retain the insert to the shank, then the retention strength is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates because the user must remove the drill from the tool holder to change inserts
Solution Approach 1:
The drill design segments the insert retention mechanism from the main shank by using a separate modular insert with its own retention bit and clamping fingers. This allows the insert to be exchanged independently without removing the entire drill from the tool holder, resolving the contradiction between strong retention and easy exchange.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamping fingers are designed to be dynamically adjustable through the cam wrench mechanism. The fingers can be moved between engaged and disengaged positions, allowing the system to transition from a strongly retained state during drilling to an easily exchanged state when needed, without requiring removal from the tool holder.
2Reliability
If the insert is securely retained during drilling, then the reliability is improved, but the productivity deteriorates due to the time required to remove and reattach the drill for insert changes
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the insert as a separate modular component with its own retention mechanism, the system allows quick exchange of only the insert rather than the entire drill assembly. This maintains reliable retention during drilling while significantly improving productivity during insert changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam wrench mechanism is pre-configured to engage with the clamping fingers, allowing the operator to quickly release and exchange inserts without the time-consuming process of removing and reattaching the entire drill from the tool holder. This preliminary setup of the release mechanism greatly improves exchange efficiency.
3Device complexity
If a simple retention mechanism is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the retention strength deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping fingers provide a dynamic retention mechanism that is more effective than simple static retention. The fingers can actively clamp the retention bit with significant force when engaged, while still allowing easy release through the cam wrench, achieving strong retention without excessive complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The retention bit acts as an intermediary element between the insert and the clamping fingers. This intermediate component translates the clamping action into effective retention forces, providing strong hold during drilling while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
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 convenient and secure exchange of inserts without detaching the drill from the tool holder, ensuring proper retention during drilling operations.
Implementation Method 1
The insert is disposed in the insert pocket with the retention bit held in tension with the one or more clamping fingers
Implementation Method 2
one of the clamping fingers includes a threaded aperture formed in the clamping finger or main body and the drill further includes a screw disposed in threaded engagement in the aperture, where turning of the screw in one direction results in contact of the screw with a clamping finger spreading the finger apart
Implementation Method 3
the main body includes a radial passageway extending between the exterior of the main body and the insert pocket and generally aligned between the fingers for insertion of a cam wrench
Data Source
AI summary
A modular drill includes an insert and a main body. The insert has a working end and a retention end. The retention end includes a retention bit. The main body has an attachment end for attachment to a toolholder and a receiving end defining an insert pocket. There is at least one clamping finger disposed in the pocket. The insert is disposed in the insert pocket with the retention bit held in tension with the clamping fingers.