Modular Drill Insert Locking With Clamp and Bump Surfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modular drills face difficulties in removing inserts due to the high force required, leading to increased costs and reduced drill body strength, as well as limited space for coolant holes, when using large diameter screws or pins for locking and unlocking.
Innovation Solution
A modular drill design featuring a retaining member with a clamp and bump surface, where the clamp surface locks the insert in place and the bump surface allows for easy removal by rotating in a specific direction, reducing the need for large diameter components and enhancing drill body strength and coolant hole capacity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a large diameter screw or pin is used to assist in removing the insert, then the ease of operation for insert removal is improved, but the drill body strength is reduced and the cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining member is divided into two distinct functional surfaces: a clamp surface with a first portion for locking the insert and a second portion (bump surface) for unlocking. This segmentation allows each surface to be optimized for its specific function without requiring a large diameter component, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and drill body strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining member utilizes angular/rotational movement within the side hole to achieve insert removal, rather than requiring a large linear force applied by a large diameter screw or pin. This dimensional change in the actuation mechanism allows for easier operation while maintaining drill body strength.
2Ease of operation
If a large diameter screw or pin is used to assist in removing the insert, then the ease of operation for insert removal is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining member serves multiple functions: it locks the insert in place during drilling operations and also facilitates insert removal through rotational actuation. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate large diameter removal screws or pins, reducing device complexity and cost while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining member's second portion (bump surface) automatically engages with the insert to facilitate removal when rotated, allowing the insert removal function to be integrated into the existing retaining member structure rather than requiring additional specialized components.
3Ease of operation
If a large diameter screw or pin is used to assist in removing the insert, then the ease of operation is improved, but the drill body strength in critical areas is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining member is segmented into a clamp surface for locking and a bump surface for unlocking, allowing the side hole to be smaller and positioned to avoid critical structural areas of the drill body, thereby maintaining strength in critical regions while still enabling easy insert removal.
4Ease of operation
If a large diameter screw or pin is used to assist in removing the insert, then the ease of operation is improved, but the room available for coolant holes is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The insert removal function is achieved through rotational actuation of the retaining member within the side hole, rather than requiring a large linear passage. This allows the side hole to be smaller and positioned away from coolant hole locations, preserving space for coolant channels while maintaining ease of insert removal.
Data Source
AI summary
A modular drill includes a drill body, an insert, and a retaining member. The drill body includes a center hole extending through a first surface of the drill body, and a side hole extending at an actuation location through a second surface of the drill body. The center hole and the side hole intersect within the drill body. The insert is moveably disposed in the center hole. The retaining member is threadedly attached to and moveably disposed in the side hole. The retaining member includes a clamp surface and a bump surface. The clamp surface is disposed closer to the actuation location than the bump surface. When the retaining member is rotated in one direction the clamp surface forces the insert into a locked position. When the retaining member is rotated in another direction the bump surface bumps the insert out of the locked position.