Modular Insert Seat for High-Feed and Finishing Cutting Inserts

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing indexable rotary cutting tools require separate tool bodies for high-feed machining and finishing due to their distinct cutting insert shapes, leading to increased inventory burdens and inefficiencies in three-dimensional machining processes like mold making.

Innovation Solution

A tool body design that allows for the remountable installation of two types of cutting inserts with different shapes, specifically a first cutting insert with a hexagonal shape for high-feed machining and a second cutting insert with a rounded quadrangular shape for radius cutting, using a modular insert seat configuration with varying surface contact points for secure mounting.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a cutting insert with a substantially linear major cutting edge is used for high-feed machining, then cutting efficiency is improved, but the ability to perform finishing operations deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecutting efficiencyVSAvoidfinishing capability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The cutting insert is designed with a unique geometry that enables it to perform both high-feed roughing operations and finishing operations with the same tool, eliminating the need for separate inserts for different machining stages

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If separate tool bodies are used for high-feed machining and finishing operations, then each operation can be optimized, but inventory control complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperation optimizationVSAvoidinventory control
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention merges the functionality of multiple specialized tool bodies into a single universal tool body that can accommodate cutting inserts for both high-feed machining and finishing operations, thereby simplifying inventory management while maintaining operational optimization

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple types of tool bodies are required for different cutting operations, then functional versatility is achieved, but cost and maintenance burden increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunctional versatilityVSAvoidcost and maintenance
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

A single tool body design is created that can accommodate various cutting inserts for different operations through a standardized mounting mechanism, providing functional versatility while reducing the number of tool bodies needed and lowering associated costs and maintenance requirements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3299102B1Tool body in combination with a first cutting insert and a second cutting insert
Publication Date: 2024.09.18 TUNGALOY CORP
  • EP3299102B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3299102B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3299102B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to a tool body 1 provided with at least one insert seat 2. The insert seat 2 comprises a bottom wall surface 4 and a side wall surface 5. The side wall surface 5 comprises a first side wall surface 5a and a second side wall surface 5b. The first side wall surface 5a comprises at least two surface portions 5a1, 5a2. The first surface portion 5a1 is a curved surface in a recessed shape, and the second surface portion 5a2 is a curved surface in a recessed shape having a greater curvature radius than that of the first surface portion 5a1 or a flat surface. The two surface portions 5a1, 5a2 both come into contact with a cutting insert.