Multi-Edge Cutting Insert for Continuous Groove Machining

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cutting inserts for rotary tools require frequent changes when machining different types of grooves in bores, leading to increased machining time due to the need to reposition the holder away from the workpiece.

Innovation Solution

A cutting insert with two radially offset cutting bodies, each with differently designed cutting edges oriented in the same direction of rotation, allowing for continuous workflow without changing the insert, using feed movements to engage the desired cutting edges without altering the machining direction or extending the holder.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a single cutting insert is used for machining different types of grooves, then the device complexity is reduced, but the productivity decreases due to required insert changes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecutting insert structureVSAvoidmachining efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The cutting insert is designed with multiple cutting bodies (at least two) with differently configured cutting edges on a single base body, enabling one insert to perform multiple machining functions such as grooving, chamfering, and finishing operations. This multi-functionality eliminates the need to change inserts when machining different types of grooves or features, thereby maintaining productivity while reducing device complexity.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The cutting insert base body is segmented into multiple cutting bodies, each with its own cutting edges positioned at different radial distances and orientations. This segmentation allows each cutting body to be optimized for specific machining tasks while remaining part of a single interchangeable insert unit.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If cutting insert changes are performed during machining, then different groove types can be produced, but the loss of time increases due to repositioning the holder

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegroove type varietyVSAvoidmachining cycle time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

By equipping a single cutting insert with multiple cutting bodies that have differently configured cutting edges, the insert can produce various groove types (different depths, diameters, chamfers, and profiles) without requiring physical replacement. The operator can simply reposition the holder to engage different cutting bodies, eliminating time-consuming insert changes and holder retraction operations.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The design enables continuous machining operations by ensuring that at least one cutting body is always available and engaged during the machining process. The cutting bodies are positioned and oriented such that the holder can be fed in different directions to access different cutting edges without interrupting the workflow or requiring the holder to be withdrawn from the workpiece.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple cutting edges are provided on a single insert, then the adaptability increases for different groove configurations, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecutting edge varietyVSAvoidcutting insert structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The base body is divided into multiple cutting bodies, each functioning as an independent cutting unit with its own cutting edges. This segmentation allows for organized placement of different cutting features (groove cutters, chamfer cutters, finishing edges) at specific radial distances and angular positions, making the complex structure manageable and systematic rather than random or chaotic.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The cutting bodies are arranged in three-dimensional space on the base body at different radial distances from the rotation axis and at different angular positions. This spatial arrangement in multiple dimensions allows diverse cutting functions to be packed into a single insert without excessive planar complexity, utilizing the radial and angular dimensions to organize multiple cutting edges efficiently.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentEP2091681B2Cutting insert for a turning tool and machining process with this cutting insert
Publication Date: 2016.12.14 HARTMETALL WERKZEUGFAB PAUL HORN
  • EP2091681B2 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2091681B2 patent drawingFigure 2~4
  • EP2091681B2 patent drawingFigure 5~7

AI summary

The invention relates to a cutting tip for a machining tool, particularly a lathe, having a base body (11) which comprises a coupling part for attaching the cutting tip (7), said coupling part being positioned on a seat (5) on the front face of a shaft-like holder (1) which defines a longitudinal axis (3), wherein the coupling part comprises a fixing structure (13) which secures the cutting tip (7) against rotation about the longitudinal axis by means of the grip provided by associated surfaces (9) on the seat (5). The cutting tip also comprises a cutting body (21, 23) which protrudes radially from the periphery of the base body (11) with respect to the longitudinal axis (3), said cutting body (21, 23) having at least one cutting edge (25, 27) which works by means of rotation of the cutting tip (7) relative to the workpiece to be worked. The invention is characterized in that two radially protruding cutting bodies (21, 23) are present on the base body, offset peripherally relative to each other, and in that the cutting edges (25, 27) of said cutting bodies are oriented in such a manner that the entire cutting functions thereof are applied during the same rotation direction of the relative rotation.