Multi-Tool Holder Layout to Prevent Workpiece Bending

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing tool holders for machining elongated metal workpieces, such as thin plugs or contact pins, face challenges in safely turning these parts without causing bending due to lateral pressure from cutting tools.

Innovation Solution

A tool holder design featuring two or more insertion receptacles arranged offset in the circumferential direction, allowing for the secure fixation of cutting tools that can rotate symmetrically around the axis of rotation, thereby eliminating lateral forces on the workpiece and preventing bending during machining.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a single cutting tool is used to machine elongated workpieces, then the device complexity is low, but lateral pressure causes the workpiece to bend

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetool holder structureVSAvoidworkpiece straightness
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The invention divides the cutting function into multiple independent cutting tools (at least two) arranged on the tool holder. Each cutting tool is positioned to cut from opposite sides of the workpiece, segmenting the cutting forces. This segmentation allows the workpiece to be supported at multiple points simultaneously, preventing bending while maintaining reasonable device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention applies counterbalancing forces by positioning cutting tools on opposite sides of the workpiece. The cutting forces from opposing tools counterbalance each other, creating a state where lateral pressures are equilibriumed. This counterweight principle ensures that no single lateral force dominates, preventing workpiece bending during the machining process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #8Anti-weight (Counterweight)

2Reliability

If multiple cutting tools are used to support the workpiece, then bending is prevented, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveworkpiece stabilityVSAvoidtool holder structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The tool holder is designed with multiple plug-in receptacles that can accommodate different types of cutting tools. The holding component serves multiple functions: it positions cutting tools, supports the workpiece, and allows for tool changes. This multi-functionality reduces the need for multiple specialized devices, managing complexity while maintaining workpiece stability.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The cutting tools are arranged symmetrically around the rotation axis at equal radial distances, creating an equipotential configuration. This symmetrical arrangement ensures that cutting forces are evenly distributed around the workpiece, providing uniform support and stability. The equipotential positioning prevents any single point from bearing excessive load, maintaining workpiece stability without requiring overly complex positioning mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #12Equipotentiality

3Reliability

If cutting tools are positioned symmetrically around the rotation axis, then lateral forces are eliminated, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecutting force balanceVSAvoidtool positioning system
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

While the overall arrangement is symmetrical, the invention allows for asymmetrical positioning of individual cutting tools within the plug-in receptacles. Each tool can be independently positioned and angled to optimize cutting performance. This controlled asymmetry within a symmetrical framework allows for balanced cutting forces while maintaining flexibility in tool positioning, managing device complexity through modular design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The cutting tools are pre-positioned in plug-in receptacles with predetermined angular positions around the rotation axis. This preliminary positioning ensures that when the tool holder rotates, the tools are already in their correct symmetrical positions. The preliminary action of pre-setting tool positions eliminates the need for complex real-time adjustment mechanisms during operation, reducing device complexity while maintaining cutting force balance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP4335575A1Tool holder for a machine tool
Publication Date: 2024.03.13 LEISTRITZ PRODUKTIONSTECHNIK GMBH
  • EP4335575A1 patent drawingFigure 1~4
  • EP4335575A1 patent drawingFigure 5~8
  • EP4335575A1 patent drawingFigure 9~12

AI summary

Tool holder for a machine tool, with a holding component (3) rotatable about an axis of rotation (R), to which a cutting tool (5) is detachably attached or attachable, wherein the holding component (3) has at least two insertion receptacles (4) arranged circumferentially offset about the axis of rotation (R) for receiving each a cutting tool (5) having an elongated insertion shank (6) and a cutting section (8), wherein each cutting tool (5) is fixed or fixable in the insertion receptacle (4) by means of a separate holding means (19), and wherein the cutting tools (5) define between them a receiving space (9) for a workpiece to be machined jointly by the cutting tools (5) and their cutting sections (8) face the receiving space (9).