Pivotable Coolant Block for Cutting Tool Insert Replacement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cutting tools with coolant inducers require secure fastening, making it difficult and time-consuming to replace cutting inserts without risking damage or loss of parts during machining operations.

Innovation Solution

A pivotably mounted coolant block that moves between operational and removal positions, allowing for easy access and replacement of cutting inserts without removing individual components, ensuring a seal to prevent coolant leakage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the coolant block is securely fastened to the tool, then coolant delivery efficiency is improved, but cutting insert replacement becomes difficult and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoolant delivery efficiencyVSAvoidcutting insert replacement
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The coolant block is designed with a pivotable mounting mechanism that allows it to move between a secured operational position (where it delivers coolant efficiently) and a released maintenance position (where it can be easily moved to access the cutting insert). This dynamic positioning resolves the contradiction by making the block secure during operation but accessible during replacement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The coolant block is designed as a separate, movable component that can be independently positioned relative to the tool body. This segmentation allows the block to be secured during operation for efficient coolant delivery, then easily moved or released during insert replacement without requiring removal of individual fasteners or components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If the coolant block is securely fastened to the tool, then coolant leakage is prevented, but risk of part damage or loss during removal increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoolant sealingVSAvoidpart damage or loss
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The pivotable mounting mechanism allows the coolant block to be securely fastened during operation to prevent coolant leakage, then easily moved or released during insert replacement. This reduces the risk of part damage or loss by eliminating the need to forcibly remove securely fastened components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The coolant block is designed to be extractable or movable from its mounted position on the tool. This allows the block to be taken out or moved away during insert replacement, preventing damage or loss that would occur if it remained securely fastened and required forceful removal.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Manufacturing precision

If the coolant block extends over the cutting insert, then coolant delivery close to the cutting face is achieved, but complexity of fastening and removal increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoolant delivery precisionVSAvoidfastening and removal mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The pivotable mounting mechanism provides a simple dynamic connection that allows the coolant block to extend over the cutting insert for precise coolant delivery, while enabling easy movement or release during replacement. This reduces fastening complexity compared to permanent securement methods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

Facilitates quicker and safer replacement of cutting inserts, reducing production downtime and minimizing the risk of part damage or loss, while maintaining coolant delivery efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

the block pivotably mounted on the shank so that the block can move between a first position whereby in operation a flow of fluid passes to the cutting insert and an second position to allow removal of the cutting insert

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRotational motion:

Implementation Method 2

ensuring a seal to prevent coolant leakage

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSealing:

Data Source

PatentUS7914240B2Cutting tool
Publication Date: 2011.03.29 ROLLS ROYCE PLC
  • US7914240B2 patent drawing
  • US7914240B2 patent drawing
  • US7914240B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A cutting tool (10) comprises a shank (12) for receiving a cutting insert (14) and a block (16) for delivering a flow of fluid to the cutting insert (14). Fluid is delivered to the cutting insert (14) through a fluid passageway (18) that extends through the shank (12) and the block (16). The block (16) is pivotable mounted on the shank (12). The block (16) pivots about screw (22) between a first and a second position. In the first position the block (16) is held in sealing arrangement with the shank (12) to allow the passage of a coolant through the fluid passage (18) to the cutting insert (14). In the second position the block (16) has moved to allow removal of the cutting insert (14) from the shank (12).