Reversible Cutting Insert Structure for Stable Four-Sided Reuse

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing end mills require two cutting inserts of different shapes for center and outer peripheral edges, complicating tool management and limiting the reuse of cutting inserts due to asymmetric, complex front and back surfaces.

Innovation Solution

A cutting insert with interchangeable first and second end surfaces, where both surfaces have identical rectangular edge lines with cutting edges on three sides and no cutting edge on one side, allowing the same insert to be used as both center and outer peripheral edges, and featuring a wiper cutting edge for smoothing surfaces.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If two different shaped cutting inserts are used for center edge and outer peripheral edge, then the drilling function is achieved, but the tool management becomes complicated and the cutting insert cannot be reused

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereusability of cutting insertVSAvoidtool management complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cutting insert is designed with a symmetric structure where the front and back surfaces have identical rectangular edge lines with cutting edges on three sides. This allows the same cutting insert to function as both center edge and outer peripheral edge, eliminating the need for different shaped inserts and enabling reuse after flipping the insert.

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

2Productivity

If asymmetric complex shaped cutting insert is used, then the cutting function is optimized, but the front and back surfaces cannot be interchanged for further use

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecutting efficiencyVSAvoidinterchangeability of surfaces
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies symmetry principle (opposite of asymmetry) by designing the cutting insert with identical rectangular edge lines on both front and back surfaces. Each edge line has cutting edges on three sides and no cutting edge on one side, allowing the insert to be flipped and reused while maintaining cutting functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

3Adaptability or versatility

If the cutting insert is designed with identical rectangular edge lines on both surfaces, then the insert can be reused four times, but the fixation stability must be ensured

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of times insert can be usedVSAvoidfixation stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

While the overall edge line pattern is symmetric, the patent introduces asymmetric features within each surface - specifically the inclined fourth side surface that creates a wedge shape at one end. This asymmetric inclination provides directional fixation stability when the insert is mounted, ensuring reliable attachment while maintaining the ability to flip and reuse the insert.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

Data Source

PatentEP3907030B1Cutting insert
Publication Date: 2023.12.06 TUNGALOY CORP
  • EP3907030B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3907030B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3907030B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present disclosure provides a cutting insert that is economical and can be stably fixed to a tool body. A first edge line (10R) of a cutting insert (2) is a rectangle having a first side (11) and a third side (13) as long sides and a second side (12) and a fourth side (14) as short sides. Cutting edges are formed at the first side (11), the second side (12) and the third side (13); on the other hand no cutting edge is formed at the fourth side (14). At a second edge line (20R) having the same shape as the first edge line (10R), a sixth side (22) where a cutting edge is formed is opposite to the fourth side (14), and an eighth side (24) where a cutting edge is not formed is opposite to the second side (12). A peripheral side surface (30) includes a fourth side surface (34) facing the fourth side (14) and the sixth side (22). The fourth side surface (34) extends from a first end surface (10) to a second end surface (20) and is inclined in a direction from the second side (12) to the fourth side (14).