Rotary Cutting Tool Internal Balancing Masses

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for balancing rotary cutting tools, such as material removal or using balancing rings, are limited in accuracy and capacity, and adjusting setscrews provide minimal balancing capability, necessitating frequent toolholder replacement.

Innovation Solution

Integration of internal balancing features within the rotary cutting tool, comprising a balancing mass suspended by a spring-like element and an adjusting screw for radial movement, allowing for precise balancing without additional components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If material removal (drilling holes or milling flats) is used for balancing, then balancing can be achieved, but the toolholder must be replaced after a few adjustments

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebalancing accuracyVSAvoidtoolholder lifespan

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the balancing function from the toolholder body by creating internal cavities that house movable balancing masses. These masses can be independently adjusted within the cavities without removing material from the toolholder structure itself, allowing repeated balancing adjustments while preserving the toolholder.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces dynamic balancing elements by allowing the balancing masses to move radially within the internal cavities. This dynamic adjustment capability enables the balancing masses to be repositioned as needed, providing ongoing balancing correction without compromising the toolholder's structural integrity or lifespan.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If balancing rings are used, then balancing capacity is increased, but cost increases and accuracy is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebalancing capacityVSAvoidbalancing accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent nests the balancing masses and spring elements within internal cavities of the toolholder structure. This nested configuration allows the balancing components to be contained within the existing toolholder geometry, providing enhanced balancing capacity without adding external components or increasing overall toolholder complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables continuous adjustment of balancing parameters by allowing the balancing masses to be radially repositioned within the cavities. This continuous parameter adjustment capability provides superior accuracy compared to fixed balancing rings, while the internal cavity design maintains compact toolholder dimensions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Manufacturing precision

If adjusting setscrews are used, then accurate balancing can be achieved, but balancing capacity is minimal

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebalancing accuracyVSAvoidbalancing capacity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the balancing function into multiple independent balancing masses that can be adjusted separately within各自的 cavities. This segmentation allows each mass to address specific imbalance components, collectively providing enhanced balancing capacity while maintaining the precision adjustment capability of setscrew-like mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extends the balancing capability from a single-dimensional setscrew adjustment to multi-dimensional balancing by incorporating multiple balancing masses that can be radially repositioned in different angular positions around the toolholder. This dimensional expansion significantly increases balancing capacity while preserving adjustment accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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

This solution enables effective and accurate balancing of rotary cutting tools, enhancing their operational stability and extending the life of toolholders by allowing for precise adjustment and increased balancing capacity without the need for frequent replacements.

Implementation Method 1

a balancing mass suspended within the cavity by a spring-like element

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpring: Spring

Data Source

PatentUS10124424B2Rotary cutting tool with internal balancing feature

Publication Date: 2018.11.13 KENNAMETAL INC

AI summary

A rotary cutting tool has a central, longitudinal axis. One or more internal balancing features are disposed within a cavity of the rotary cutting tool. Each internal balancing feature includes a balancing mass suspended within the cavity by a spring-like element, and an adjusting screw for effecting radial movement of the balancing mass. Each internal balancing feature can be integrally-formed with the rotary cutting tool using a 3-D printing technique. The rotary cutting tool can be any rotary cutting tool, such as a milling cutter, a boring bar, and the like. The internal balancing features are arranged at predetermined locations within the rotary cutting tool to enable static and/or dynamic balancing of the rotary cutting tool.