Rotatable Clamp Tool Holder for Secure Insert Indexing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing metal cutting tool holders require auxiliary tools for securing and replacing cutting inserts, which can lead to complications and increased risk of the insert falling out during installation or indexing.
Innovation Solution
A metal cutting tool holder with a rotatable member connected to a rod device, allowing for simple and tool-free operation of the clamp between engagement positions, minimizing the risk of the cutting insert falling out and enabling quick replacement without additional tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a nut and bolt arrangement is used to connect the clamp to the tool holder, then the cutting insert can be secured in the pocket, but additional tools such as screwdrivers, allen keys, or wrenches are required for tightening and loosening
Solution Approach 1:
The rotatable member is designed to be manually operable without requiring additional tools. The operator can directly rotate the rotatable member to move the clamp between engaged and disengaged positions, making the system self-servicing and eliminating the need for external tightening or loosening tools.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp connection transitions from a static nut and bolt arrangement to a dynamic rotatable member mechanism. The rotatable member can rotate between a first rotational position (clamp disengaged) and a second rotational position (clamp engaged), providing flexible and tool-free operation while maintaining secure mounting.
2Ease of operation
If the nut and bolt are loosened to enable clamp movement for insert replacement, then the clamp can be moved, but the cutting insert may fall out of the pocket during the process
Solution Approach 1:
The rotatable member is designed to move the clamp in a controlled manner from the engaged to disengaged position. By rotating the rotatable member from the first rotational position to the second rotational position, the clamp is gradually moved away from the cutting insert, allowing the operator to safely remove or replace the insert without risk of it falling out.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection between the rotatable member and clamp creates a dynamic system where the clamp position can be precisely controlled during the transition from engaged to disengaged state. This controlled movement eliminates the sudden release that could cause the cutting insert to fall out.
3Reliability
If the nut and bolt are tightened sufficiently to prevent insert dropout, then the cutting insert is securely retained, but the operation becomes more complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The complex nut and bolt tightening mechanism is extracted and replaced with a simple rotatable member. The rotatable member directly actuates the clamp through rotation, eliminating the need for threaded connections and multiple fastening components, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining secure retention.
Solution Approach 2:
The static nut and bolt tightening system is replaced with a dynamic rotatable member mechanism. A single rotational motion of the rotatable member simultaneously achieves both clamp engagement and cutting insert retention, simplifying the overall mounting arrangement while ensuring reliable retention.
4Reliability
If conventional clamp mechanisms are used, then the cutting insert can be secured, but the replacement and indexing operations are time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp mechanism is transformed into a dynamic system driven by the rotatable member. A single rotational action quickly transitions the clamp from engaged to disengaged position, enabling rapid insert replacement and indexing operations while maintaining secure mounting when engaged, thereby significantly improving productivity.
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
The solution provides reliable and efficient mounting and replacement of cutting inserts without the need for auxiliary tools, ensuring secure engagement and minimizing the risk of the insert falling out during operation.
Implementation Method 1
the rotatable member forming a first distance between the rotational axis and a first contact point of the first engagement portion and forming a second distance between the rotational axis and a second contact point of the first engagement portion, said second distance being larger than said first distance
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
A metal cutting tool holder (1) for use with a cutting insert (12), said tool holder (1) comprising a tool holder body (2), having a pocket (3) for receiving the cutting insert (12), a clamp (4), which is adapted to engage the cutting insert (12), when the cutting insert is received in the pocket (3), and is releasably mounted to the tool holder body (2), a rod device (5) connecting the clamp (4) to the tool holder body (2), the clamp (4) being movable from a first clamp position, in which the clamp (4) is disengaged from the cutting insert (12), to a second clamp position, in which said clamp (4) engages the cutting insert (12) for securing the cutting insert (12) in the pocket (3) of the tool holder body (2). The tool holder (1) comprises a rotatable member (6), which is connected to the rod device (5) to be rotatable around a rotational axis (R) from a first rotational position to a second rotational position, the rotatable member (6) comprising a first engagement portion (7) which is arranged to engage a second engagement portion (8) of the tool holder (1), the rotatable member (6) forming a first distance (D1) between the rotational axis (R) and a first contact point (CP1) of the first engagement portion (7) and forming a second distance (D2) between the rotational axis (R) and a second contact point (CP2) of the first engagement portion (7), said second distance (D2) being larger than said first distance (D1), the first contact point (CP1) being arranged to engage the second engagement portion (8) in the first rotational position and the second contact point (CP2) being arranged to engage the second engagement portion (8) in the second rotational position, such that a rotation of the rotatable member (6) from the first rotational position to the second rotational position causes the clamp (4) to move into said second clamp position.