Rotatable Insert Clamping Bolt for Alignment-Free Tool Holding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing clamping devices for cutting inserts require precise alignment with both the cutting insert and the holder, making them difficult to handle and limiting their secure clamping functionality.
Innovation Solution
A clamping device with a rotatable clamping bolt and a locking bolt that pre-strains the clamping bolt, allowing it to clamp the cutting insert securely across any rotational position, and includes a coolant channel that can be rotated to supply coolant to different parts of the cutting insert during operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional clamping device is used to secure the cutting insert onto the holder, then the cutting insert can be clamped, but precise alignment between the clamping bolt, cutting insert, and holder is required, making the device difficult to handle
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping bolt is made rotatable about its longitudinal axis, transforming a static alignment-dependent connection into a dynamic system where the bolt can rotate to different positions. This rotational freedom eliminates the need for precise alignment during installation, as the bolt can be inserted at any orientation and then rotated into the final clamping position while maintaining the clamping force through the locking mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The clamping function is separated into two independent components: the clamping bolt that provides the clamping force and the locking bolt that maintains the pre-strain. This segmentation allows the clamping bolt to rotate independently while the locking bolt remains fixed in the holder, enabling the clamping action to be decoupled from alignment requirements
2Ease of operation
If the clamping bolt is made rotatable to improve ease of operation, then alignment precision is no longer required, but maintaining clamping force during rotation becomes challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The locking bolt is used to pre-strain the clamping bolt before rotation occurs. This preliminary action creates a locked state where the clamping bolt is under tension and held in place by the locking bolt. When rotation is performed, the pre-strained clamping bolt maintains its clamping force because the locking bolt prevents relaxation of the tension, ensuring stable clamping throughout the rotation process
3Adaptability or versatility
If the clamping bolt is designed with a coolant channel to supply coolant to the cutting insert, then cooling functionality is added, but the coolant channel must be precisely aligned with the cutting insert, increasing alignment requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The coolant channel in the clamping bolt is positioned eccentrically relative to the rotational axis, allowing the coolant outlet to be rotated to different positions around the clamping bolt. This dynamic positioning enables the coolant channel to be aligned with different parts of the cutting insert depending on the rotational position of the clamping bolt, providing versatile coolant delivery without requiring precise initial alignment
Solution Approach 2:
The rotatable clamping bolt with eccentric coolant channel serves multiple functions: it provides clamping force, enables rotational adjustment for alignment tolerance, and delivers coolant to different positions on the cutting insert. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate alignment features, as the rotation mechanism serves both the clamping and coolant delivery alignment needs
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 ensures secure clamping of the cutting insert without the need for precise alignment, maintains clamping force during rotation, and allows for adaptable coolant delivery to various cutting edges, enhancing operational efficiency and ease of use.
Implementation Method 1
the locking bolt pre-strains the clamping bolt into clamping the cutting insert onto the holder
Implementation Method 2
the clamping bolt wedge engages with the locking bolt during a clamping bolt rotation
Implementation Method 3
the clamping bolt wedge engages with the locking bolt during a clamping bolt rotation about the longitudinal clamping axis and such that the clamping bolt is kept pre-strained during the clamping bolt rotation
Data Source
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AI summary
Clamping device (100) designed to clamp a cutting insert (200) onto a holder of a cutting tool (100), the clamping device (100) comprises a clamping bolt (1) and a locking bolt (2), wherein the clamping bolt (1) is designed to be inserted into each of the cutting insert (200) and the holder (300), wherein the locking bolt (2) is designed to be inserted into the holder (300), such that the locking bolt (2) pre-strains the clamping bolt (1) into clamping the cutting insert (200) onto the holder (300), wherein the clamping bolt (1) is designed rotatable about a longitudinal clamping axis (4) of the clamping bolt (1) relative to each of the cutting insert (200) and the locking bolt (2), such that the clamping bolt (1) wedge engages with the locking bolt (2) during a clamping bolt rotation about the longitudinal clamping axis (4)