Round Cutting Insert Latches for Accurate Indexing Positioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cutting tools face difficulties in indexably positioning round cutting inserts within insert holders due to the challenge of distinguishing cutting edges, which can lead to incorrect alignment.

Innovation Solution

A round double-sided cutting insert with convexly shaped indexing latches and a matching insert holder design featuring specific angular and spatial arrangements of indexing gaps and latches, allowing for correct indexable positioning and secure attachment using a retaining screw.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If round cutting inserts are used, then productivity is improved through continuous cutting capability, but it becomes difficult to distinguish cutting edges and achieve correct indexing positioning

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontinuous cutting capabilityVSAvoidcutting edge distinction accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies visual differentiation through color coding or marking on the insert peripheral surface at indexing latch locations. This allows operators to quickly distinguish between different indexing positions and cutting edges without complex mechanical aids, resolving the contradiction by maintaining round shape for continuous cutting while adding visual cues for precise positioning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color changes

2Measurement precision

If indexing mechanisms with gaps and latches are implemented, then positioning accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveindexing positioning accuracyVSAvoidindexing mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of having gaps in the insert and latches in the holder (traditional approach), the patent inverts the configuration by placing protruding latches on the insert peripheral surface and corresponding gaps in the holder. This inversion simplifies the indexing mechanism while maintaining positioning accuracy, as the protruding latches provide clear mechanical reference points.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent adds indexing latches to the peripheral surface of the insert, utilizing the circumferential dimension for positioning. This dimensional approach allows accurate indexing without requiring complex multi-dimensional mechanisms, as the latches engage with gaps at specific angular positions around the round insert.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Reliability

If multiple indexing latches are provided on the peripheral surface, then positioning reliability is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveindexing positioning reliabilityVSAvoidinsert manufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The indexing system is segmented into discrete protruding latches distributed around the insert periphery. Each latch is a separate, simple geometric feature that can be manufactured independently using standard machining or forming processes. This segmentation allows multiple latches to be provided for enhanced reliability without significantly increasing manufacturing complexity, as each latch is a simple radial protrusion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3755488B1Round double-sided cutting insert having a peripheral surface provided with protruding indexing latches, insert holder therefor and cutting tool
Publication Date: 2024.02.14 ISCAR LTD
  • EP3755488B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3755488B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3755488B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

A round double-sided cutting insert (22) includes an insert peripheral surface (34) that includes a plurality of angularly spaced apart indexing latches (54) protruding therefrom and a plurality of cylindrical insert side abutment surfaces (64) that circumferentially alternate with the plurality of indexing latches (54). An insert holder (24) has a pocket peripheral surface (74) which includes at least one indexing gap (85) and a plurality of pocket side abutment surfaces (88) that circumferentially alternate with the at least one indexing gap (85). When the cutting insert (22) is releasably attached to the insert holder (24), to constitute a fastened position of a cutting tool (20), each of the plurality of pocket side abutment surfaces (88) abuts a respective insert side abutment surface (64) and each indexing gap (85) has a respective indexing latch (54) located therein.