S-Shaped Cutting Insert With Non-Abutting Side Flanks

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Solution Overview

Problem

Cutting tools with Swiss-type designs face challenges in securely retaining cutting inserts with non-abutting side flanks, which can lead to instability and increased risk of cutting edge damage during operations.

Innovation Solution

A cutting tool design where a clamping screw engages both sides of the cutting insert, providing three-point clamping without abutting the side flanks, ensuring stability and protecting the cutting edges from clamping forces, and allowing for indexable rotation and easy insertion/removal.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Duration of action of stationary object

If a cutting insert with non-abutting side flanks is used, then the cutting edges are protected from clamping forces and durability is improved, but the retaining stability of the cutting insert deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedurability of cutting insertVSAvoidretaining stability of cutting insert
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of stationary objectVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The clamping mechanism is segmented into multiple independent clamping points (front clamping surface, rear clamping surface, and additional clamping surfaces) that distribute clamping forces away from the cutting edges. The side flanks are segmented into clamping surfaces and non-clamping surfaces, allowing selective contact zones that stabilize the insert without transmitting damaging forces to the cutting edges.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Object-affected harmful factors

If side flanks are made non-abutting, then cutting edges are protected from damage, but the risk of insert instability increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection of cutting edges from clamping forcesVSAvoidstability of cutting insert
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Different zones of the side flanks are assigned different functions: specific areas are designed as clamping surfaces that contact the tool holder for stabilization, while other areas are designed as non-clamping surfaces that remain clear of contact to protect cutting edges. This local differentiation allows simultaneous achievement of stability and edge protection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Duration of action of stationary object

If three-point clamping is implemented without abutting side flanks, then cutting edge durability is improved, but the complexity of the clamping mechanism increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedurability of cutting insertVSAvoidcomplexity of clamping mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple clamping functions are merged into a single clamping screw mechanism that simultaneously engages with multiple clamping surfaces (front, rear, and side clamping surfaces). This integration achieves three-point clamping and insert stabilization through one fastening element, avoiding the need for multiple separate clamping devices and reducing overall mechanism complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP2945765B1Cutting tool with cutting insert having non-abutting side flanks
Publication Date: 2020.08.05 ISCAR LTD
  • EP2945765B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2945765B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2945765B1 patent drawingFigure 5~9

AI summary

A cutting tool (100) has an S-shaped cutting insert (112) retained in a corresponding insert pocket (104) of a tool holder (102). The insert pocket (104) has a longitudinal main axis (M) extending in a forward to rearward direction. The cutting insert (112) has a longitudinal first axis (I) and a lateral second axis (L), with two opposite cutting portions (118) and a clamping portion (120) therebetween, arranged along the first axis (I). The insert pocket (104) includes a forward clamping portion (124) with a forward abutment surface (126), and a rear clamping portion (128) with first and second rear abutment surfaces (130, 132). First and second clamping surfaces (138, 140) are on both sides of the insert (112): at the rear clamping portion (128) they abut the first and second rear abutment surfaces (130, 132), respectively. At the forward clamping portion (124) the first clamping surface (130) of the cutting insert (112) abuts the forward abutment surface (126).