Self-clamping Cutting Head with Resilience Slit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cutting tools with releasably mounted cutting heads require complex setups and longer times due to the need for precise alignment and additional components like clamp fixing screws, which introduce inaccuracies and complications in securing the replaceable tool head.
Innovation Solution
A cutting tool design featuring a self-clamping mechanism with a male and female fixation member interference fit, utilizing a resilience slit in the male fixation member for secure attachment and easy detachment, allowing for arcuate sector abutment regions that facilitate a one-piece cutting head and shank assembly with reduced setup complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a clamp fixing screw is used to secure the replaceable tool head, then the connection strength is improved, but the device complexity and setup time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the clamp fixing screw from the system entirely, replacing it with a self-clamping mechanism where the tool shank directly clamps the tool head between its facing flanks. This extraction of the unnecessary screw component simplifies the device structure while maintaining secure connection through the interference fit and clamping action of the shank extensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The tool shank performs the clamping function itself through its inherent structure - the facing flanks of the shank extensions automatically clamp the tool head when assembled, without requiring an external clamping mechanism or additional fastening components. The system serves itself by using the shank's own geometry to provide both support and clamping.
2Reliability
If a clamp fixing screw is used to secure the replaceable tool head, then the connection reliability is improved, but the setup time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping action is built into the assembly process itself - as the tool head is inserted into the tool shank, the facing flanks of the shank extensions automatically engage and clamp the tool head in position. This preliminary clamping action occurs during normal assembly without requiring separate fastening steps, thereby reducing setup time while ensuring reliable connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the clamping force parameter from being screw-dependent to being geometry-dependent. The interference fit between the tool head and shank, combined with the facing flank geometry, creates a predetermined clamping force that is automatically applied during assembly, eliminating the need for manual screw tightening and reducing setup time.
3Strength
If additional components like clamp fixing screws are used, then the connection strength is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the clamp fixing screw from the system, replacing it with a simplified assembly where the tool head is directly clamped by the shank's facing flanks. This removal of unnecessary components makes the operation easier - the tool head can be quickly attached and detached without dealing with screws, while the clamping strength is maintained through the interference fit and shank geometry.
4Manufacturing precision
If precise alignment is required during assembly, then the manufacturing precision is improved, but the device complexity and setup time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the alignment and clamping functions into a single integrated action. The arcuate sector profiles of the abutment regions are designed to automatically align the tool head with the shank axis during insertion, while the facing flanks simultaneously provide clamping. This combination of alignment and clamping in one step simplifies the assembly process and reduces the need for separate alignment procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The use of arcuate sector profiles in the abutment regions provides curved surfaces that guide the tool head into proper alignment with the shank during assembly. The curved geometry naturally directs the components into their correct relative positions, ensuring precise alignment without requiring complex alignment procedures or additional alignment components.
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 self-clamping mechanism provides a secure and efficient attachment of the cutting head to the shank, reducing setup time and ensuring accurate positioning without the need for additional components, while allowing for easy removal and reattachment with minimal misalignment.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic force which is caused by an elastic deformation upon mutual movement of the opposite surfaces of the slit in an engaging state of both portions
Implementation Method 2
the insert is fixed to the shank by frictional force between the side portions of the held portion of the insert and the inner end surfaces of holding portions of the shank
Data Source
AI summary
A cutting tool has a tool shank and a replaceable cutting head resiliently secured to the tool shank by an interference fit between a male fixation member of the cutting head and a female fixation member of the tool shank. The male fixation member has a resilience slit. In each cross section of the cutting tool taken perpendicular to an axis of rotation of the cutting tool through mutual abutment regions, the cross sectional profiles of the mutual abutment regions are arcuate sectors.