Spring-Preloaded Depth Stop for Precise Cutting Tool Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cutting tools with depth stops face challenges in achieving precise axial positioning due to axial bearing clearance, leading to inaccurate penetration depth and potential damage from incorrect clamping forces, particularly in applications like aircraft counterboring.
Innovation Solution
A cutting tool design featuring a spring-preloaded depth stop secured via a pivot bearing, which minimizes axial clearance and allows for precise positioning by using a compression spring to push the depth stop against a shank-side stop, enabling accurate setting of the depth stop relative to the cutting head.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the depth stop is carried via pivot bearings on the shank sleeve, then the depth stop can be rotationally movable and easily positioned, but axial bearing clearance makes precise positioning difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies spring preloading to change the operational state of the pivot bearings, eliminating axial clearance through controlled compressive force. This parameter change transforms the bearing from a clearance-state to a preloaded state, achieving both ease of rotation and precise axial positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring element provides beforehand cushioning by preloading the pivot bearings before operation. This pre-compression compensates for any clearance that would otherwise exist, ensuring precise positioning from the start while maintaining smooth rotational movement.
2Measurement precision
If a bearing clamping nut is used to brace pivot bearings, then bearing clearance can be set, but incorrect clamping force causes damage or excessive clearance
Solution Approach 1:
The spring preload provides a controlled, consistent compressive force on the pivot bearings, eliminating the need for manual clamping force adjustment. This parameter change from variable human-applied force to controlled spring force ensures reliable, damage-free preloading.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring element automatically provides the necessary preload force without requiring external adjustment or monitoring. The system self-regulates the clamping force on the pivot bearings, preventing both excessive force (damage) and insufficient force (clearance).
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
This design ensures clearance-free and precise axial positioning of the depth stop, reducing the risk of damage and ensuring accurate penetration depth, even in applications requiring high precision like aircraft counterboring.
Implementation Method 1
the depth stop is spring-preloaded away from the cutting head, via the at least one pivot bearing, against a shank-side stop
Data Source
AI summary
A cutting tool having a shank and a cutting head, wherein the shank carries a depth stop, which limits penetration depth into a workpiece, via at least one pivot bearing, and the depth stop is spring-preloaded away from the cutting head, via the at least one pivot bearing, against a shank-side stop.