Indexable Tangential Cutting Insert for Small Diameter Tools

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Solution Overview

Problem

Small diameter rotary cutting tools often lack indexable tangential cutting inserts due to inadequate relief between the cutting insert and the workpiece, limiting their functionality.

Innovation Solution

An indexable tangential cutting insert with a convex upper surface and a protrusion for seating, featuring a unique geometry that allows for adequate relief and secure clamping, even in small diameter tools, including a ring-shaped insert protrusion and a nested pocket protrusion for retention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a conventional flat-top cutting insert is used in small diameter rotary cutting tools, then the insert can be easily manufactured and installed, but adequate relief between the cutting insert and the workpiece cannot be achieved

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadequate relief between cutting insert and workpieceVSAvoidinsert geometry complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cutting insert employs a convex top surface instead of a conventional flat top surface. This curvature allows the insert to be positioned at an optimal angle relative to the workpiece, creating adequate relief space between the insert and the workpiece during machining operations in small diameter rotary cutting tools.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention introduces a protrusion element that extends from the bottom surface of the insert in the axial direction. This additional dimensional feature enables precise positioning and secure retention of the insert within the cutting tool, while the convex top surface simultaneously provides the necessary relief geometry.

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

2Reliability

If the cutting insert is secured with a simple flat bottom design, then manufacturing is easier, but secure retention in small diameter tools cannot be achieved

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecure retention of cutting insertVSAvoidinsert manufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The concave recess in the bottom surface of the insert provides a curved mating surface that complements the convex protrusion of the cutting tool. This curved geometry enhances retention security by distributing clamping forces more effectively while maintaining manufacturability through standard forming processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Solution Approach 2:

The protrusion fits within the concave recess, creating a nested configuration where the insert is mechanically interlocked with the cutting tool. This nesting arrangement provides secure retention without requiring complex external clamping mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Ease of manufacture

If a non-indexable cutting insert is used in small diameter tools, then adequate relief can be achieved, but the tool cannot be efficiently re sharpened or maintained

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetool maintenance capabilityVSAvoidinsert retention security
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The cutting insert is designed as a separate, indexable component that can be independently removed, replaced, or repositioned on the cutting tool. The protrusion-recess mechanism enables this segmentation while ensuring secure retention, allowing the tool body to remain intact while the cutting insert is maintained or replaced.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The insert is designed to be dynamically replaceable through indexing positions, allowing the tool to adapt to different cutting requirements. The secure protrusion-recess connection maintains reliability during operation while enabling easy maintenance when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP2076349B1Indexable tangential cutting insert and rotary cutting tool
Publication Date: 2017.05.03 ISCAR LTD
  • EP2076349B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2076349B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP2076349B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

An indexable tangential cutting insert (100) has a convex top surface (110), a bottom surface (112) provided with a cylindrical insert protrusion (136), and a peripheral side surface including a pair of opposing major side surfaces (116A, 116B ) and a pair of opposing minor side surfaces (114A, 114B). A sloped, major cutting edge (122) is formed at the intersection of each major side surface (116) with the top surface (110), the rake surface being formed in the major side surface (122). The bottom surface (112) is provided with an insert protrusion abutment surface (134) for seating the cutting insert (100). An insert recess (154) is formed in the cylindrical insert protrusion (136), and this recess (154) communicates with the insert's through bore (180). The cutting insert (100) is seated in an insert pocket (206) with the insert protrusion abutment surface (134) in abutment with the pocket base. A protrusion (284) rising from the pocket base and having a threaded bore (280) formed therein enters the recess (154) and is aligned with the insert's through bore (180).