Cutting Tool Adaptor Pocket and Bore Layout for Resilient Insert Clamping

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing tool adaptors for metal cutting processes, particularly in turning and grooving operations, lack improved mounting capabilities and efficient clamping mechanisms, leading to suboptimal performance and flexibility.

Innovation Solution

A tool adaptor with a front retaining portion, clamping jaw, and rear mounting portion, featuring primary and secondary slots, and a fastening bore system that allows for secure attachment to a tool shank, enabling resilient displacement of the clamping jaw and enhanced mounting capabilities, and efficient coolant passage routing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a conventional tool adaptor structure is used, then the basic clamping function is provided, but the mounting capabilities and flexibility are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemounting capabilitiesVSAvoidadaptor structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The adaptor is divided into functionally independent segments: a front retaining portion with clamping jaw for insert retention, a rear mounting portion for tool shank attachment, and a body portion connecting them. This segmentation allows each part to be optimized for its specific function while improving overall mounting capabilities without excessive complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The adaptor design integrates multiple functions into a single component: it provides both insert retention (front retaining portion) and tool shank mounting (rear mounting portion) capabilities. The resilient clamping jaw mechanism serves both clamping and positioning functions, enhancing versatility while maintaining reasonable structural complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If a resilient clamping jaw mechanism is implemented, then improved clamping capability is achieved, but the structural complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveclamping capabilityVSAvoidclamping mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The clamping jaw is designed to be resilient and displaceable relative to the body portion, transitioning from a static to a dynamic structure. This allows the jaw to automatically adjust and maintain reliable clamping force on the cutting insert while accommodating minor position variations, improving clamping reliability without requiring complex adjustment mechanisms

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The resilient clamping jaw mechanism is designed to self-adjust and self-maintain clamping force through its elastic properties. The jaw automatically returns to its clamping position after insert insertion or removal, eliminating the need for complex actuation or adjustment mechanisms while maintaining reliable clamping capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 tool adaptor provides improved mounting and clamping capabilities, enhancing the performance and flexibility of cutting tool assemblies, particularly in internal grooving operations, while facilitating efficient coolant passage routing.

Implementation Method 1

The clamping jaw (28) is resiliently displaceable relative to the body portion (22, 24)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

a first fastening screw occupies the adaptor's first fastening bore and the shank's first shank bore to secure the tool adaptor to the tool shank

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical Fastening: Mechanical Fastener

Data Source

PatentEP4168203B1Tool adaptor having an insert receiving pocket and a fastening bore, and cutting tool assembly
Publication Date: 2024.07.03 ISCAR LTD
  • EP4168203B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4168203B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4168203B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

A tool adaptor (20) has an adaptor axis (AA) defining an adaptor forward-to-rear direction (DF, DR), and comprises: a front retaining portion (22) having a base jaw (26), a clamping jaw (28), and an insert receiving pocket (30) located therebetween, the insert receiving pocket (30) having a lower support surface (32) and an opposing upper clamping surface (34), and a rear mounting portion (24) located axially rearward of the front retaining portion (22), the rear mounting portion (24) having an axially rearward facing rear mounting surface (50) and a first fastening bore (54). A primary slot (42) separates the base jaw (26) from the clamping jaw (28) and communicates with the insert receiving pocket (30); a secondary slot (52) transverse to the primary slot (42) separates the clamping jaw (28) from the rear mounting portion (24); and the first fastening bore (54) has a first bore axis (Al) which intersects the rear mounting surface (50) and the secondary slot (52).