Tool Depth Setting Assembly for Precise Axial Cutting Depth

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing tool assemblies for machining aircraft parts, such as chamfering or deburring, are complex and expensive, requiring cumbersome methods to determine and set the working depth with axial precision, making them difficult to handle and costly to maintain due to wear and tear.

Innovation Solution

A method involving a depth determination device with a mounting device that moves axially relative to the tool, using a contact surface and limit stop to set the cutting depth, allowing for easy and cost-effective adjustment of the working depth by applying a compression force, eliminating the need for complex adjustments and reducing structural complexity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If a complex depth determination device with adjusting mechanisms is used to precisely set the cutting depth, then the measurement precision and manufacturing precision are improved, but the device complexity and cost increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecutting depth precisionVSAvoiddepth determination device structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the adjusting mechanisms from the depth determination device, leaving only the essential stop surface and mounting structure. The cutting depth is determined solely by the axial distance between the stop surface and cutting edge, without any additional adjusting components, thereby simplifying the device while maintaining precision

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The depth determination device is designed as a simple, inexpensive component that can be easily replaced or adjusted. The device uses basic elements like a stop surface and mounting structure rather than complex mechanical adjustments, making it cost-effective and suitable for frequent tool changes

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a complex adjusting mechanism is integrated into the depth determination device to modify cutting depth, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity and ease of operation worsen

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecutting depth adjustment capabilityVSAvoiddepth setting operation
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the fundamental parameter approach by using a fixed axial distance between the stop surface and cutting edge to determine cutting depth. Instead of adjusting mechanisms, the system relies on the predetermined geometric relationship, simplifying operation while maintaining adaptability through the depth setting device gauge

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The depth setting device serves as an intermediary gauge that transfers the predetermined axial distance from its contact surface and limit stop to the tool's stop surface and cutting edge. This intermediary mechanism enables depth adjustment without requiring complex mechanisms within the depth determination device itself

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Manufacturing precision

If precise depth determination mechanisms are added to the tool assembly, then the manufacturing precision is improved, but the ease of manufacture and device complexity worsen

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecutting depth accuracyVSAvoidtool assembly fabrication
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes complex depth determination mechanisms from the tool assembly, retaining only the essential stop surface and mounting structure. The cutting depth precision is achieved through the simple axial distance measurement rather than sophisticated manufacturing mechanisms, greatly simplifying fabrication

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The depth determination device performs its own function through the inherent axial distance between the stop surface and cutting edge without requiring additional adjusting mechanisms or complex assembly procedures. The device determines its own cutting depth through this fixed geometric relationship

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP4008462A1Method for determining a working depth of a tool, tool for machining a workpiece, depth determination device, tool assembly, and method for using such tool assembly
Publication Date: 2022.06.08 MAPAL DR KRESS SE & CO KG
  • EP4008462A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2b
  • EP4008462A1 patent drawingFigure 3a~3c
  • EP4008462A1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for determining a working depth of a tool (3), comprising a) arranging a tool (3) and a depth determination device (5) on a depth setting device (45) in such a way that ∘ a mounting device (13) of the depth determination device (5) is located at least partially around a clamping region (15) of a shaft (10) of the tool (3) such that the depth determination device (5) is free to move relative to the tool (3) in an axial direction, and ∘ a stop surface (17) of the depth determination device (5) lies against a contact surface (47) of the depth setting device (45), and a cutting edge (19) of the tool (3) lies against a limit stop (49) of the depth setting device (45); b) securing the mounting device (13) to the clamping region (15) of the shaft (10) in the compressed state of the depth determination device (5) such that the mounting device (13) is firmly mounted to the clamping region (15) of the shaft (10), whereby a tool assembly (1) is formed, and c) removing the tool assembly (1) from the depth setting device (45).