Replaceable Tool Head With Reference Surface for External Measurement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional head replaceable cutting tools require external shanks with reference surfaces for measurement, leading to increased downtime and reduced cutting performance due to the need for external preparation and attachment during setup.

Innovation Solution

A tool head with integrated reference surfaces allows for external measurement without an external shank, maintaining cutting performance by forming these surfaces on the tool head itself, which can be detached and reattached easily, reducing downtime and preserving tool rigidity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a round shank with a reference surface is used for external measurement, then measurement can be performed, but the setup time increases and machine tool downtime lengthens

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecutting edge tip position measurementVSAvoidsetup time and machine tool downtime
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The cutting tool is divided into two separate components: a shank that remains mounted on the machine tool and a tool head that can be detached for measurement. This segmentation allows the tool head to be removed and measured externally without requiring the entire tool assembly to be disassembled or the machine tool to be stopped for extended periods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The reference surface function is extracted from the shank and transferred to the tool head. By providing a reference surface on the tool head itself, the measurement capability is separated from the shank, enabling the tool head to be measured independently when detached, thereby reducing setup time and machine tool downtime.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Measurement precision

If the reference surface is provided on the shank, then measurement is possible, but additional external preparation and another shank are required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveexternal measurement capabilityVSAvoidexternal preparation requirements
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The reference surface is merged with the tool head structure, combining the measurement reference function directly into the component that needs to be measured. This eliminates the need for separate external preparation steps and another shank with a reference surface, as the tool head itself provides the necessary reference for external measurement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The tool head is designed to serve multiple functions: it holds the cutting insert, attaches to the shank for machining operations, and provides a reference surface for external measurement. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate measurement fixtures or additional shanks, simplifying the overall process.

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

3Measurement precision

If the tool head is partially cut to form a reference surface, then measurement is enabled, but cutting performance may be affected

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereference surface for measurementVSAvoidcutting performance
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The reference surface is created only on a localized portion of the tool head that does not interfere with the cutting edge or the main cutting structure. By concentrating the partial cutting operation on a non-critical area, the measurement function is achieved while minimizing impact on cutting performance and structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

4Measurement precision

If the tool head is detached from the shank for measurement, then external measurement can be performed, but the attachment mechanism must be simple and precise

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveexternal measurement accuracyVSAvoidattachment and detachment operation
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The tool head and shank are designed with self-aligning features such as tapered interfaces or precision locating surfaces that automatically ensure proper alignment during attachment and detachment. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for complex alignment procedures or specialized tools, making the operation simple while maintaining measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP4212269A1Tool head in head replaceable cutting tool
Publication Date: 2023.07.19 TUNGALOY CORP
  • EP4212269A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4212269A1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B
  • EP4212269A1 patent drawingFigure 2C

AI summary

Provided is a tool head (20) in a head replaceable cutting tool configured on the basis of a novel idea so as to allow external measurement to be easily performed, while allowing cutting performance to be maintained. The tool head in the head replaceable cutting tool has a substantially cylindrical shape, and can be fastened to a shank (10) held on a machine tool, and moreover includes an insert mounting seat on which a cutting insert is to be detachably mounted, the tool head further including a point, a line, or a surface that defines a reference surface (22) from which a cutting edge of the cutting insert has a predetermined length to a predetermined portion thereof.