Tool Holder Clamping Pin Mechanism for Insert Repeatability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tool holders for grooving, turning, and parting operations lack optimal transmission of clamping force and efficient active clamping of cutting inserts, resulting in low repeatability.
Innovation Solution
A tool holder design featuring a clamping member in the form of a non-threadingly retained clamping pin with a pin shaft and pin head, where the pin head has a head under surface facing downward and an abutment surface forming part of a shaft recess, allowing for efficient clamping force application against a pocket support surface, and a locking member engaging the abutment surface to achieve high repeatability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a clamping screw or drawbar is used to clamp the cutting insert, then the cutting insert can be clamped between the upper pocket clamping surface and lower pocket support surface, but the clamping force transmission is not optimal and clamping repeatability is low
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a screw or drawbar that pushes the clamping surface downward, the invention uses a pin that is pushed upward by a locking member. This inversion of the clamping direction allows the pin to engage positively with the locking member, improving both force transmission and repeatability
Solution Approach 2:
The clamping mechanism is divided into separate functional elements: a clamping pin for force transmission, a locking member for positioning, and distinct support and clamping surfaces. This segmentation allows each element to be optimized for its specific function, resulting in better overall performance
2Ease of operation
If the locking member is positioned as in prior art, then it can engage the clamping member, but it is not accessible from lateral surfaces for operation
Solution Approach 1:
The locking member is repositioned from a longitudinal arrangement to a transverse arrangement, allowing access from the lateral surface of the holder. This dimensional change in the locking mechanism's orientation enables operator access without complicating the overall holder structure
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 holder provides optimal transmission of clamping force and achieves high repeatability in clamping cutting inserts, ensuring efficient active clamping and improved performance in metal cutting processes.
Implementation Method 1
the pin shaft is slidably retained in a through bore in the holder head
Implementation Method 2
a locking member operatively engaging a single abutment surface of the clamping member... configured to direct a clamping force towards, and clamp a cutting insert against, the pocket support surface
Data Source
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AI summary
A tool holder has a main body having a holder head extending away from a holder shank in a forward direction, a clamping member non-threadingly retained in the holder head, and a locking member operatively engaging a single abutment surface of the clamping member. The holder head has an insert receiving pocket at a forward end thereof with a pocket support surface substantially facing in an upward direction, and the clamping member is located entirely rearward of the pocket support surface with the abutment surface facing generally upwardly. The tool holder is configured to direct a clamping force towards, and clamp a cutting insert against, the pocket support surface.