Tool Holder Set Screw Clamping Mechanism for Grooving Operations
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tool holders for grooving and parting operations face limitations in clamping force transmission, structural robustness, and coolant duct accessibility, which restrict the depth of insertion and operational range, especially with the inclusion of a coolant duct.
Innovation Solution
A tool holder design featuring a base jaw and clamping jaw with an insert receiving pocket, where a set screw is used to actively clamp the cutting insert, eliminating the need for a threaded bore in the base jaw and allowing for a wider operational range and efficient coolant delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a threaded hole is included in the base jaw for clamping the cutting insert, then the clamping mechanism can be simplified, but the structural robustness of the tool holder is weakened
Solution Approach 1:
A resilient clamping jaw is introduced as an intermediary component between the base jaw and the cutting insert. The clamping jaw includes a clamping surface that contacts the cutting insert and is resiliently movable toward the base jaw, allowing force application without threading the base jaw itself. This mediator approach maintains the robustness of the base jaw while achieving the clamping function.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the depth of insertion is increased for grooving operations, then the operational range is improved, but the clamping force transmission efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping jaw is designed to be resiliently movable, allowing it to dynamically adapt to different insertion depths while maintaining effective clamping force. The resilience of the clamping jaw enables it to flex and transmit force efficiently regardless of the distance from the base jaw, accommodating deeper insertions without losing clamping effectiveness.
3Temperature
If a coolant duct is included in the tool holder, then the cooling capability is improved, but the structural integrity and operational range are restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The coolant duct is positioned locally within the body portion of the tool holder, away from the critical clamping structure. This localized placement allows the coolant duct to provide cooling capability without compromising the structural integrity of the base jaw and clamping jaw assembly. The duct can be routed through non-critical areas of the body portion.
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 achieves robust clamping and efficient coolant delivery, enabling deeper grooving and parting operations with improved structural integrity and coolant proximity to the cutting edge.
Implementation Method 1
Rotating the set screw in one direction about its screw axis displaces the lower arm towards the base jaw and applies a clamping force between the lower arm and the cutting insert
Implementation Method 2
applies a clamping force between the lower arm and the cutting insert
Data Source
AI summary
A tool holder has a body portion and a holding portion, the holding portion having a base jaw and a clamping jaw, with an insert receiving pocket therebetween extending in a forward to rearward direction, and a first slot extending generally rearwardly from the insert receiving pocket. The base jaw has a support surface, and the clamping jaw has upper and lower arms separated by a second slot and extending in the generally forward direction. The lower arm has a forward end and an under surface facing towards the support surface, the under surface having a clamping portion adjacent the forward end. The upper arm has a bore which opens out to the second slot at a location rearward of the clamping portion. The bore can accommodate a force application member which can contact and displace the lower arm towards the base jaw to clamp a cutting insert.