Tool Holder Wedge Adjustment for Precise Cutting Insert Positioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cutting tools lack a versatile and efficient adjustment mechanism for both axial and radial position adjustments, which limits their applicability in various rotary and non-rotary cutting operations.

Innovation Solution

A tool holder with an integrated adjustment arrangement featuring a wedge adjustment portion, guiding portion, and actuating groove, manufactured using additive manufacturing, allowing for precise positional adjustments of cutting members through a threaded and guiding bore system, enabling both axial and radial adjustments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If a traditional adjustment mechanism is used for cutting tools, then the structure is simple, but the adjustment precision and versatility for both axial and radial positions are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustment precisionVSAvoidadjustment mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The adjustment mechanism is divided into separate functional components: a wedge-shaped adjustment member for axial adjustment, a guiding portion with actuating groove for radial adjustment, and a threaded bore for secure positioning. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function with high precision while maintaining overall system manageability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The adjustment mechanism is designed to perform multiple functions: axial position adjustment of the cutting member, radial position adjustment through the guiding portion, and secure locking through the threaded bore. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate adjustment mechanisms for different directions, reducing overall device complexity while enhancing versatility.

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

2Adaptability or versatility

If the cutting member position is fixed, then the tool holder structure is simple, but the adaptability for different cutting operations is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecutting operation versatilityVSAvoidtool holder structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The tool holder transitions from a fixed structure to a dynamic, adjustable structure. The cutting member can be repositioned axially and radially according to different cutting operation requirements, allowing the same tool holder to adapt to various milling, drilling, and turning operations without requiring multiple specialized holders.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The mechanism allows changing the position parameters of the cutting member in both axial and radial directions. By adjusting the wedge member and guiding portion, the cutting edge location can be modified to suit different workpiece geometries and cutting conditions, enhancing operational versatility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Manufacturing precision

If a complex adjustment mechanism is implemented, then the adjustment precision improves, but the ease of operation and assembly deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveposition adjustment precisionVSAvoidadjustment operation ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The wedge-shaped adjustment member utilizes self-locking properties where the wedge geometry automatically maintains the adjusted position without requiring additional locking mechanisms. The threaded bore similarly provides self-securing functionality, allowing operators to achieve and maintain precise positions through simple rotational movements rather than complex adjustment procedures.

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 solution provides a robust and precise adjustment mechanism that enhances the versatility of cutting tools for different cutting operations, ensuring unimpeded cutting edge contact with the workpiece and facilitating easy assembly and replacement of cutting members.

Implementation Method 1

an adjustment member (70) having a wedge adjustment portion (62) and a guiding portion (72)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectWedge: Wedge

Implementation Method 2

a threaded bore portion (64) extending along a threaded bore portion axis T

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectScrew: Screw

Data Source

PatentEP3595837B1Tool holder having position adjustment arrangement and cutting tool
Publication Date: 2023.07.26 ISCAR LTD
  • EP3595837B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3595837B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3595837B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

A cutting tool (20) includes a tool holder (22), having a holder pocket (26) with a pocket opening (32), and a cutting member (24) releasably retained therein. The tool holder (22) includes an adjustment cavity (63) that includes circumferentially merging threaded and guiding bore portions (64, 66 respectively). The tool holder (22) further includes an adjustment arrangement (28) that includes an adjustment member (70) including a wedge adjustment portion (62) and a guiding portion (72) integrally formed therewith. The adjusting arrangement (28) further includes an adjustment screw (92). The wedge adjustment portion (62) is located in the pocket adjustment region (52) and the guiding portion (72) is located in the guiding bore portion (66) and partially protrudes into the threaded bore portion (64). The adjustment screw (92) is threadingly rotatable between a first rotated position and a second rotated position, and in the second rotated position the adjustment member (70), and thus the cutting member (24), is located closer to the pocket opening (32) than in the first rotated position.