Two-Part Tool Shank ID Sleeve for Fast Attachment and Balance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing attachable and removable identification elements for cutting shank tools, such as drills and end mills, are time-consuming to attach and permanently disrupt the tool's function, causing imbalance and increased risk of tool breakage due to their weight and design.

Innovation Solution

A two-part annular sleeve identification element with an elastic inner element and a wave-structured outer ring, made from lightweight materials, which can be easily attached and removed without impairing the tool's function, ensuring optimal balance and minimizing the risk of tool damage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a traditional identification element is attached to the shank tool, then the tool can be identified, but the attachment process becomes time-consuming and difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveidentification functionVSAvoidattachment time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The identification element is divided into two separate parts: an inner element with elastic properties and an outer ring. This segmentation allows the inner element to be quickly inserted into the tool shank while the outer ring is added separately, significantly reducing attachment time and complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The inner element possesses elastic properties that enable it to automatically secure itself within the tool shank through elastic deformation and recovery, eliminating the need for complex fastening mechanisms or additional attachment steps

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If a traditional identification element is attached to the shank tool, then the tool can be identified, but the tool's function is permanently disrupted and imbalance occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveidentification functionVSAvoidtool imbalance and breakage risk
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The identification element is designed as a removable outer ring that can be easily detached from the tool shank when not needed, allowing the tool to function without any identification element attached, thus eliminating imbalance and breakage risks during critical operations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The inner element is designed with elastic properties and can be made from flexible materials that minimize its impact on tool balance when attached, while still providing sufficient identification functionality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Strength

If the outer ring is made rigid for structural strength, then it provides stability, but it cannot be easily applied to the elastic inner element

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveouter ring stabilityVSAvoidassembly ease
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The identification element is divided into two separate parts: an inner element with elastic properties and an outer ring. This segmentation allows the inner element to be quickly inserted into the tool shank while the outer ring is added separately, significantly reducing attachment time and complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The outer ring is designed to fit over the inner element, with the inner element nested within the outer ring structure. This nesting arrangement allows both components to be easily assembled together while maintaining the structural integrity and strength of the outer ring

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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 allows for easy attachment and removal of the identification element, maintaining tool functionality and balance, reducing the risk of tool breakage and improving machining precision by minimizing imbalance and wear.

Implementation Method 1

The identification element is a two-part ring sleeve, the first part of which comprises an elastic inner element

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

the outer ring has an inner mantle facing its through opening and defining its through opening, which has a wave structure to increase holding power

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP3812068B1Identification element
Publication Date: 2023.09.13 FRAISA
  • EP3812068B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3b
  • EP3812068B1 patent drawingFigure 4~6b

AI summary

The invention relates to a clippable and removable identification element (1) for a cutting tool (100), in particular a drill or end mill, wherein the identification element (1) has an identifier (13) for identifying the cutting tool (100). The identification element (100) is a two-part ring sleeve (2), the first part of which comprises an elastic inner element (3) and the second part of which comprises an outer ring (4) that can be placed on the elastic inner element (3) and has an opening (42) extending through the outer ring (41) in the axial direction (41) for receiving the elastic inner element (3) and a shank (101) of the cutting tool (100) aligned in the axial direction (41) of the outer ring (4).