Toolholder Internal Coolant Delivery via Lock Pin Orifice
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cooling systems for metal cutting tools are ineffective in delivering coolant to the tool-workpiece interface due to distance limitations and directional constraints, leading to reduced insert life and increased operating costs.
Innovation Solution
A toolholder assembly with a coolant passage and a lock pin and ring system that directs coolant fluid through an insert orifice and shim orifice to the cutting edge and corner of the insert, eliminating the need for a top plate and allowing for effective delivery of coolant or inert gas directly to the cutting area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If coolant is delivered through nozzles positioned 1-12 inches away from the cutting edge, then the coolant can reach the cutting area, but the coolant mixes with air and fails to contact the tool-chip interface effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The coolant delivery system is nested within the toolholder body and insert structure. The coolant passage is formed inside the toolholder body, and the insert orifice is integrated into the cutting insert itself. This nested arrangement allows coolant to be delivered internally through the insert to the cutting edge, eliminating the need for external nozzles and ensuring direct contact with the tool-chip interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The insert orifice acts as an intermediary structure that facilitates coolant delivery from the coolant passage to the cutting edge. The orifice provides a direct pathway for coolant to reach the critical cutting area, serving as a mediator between the coolant supply system and the cutting zone, thereby ensuring effective cooling without air mixing.
2Reliability
If the nozzle is positioned closer to the cutting edge to improve cooling effectiveness, then coolant contact with the tool-chip interface improves, but the distance for coolant delivery becomes insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The coolant passage is nested within the toolholder body and extends to the insert seating area. The insert orifice is nested within the cutting insert structure itself. This nested configuration allows the coolant delivery system to be integrated directly at the cutting location, effectively reducing the delivery distance to near-zero while maintaining structural integrity.
3Device complexity
If conventional coolant systems are used with external nozzles, then the system structure remains simple, but the coolant delivery direction is limited and cannot reach the cutting area effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The coolant delivery function is merged with the existing toolholder and insert structures. The coolant passage is integrated into the toolholder body, and the insert orifice is incorporated into the cutting insert design. This merging approach eliminates the need for separate external nozzle systems while enabling effective coolant delivery to the cutting area through the internal fluid communication pathways.
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
This solution enhances coolant delivery to the cutting area, extending insert life, reducing costs, and improving machine efficiency by ensuring effective cooling without the limitations of prior systems.
Implementation Method 1
coolants may be generally applied through nozzles directed at the cutting edge of the insert. The coolant contacting the chip serves not only to lower the temperature of the insert
Data Source
AI summary
A toolholder assembly includes a toolholder body having a coolant passage and a cutting insert seated within a recess of the body. The cutting insert includes an insert orifice extending between a top face and a bottom face that aligns with the coolant passage. A lock pin includes a lock pin orifice that aligns with and is in fluid communication with the coolant passage of the body. The lock pin orifice has an outlet port to allow the fluid to flow through the lock pin orifice and exit through the outlet port. A lock pin ring includes a coolant port in fluid communication with the outlet port of the lock pin to effectively discharge cooling fluid in the direction of a cutting area of the cutting insert.