Transverse Insert Holder Geometry for Small-Hole Internal Cutting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cutting tools with transversely oriented insert receiving pockets face challenges when inserting into small holes due to the radial dimension contributed by the stopper support portion, which hinders insertion during internal cutting operations like boring or internal grooving.

Innovation Solution

The design features a pocket stopper surface that slopes away from the pocket front opening, along with a resilient clamping mechanism that allows the cutting insert to be securely held without additional clamping devices, reducing the radial dimension and enhancing insertion capabilities into smaller spaces.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If a stopper support portion is provided behind the pocket stopper surface to provide strength and rigidity, then the strength and rigidity of the pocket stopper surface is improved, but the radial dimension of the cutting tool increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestrength and rigidity of pocket stopper surfaceVSAvoidradial dimension of cutting tool
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The pocket stopper surface is designed to slope towards the pocket longitudinal plane rather than extending radially outward. This dimensional reorientation allows the stopper support portion to provide structural strength in the longitudinal direction while minimizing radial dimension, enabling insertion into small holes while maintaining structural integrity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The pocket stopper surface is designed with an asymmetric sloping configuration where the surface angles differently relative to the pocket longitudinal plane. This asymmetric design optimizes the distribution of mechanical loads, providing adequate strength and rigidity support while minimizing the radial footprint of the tool holder

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

2Reliability

If additional clamping devices are used to secure the cutting insert, then the clamping reliability is improved, but the device complexity and radial dimension increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveclamping reliability of cutting insertVSAvoidcomplexity of clamping mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The pocket stopper surface and pocket upper clamping surface work together to automatically position and secure the cutting insert through their sloping configurations. The insert is guided into the correct position by the sloping stopper surface and retained by the interaction between the sloping clamping surface and the insert, eliminating the need for separate clamping devices while maintaining secure retention

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The functions of stopping, positioning, and clamping the cutting insert are merged into a single integrated pocket structure. The sloping pocket stopper surface and sloping pocket upper clamping surface work together as a unified mechanism to both position and secure the insert, reducing device complexity while maintaining clamping reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP3941669B1Insert holder for a transversely oriented insert, cutting tool and cutting insert
Publication Date: 2024.11.13 ISCAR LTD
  • EP3941669B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3941669B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2b
  • EP3941669B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

A cutting tool (20) includes a two-way indexable cutting insert (22) clamped in a transversely oriented insert receiving pocket (46) of an insert holder (24). The insert holder (24) includes a forwardly located insert mounting portion (32) that includes upper and lower jaws (34, 36) which together define the insert receiving pocket (46) having a pocket front opening (52a). The lower jaw (36) includes a pocket lower clamping surface (54). The upper jaw (34) includes a pocket upper clamping surface (60) which faces mutually towards the pocket lower clamping surface (54) and a pocket stopper surface (68) facing generally towards the pocket front opening (52a). The pocket stopper surface (68) is closer to the pocket lower clamping surface (54) and further from the pocket front opening (52a), than the pocket upper clamping surface (60). The pocket stopper surface (68) is further from the pocket rear opening (52b) than the pocket lower clamping surface (54).