Threading Tool with Twisted Grooves for Single-Rotation Thread Forming
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for producing threads in workpieces are time-consuming and require significant axial forces, with multiple revolutions needed for tapping and thread forming, and often result in incomplete thread turns due to the presence of lead cones or starting areas.
Innovation Solution
A method and tool that utilize twisted grooves and thread generation areas to produce threads with a single or partial revolution, reducing process time and axial forces, and eliminating the need for lead cones by using thread-cutting teeth or forming wedges that project radially outward for plastic deformation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional tapping or thread forming methods are used, then threads can be produced in workpieces, but the process requires multiple revolutions and significant axial forces, resulting in time-consuming production
Solution Approach 1:
The tool is divided into distinct groove generating areas and thread generating areas, allowing independent optimization of each function. The groove generating areas create twisted grooves that guide the thread generating areas, enabling the thread to be formed in a single or partial revolution rather than requiring multiple revolutions of conventional taps
Solution Approach 2:
The groove generating areas perform preliminary action by creating twisted grooves in the workpiece before the thread generating areas form the thread. These pre-formed grooves serve as guides that enable the thread to be cut or formed rapidly in a single rotation, eliminating the need for multiple revolutions required by conventional methods
2Manufacturing precision
If conventional thread forming tools are used, then threads can be produced, but lead cones or starting areas are required which result in incomplete thread turns and reduced thread quality
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the lead cone or starting area from the tool design. By using groove generating areas to create twisted grooves that guide the thread generating areas, the tool can produce complete thread turns from the very beginning of the threading operation, removing the need for the additional length required for lead cones
Solution Approach 2:
The twisted grooves created by the groove generating areas have a helical or curved geometry that guides the thread generating areas around the workpiece. This curved path of the grooves enables the thread to be formed completely around the full 360 degrees without requiring a gradual tapering lead cone section
3Force
If multiple revolutions are used for thread production, then threads can be formed, but axial forces remain significant and process time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transitions from the static, gradual thread formation of conventional multi-revolution taps to a dynamic, single-revolution process. The groove generating areas and thread generating areas work in coordinated motion, with the grooves dynamically guiding the thread formation around the workpiece in one continuous rotation, significantly reducing both time and peak axial forces
Solution Approach 2:
The tool employs periodic action by rotating through a single or partial revolution to complete thread formation. The groove generating areas and thread generating areas are positioned to engage the workpiece in a periodic sequence during this single rotation, allowing the thread to be formed completely within one periodic cycle rather than requiring multiple revolutions
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
Significantly reduces thread production time, minimizes axial forces, and allows for complete thread profiles without interruptions, enabling efficient production of threads in both internal and external workpieces with improved thread quality and reduced tool length.
Implementation Method 1
produce the thread in the wall of the core hole by a single or partial revolution of the tool (3) between two grooves (22, 24)... with the thread production areas (32, 34) projecting radially outward... for plastic deformation
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
The method for producing a thread in a workpiece comprises the following method steps: a) producing a number n ≥ 1 of twisted grooves (22, 24) in a wall (21) of the workpiece (2) running around a thread axis (M) or producing a wall of the workpiece having a number n ≥ 1 of twisted grooves and running around a thread axis, b) respectively inserting a thread producing region (32, 34), twisted to match the thread of the twisted grooves, of a tool (3) into each of the twisted grooves (22, 24) in a twisted inserting movement made to match the twist of the associated groove, c) producing a thread (36) in each wall subregion (23, 25), adjacent to the groove(s) (22, 24), of the wall of the workpiece by rotation of the workpiece (3) about the thread axis (M) and simultaneous axial advancement of the tool coaxially in relation to the thread axis at an axial rate of advancement made to match the rotating speed of the rotating movement and the pitch of the thread, wherein, during the rotation and simultaneous axial advancement, each thread producing region engages in the associated wall subregion and produces an associated part of a thread turn and, after the rotation, protrudes again into the same groove or another groove in the wall, d) moving each thread producing region (32, 34) of the tool out from the associated groove (24, 22) in a twisted withdrawal movement made to match the twist of the associated twisted groove.