Universal Insert Clamping for Multi-Angle Cutting Tools

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cutting tools require separate tool main units for different types of cutting inserts with varying corner angles, leading to reduced operation efficiency and increased costs due to the need for multiple units, and limited versatility in processing various work materials.

Innovation Solution

A cutting tool with a tool main unit that features a fixing portion capable of selectively fixing multiple types of cutting inserts, including negative and positive types with corner angles exceeding or less than 60°, by utilizing a side wall face with distinct contact portions for each type, allowing for firm holding of four types of inserts with a single unit.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If separate tool main units are used for different types of cutting inserts, then each cutting insert can be firmly fixed, but operation efficiency drops and costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefixing reliabilityVSAvoidoperation efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The tool main unit is designed with a universal fixing portion that can accommodate multiple types of cutting inserts (negative/positive types with corner angles exceeding or less than 60°) through a standardized clamping mechanism. This allows a single tool main unit to perform multiple functions by fixing different insert types using the same clamping structure, thereby improving operation efficiency while maintaining reliable fixation for each insert type.

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

2Reliability

If separate tool main units are used for different types of cutting inserts, then each cutting insert can be firmly fixed, but costs increase due to providing multiple units

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefixing reliabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The fixing portion employs a standardized clamping structure with clamp members that can universally fix different types of cutting inserts. This design eliminates the need to manufacture separate tool main units for each insert type, reducing manufacturing costs while ensuring reliable fixation through the consistent application of the same clamping mechanism across all insert types.

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

3Adaptability or versatility

If various different shapes of work materials are processed, then versatility is improved, but the number of holding tools is limited due to tool rest constraints

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocessing versatilityVSAvoidnumber of holding tools
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The tool main unit is designed as a multi-functional holding tool with a universal fixing portion that can accommodate multiple types of cutting inserts. This allows a single holding tool to process various different shapes of work materials by selecting appropriate cutting inserts, thereby improving processing versatility while reducing the number of holding tools needed and avoiding tool rest constraints.

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

4Productivity

If a single tool main unit fixes multiple types of cutting inserts, then operation efficiency improves, but the fixing portion must be designed to accommodate different corner angles

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperation efficiencyVSAvoidfixing portion design
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The fixing portion is designed with clamp members that can adapt to different corner angles of cutting inserts through localized adjustment mechanisms. The clamp members are configured to contact specific regions of the cutting inserts (such as the corner portions or side faces) and apply clamping forces appropriately for each insert type, allowing a single fixing portion design to handle multiple insert types with varying corner angles while maintaining operation efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP4046731A1Cutting tool, cutting insert and holding tool
Publication Date: 2022.08.24 TUNGALOY CORP
  • EP4046731A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4046731A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4046731A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Cutting tool 1 that can firmly hold four types of cutting inserts by one tool main unit 20. A cutting insert 10 of the cutting tool has an approximately triangular stereoscopic shape including three corner portions. The tool main unit has a fixing portion 30 that can selectively fix a plurality of types of cutting inserts, including: a negative type cutting insert whose angle of the corner portion exceeds 60°, a positive type cutting insert whose angle of the corner portion exceeds 60°; a negative type cutting insert whose angle of the corner portion is less than 60°; and a positive type cutting insert whose angle of the corner portion is less than 60°. The fixing portion has a bottom face 40 that contacts a bottom face of the cutting insert, and a side wall face 41 that contacts a side face of the cutting insert. A portion of the side wall face of the fixing portion which contacts the cutting insert differs depending on the type of the cutting insert.