Positioning device for a drilling apparatus

Abstract

A positioning device for a drilling apparatus is disclosed. A positioning device (104, 204, 304) for positioning a drilling tool (106, 206, 306) of a drilling apparatus (102, 202, 302) relative to a workpiece includes a holder (124, 224, 324) mounted to the drilling apparatus such that the holder at least partially surrounds the drilling tool. The holder includes an end (128, 228, 328) having an alignment surface (130, 230, 330) configured to engage in physical contact with a workpiece surface (110) of a workpiece (108). The alignment surface of the holder is oriented relative to a centerline axis of the drilling tool such that the centerline axis (120, 220, 320) extends perpendicular to the workpiece surface when the alignment surface of the holder is in contact with the workpiece surface. The positioning device further includes a laser projector (142, 242, 342) mounted to the holder such that the laser projector is configured to project an illumination point onto the workpiece surface indicating a location where the centerline axis of the drilling tool intersects the workpiece surface.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a positioning device for drilling equipment. Background Technology

[0002] During aircraft maintenance, repair, and overhaul, fasteners (e.g., rivets, bolts, screws, etc.) must be removed to replace damaged or structurally compromised components. The process of removing aircraft fasteners typically requires a drill positioned centered on the fastener, perpendicular to the surface of the component surrounding it. If the drill is not precisely positioned, the attachment substructure can be damaged, for example, in the form of oversized, misshapen (e.g., deformed, etc.) and / or abnormal holes that may require costly rework of the substructure. For instance, if the drill is not aligned with the fastener, it may deform the hole into an elliptical shape, while a drill not positioned perpendicular to the component surface may deform the hole into a snowman shape. Furthermore, repeatedly drilling into fasteners without positioning the drill perpendicular to the component surface can increase the rate of drill bit breakage.

[0003] One method for positioning the drill bit at the center of a fastener is to first create a recess in the center of the fastener using a small punch and hammer, and then place the drill bit in that recess. However, while this operation facilitates drill bit alignment with the fastener, the drill bit may still not be perpendicular to the component surface. Furthermore, although hand drills with guide attachments that facilitate orienting the drill bit perpendicular to the component surface are known, such guide attachments do not help align the drill bit with the center of the fastener. Other solutions for precise drilling have the disadvantages of high cost, time-consuming, and / or labor-intensive. For example, some drilling systems include magnetic targets placed inside the component structure (e.g., on the side of the component opposite to the side being drilled), thus requiring access to the aircraft interior, which can increase the cost, time, and / or labor required to complete the drilling operation. Moreover, automated (e.g., robotic, etc.) drilling machines are often expensive and may require a relatively substantial investment in software for programming various different components that need to be drilled. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In one aspect, a positioning device is provided for a drilling tool for positioning a drilling apparatus relative to a workpiece. The positioning device includes a cage configured to be mounted to the drilling apparatus such that the cage at least partially surrounds the drilling tool of the drilling apparatus. The cage includes an end portion comprising an alignment surface configured to physically engage with a workpiece surface. When the cage is mounted to the drilling apparatus, the alignment surface of the cage is oriented relative to a centerline axis of the drilling tool such that the centerline axis extends substantially perpendicular to the workpiece surface when the alignment surface of the cage contacts the workpiece surface. The positioning device also includes a laser projector mounted to the cage such that the laser projector is configured to project an illumination point onto the workpiece surface indicating the position where the centerline axis of the drilling tool intersects the workpiece surface when the alignment surface of the cage contacts the workpiece surface.

[0005] In another aspect, a drilling apparatus assembly is provided. The drilling apparatus assembly includes a drilling device having a body, a chuck held by the body, and a drilling tool held by the chuck. The drilling apparatus assembly includes a positioning device mounted to the drilling device to position the drilling tool relative to a workpiece. The positioning device includes a retainer that at least partially surrounds the drilling tool of the drilling device. The retainer includes an end portion having an alignment surface configured to physically engage with a workpiece surface. The alignment surface of the retainer is oriented relative to a centerline axis of the drilling tool such that the centerline axis extends substantially perpendicular to the workpiece surface when the alignment surface of the retainer contacts the workpiece surface. The positioning device also includes a laser projector mounted to the retainer such that the laser projector is configured to project an illumination point onto the workpiece surface indicating the position where the centerline axis of the drilling tool intersects the workpiece surface when the alignment surface of the retainer contacts the workpiece surface. The illumination point projected onto the workpiece surface by the laser projector is configured to be adjustablely aligned with the target drilling position on the workpiece surface by moving the drilling equipment relative to the workpiece surface.

[0006] In another aspect, a method for drilling a hole in a workpiece is provided. The method includes: physically engaging an alignment surface of a positioning device mounted to a drilling apparatus with a workpiece surface such that the centerline axis of a drilling tool of the drilling apparatus extends substantially perpendicular to the workpiece surface; projecting an illumination point indicating the location where the centerline axis of the drilling tool intersects the workpiece surface onto the workpiece surface; aligning the illumination point with a target drilling location on the workpiece surface by moving the drilling apparatus relative to the workpiece surface; and drilling a hole at the target drilling location using the drilling tool. Attached Figure Description

[0007] Figure 1This is a schematic diagram of a drilling equipment assembly that includes one implementation of a positioning device.

[0008] Figure 2 This illustrates a method based on one implementation. Figure 1 The observation area of ​​the display of the positioning device shown.

[0009] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 Another view of the observation area shown.

[0010] Figure 4 It is a perspective view of a positioning device according to one implementation, wherein the positioning device can be folded along its length.

[0011] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 Another perspective view of the positioning device shown illustrates the folded position of the positioning device according to one implementation.

[0012] Figure 6 yes Figure 4 and Figure 5 The cross-sectional view of the positioning device shown illustrates the extended position of the positioning device according to one implementation.

[0013] Figure 7 yes Figures 4 to 6 Another cross-sectional view of the positioning device shown illustrates... Figure 5 The folded position of the positioning device is shown.

[0014] Figure 8 It is a perspective view of a positioning device according to one implementation, wherein the positioning device cannot be folded along its length.

[0015] Figure 9 yes Figure 8 Another perspective view of the positioning device shown.

[0016] Figure 10 yes Figure 8 and Figure 9 A perspective view of a portion of the positioning device shown.

[0017] Figure 11 This is a flowchart illustrating a method for drilling holes in a workpiece according to one implementation.

[0018] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of one way an airplane is implemented.

[0019] Figure 13 It is a block diagram of an implementation method for aircraft production and maintenance. Detailed Implementation

[0020] The foregoing description of the invention and the following detailed description of certain embodiments and implementations will be better understood when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. As used herein, elements or steps described in the singular and preceded by the words "a" or "an" should be understood to not necessarily exclude a plurality of elements or steps. Furthermore, references to "an embodiment" or "an implementation" are not intended to exclude the existence of additional embodiments or implementations that also incorporate the described features. Moreover, unless expressly stated to the contrary, embodiments that "comprise" or "have" one or more elements having a particular property may include additional elements that do not have that property.

[0021] Although various spatial and directional terms such as “top,” “bottom,” “upper,” “lower,” and “vertical” are used to describe embodiments and implementations of this disclosure, it should be understood that such terms are used only relative to the orientation shown in the figures. This orientation may be reversed, rotated, or otherwise changed such that if the structure is flipped 180 degrees, the top side becomes the bottom side; if the structure is pivoted 90 degrees, the top side becomes the left or right side, and so on.

[0022] Some implementations of this disclosure provide a positioning device for a drilling tool for positioning a drilling apparatus relative to a workpiece. The positioning device includes a cage configured to be mounted to the drilling apparatus such that the cage at least partially surrounds the drilling tool of the drilling apparatus. The cage includes an end portion comprising an alignment surface configured to physically engage with a workpiece surface. When the cage is mounted to the drilling apparatus, the alignment surface of the cage is oriented relative to the centerline axis of the drilling tool such that the centerline axis extends substantially perpendicular to the workpiece surface when the alignment surface of the cage contacts the workpiece surface. The positioning device also includes a laser projector mounted to the cage such that the laser projector is configured to project an illumination point onto the workpiece surface indicating the position where the centerline axis of the drilling tool intersects the workpiece surface when the alignment surface of the cage contacts the workpiece surface.

[0023] Some implementations of this disclosure facilitate positioning the drilling tool of the drilling equipment perpendicular to the workpiece surface and aligned with the target drilling location on the workpiece surface. Some implementations of this disclosure reduce damage to the workpiece and / or other structures (e.g., attachment substructures, etc.) caused by drilling operations. For example, some implementations of this disclosure reduce the occurrence of oversized, deformed (e.g., broken, etc.) and / or abnormal holes. Some implementations of this disclosure reduce the number of drilling tools that break due to repetitive drilling operations. Some implementations of this disclosure reduce the cost of performing drilling operations, reduce the time required to perform drilling operations, and / or reduce the labor required to perform drilling operations.

[0024] Now refer to the attached diagram, Figure 1A schematic diagram of a drilling equipment assembly is provided. The drilling equipment assembly 100 includes one implementation of a drilling device 102 and a positioning device 104 for positioning a drilling tool 106 of the drilling device 102 relative to a workpiece 108. As will be described in more detail below, the positioning device 104 is configured to facilitate positioning of the drilling device 102 such that: (1) the drilling tool 106 extends (e.g., is oriented, etc.) substantially perpendicular to the surface 110 of the workpiece 108 to be drilled; and (2) the drilling tool 106 is substantially or adjustablely aligned with a target drilling position 112 on the workpiece surface 110.

[0025] Referring first to drilling apparatus 102, drilling apparatus 102 includes a body 114, a chuck 116, and a drilling tool 106. The chuck 116 is held by the body 114 such that the chuck 116 is configured to rotate relative to the body 114 about a rotation axis 118 during operation of drilling apparatus 102. Drilling apparatus 102 includes any suitable drive mechanism (not shown) operatively connected to the chuck 116 to drive the chuck 116 to rotate about the rotation axis 118 (i.e., to apply torque to the chuck 116 to rotate it about the rotation axis 118), such as, but not limited to, an electric motor, a manual crank, an internal combustion engine, etc.

[0026] like Figure 1 As shown, the drilling tool 106 is held by a chuck 116 such that the axis of rotation 118 of the chuck 116 is aligned with the centerline axis 120 of the drilling tool 106. The drilling tool 106 is fixed to the chuck 116 such that the drilling tool 106 is configured to rotate together with the chuck 116 about the axis of rotation 118 and about the centerline axis 120. Specifically, the drilling tool 106 is rigidly fixed to the chuck 116 such that the chuck 116 transmits torque provided by the drive mechanism to the drilling tool 106, thereby causing the drilling tool 106 to rotate about the axis of rotation 118 and the centerline axis 120. In some instances, the drilling tool 106 is releasably held by the chuck 116 such that the drilling tool 106 can be selectively attached to and removed from the drilling equipment 102, for example, for repair or replacement of the drilling tool 106, and / or for servicing, storing, moving, maintaining, etc., of the drilling equipment 102.

[0027] During the operation of the drilling apparatus 102 drilling into the workpiece surface 110, the drilling tool 106 rotates about axes 118 and 120 in the cutting direction (e.g., clockwise, counterclockwise, etc.), which allows the drilling tool 106 to cut into the workpiece surface 110. As the drilling tool 106 rotates about axes 118 and 120 in the cutting direction, the drilling tool 106 moves along axes 118 and 120 toward (e.g., in the direction of arrow 122, etc.) the workpiece surface 110 and comes into physical contact with it. The drilling tool 106 is pressed (e.g., pressed in, etc.) against (e.g., pressed into, etc.) the workpiece surface 110 along axes 118 and 120 (e.g., in the direction of arrow 122, etc.) to provide a contact force between the drilling tool 106 and the workpiece surface 110. The rotation of the drilling tool 106 in the cutting direction and the contact force between the drilling tool 106 and the workpiece surface 110 cause the drilling tool 106 to cut into (e.g., drill into, etc.) the workpiece surface 110.

[0028] In some implementations, such as, but not limited to Figure 1 In the handheld implementation of the drilling apparatus 102 shown, the body 114 of the drilling apparatus 102: (1) moves along axes 118 and 120 toward the workpiece surface 110 (e.g., in the direction of arrow 122, etc.), thereby moving the drilling tool 106 toward and physically contacting the workpiece surface 110; and (2) applies a force on the body 114 to press the drilling tool 106 against the workpiece surface 110, thereby providing a contact force between the drilling tool 106 and the workpiece surface 110. The movement of the body 114 of the drilling apparatus 102 that moves the drilling tool 106 toward the workpiece surface 110 and provides a contact force between the drilling tool 106 and the workpiece surface 110, and the force applied thereon: (1) is fully automatic in some implementations; (2) is assisted in some implementations (e.g., semi-automatic, etc.); and (3) is fully manual in some implementations (e.g., entirely performed by the operator, etc.). For example, in Figure 1 In the handheld implementation, the operator holding the drilling equipment 102 manually moves the body 114 of the drilling equipment 102 and manually applies force to the body 114, which provides contact force between the drilling tool 106 and the workpiece surface 110.

[0029] In other implementations, the drilling tool 106 is movable relative to the body 114 of the drilling apparatus 102 to move along axes 118 and 120 toward and physically contact the workpiece surface 110 (e.g., in the direction of arrow 122, etc.); and a contact force between the drilling tool 106 and the workpiece surface 110 is provided by applying a force to the drilling tool 106 to press it against the workpiece surface 110. The drilling apparatus 102 includes any suitable mechanism, structure, etc., that enables the drilling tool 106 to move relative to the body 114 of the drilling apparatus along axes 118 and 120, such as, but not limited to, a mechanical spindle, bearings, etc. The motion and force applied thereon of the drilling tool 106 that moves the drilling tool 106 relative to the body 114 toward the workpiece surface 110 and provides contact force between the drilling tool 106 and the workpiece surface 110 are: (1) fully automatic in some implementations (e.g., using electric actuators, hydraulic actuators and / or pneumatic linear actuators of the drilling equipment, etc.); (2) auxiliary in some implementations (e.g., semi-automatic, etc.) (e.g., using hydraulic cylinders, pneumatic cylinders, gas springs, etc.); and (3) fully manual in some implementations (e.g., performed entirely by the operator directly and / or indirectly applying force to the drilling tool 106, etc.). An exemplary fully automated implementation includes an implementation in which the drilling device 102 is a drilling machine including a linear actuator (not shown) that, for example, automatically moves the drilling tool 106 relative to the body 114 and automatically applies a force to the drilling tool 106 when started by an operator and / or a computer, providing a contact force between the drilling tool 106 and the workpiece surface 110. Another example of a fully automated implementation is an implementation in which the drilling device 102 is a handheld drilling device including a linear actuator and / or other mechanisms configured, for example, to automatically move the drilling tool 106 relative to the body 114 and automatically apply a force to the drilling tool 106 when started by an operator holding the drilling device 102, providing a contact force. Examples of manual / automatic implementations include a drilling device 102 that is a drill press that includes a manual crank that can be manually turned by an operator to indirectly move the drilling tool 106 relative to the body 114 and indirectly apply a force to the drilling tool 106, which provides a contact force between the drilling tool 106 and the workpiece surface 110.

[0030] In the exemplary implementation shown herein, the drilling tool 106 is a drill bit, and more specifically, a twist drill bit. However, the drilling tool 106 may additionally or alternatively include any type of drill bit, such as, but not limited to, step drills, unbit drill bits, hole saws, center and positioning drills, core drills, countersunk drills, ejector drills, gun drills, indexable drills, left-hand drills, metal spade drills, flute drills, trephine drills, straight-tooth drills, wooden spade drills, spoon drills, flat-bottomed drills, center drills, augers, hand-held augers, articulated punch drills, adjustable wooden drills, metal drills, diamond core drills, masonry drills, glass drills, PCB through-hole drills, mounting drills, retrieval drills, flexible shaft drills, etc. Furthermore, the drilling tool 106 is not limited to including drill bits. Conversely, drilling tool 106 may additionally or alternatively include any other type of drilling tool, such as, but not limited to, taps, dies, etc.

[0031] Despite Figure 1 In this implementation, the drilling device 102 is a portable handheld drilling device, but the drilling device 102 is not limited to this. Instead, additionally or alternatively, the drilling device 102 includes any type of drilling device, such as, but not limited to, a drill press, a drilling device supported by a fixing device and / or other structure (e.g., a suspension structure, a structure mounted to the workpiece 108, a structure adjacent to the workpiece 108, a structure placed on and / or attached to the floor, etc.), a less portable drilling device, etc. Furthermore, the drilling device 102 is not limited to... Figure 1 The wired electric drilling device 102 shown in the implementation method is not the same as the wired electric drilling device 102 shown in the implementation method. Instead, it additionally or alternatively includes any other power source, such as, but not limited to, battery-powered electric drilling device, pneumatic drilling device, hydraulically powered drilling device, etc.

[0032] In the illustrated implementation, workpiece 108 is an aircraft component (e.g., an interior panel, an exterior skin panel, etc.), and the target drilling location 112 is a fastener (e.g., a rivet, bolt, screw, etc.) drilled (e.g., removed) by the drilling equipment 102. However, workpiece 108 is not limited to aircraft components. Instead, the positioning device implementation shown and described herein is applicable to any type of workpiece in which the drilling operation is performed, such as, but not limited to, (e.g., automotive parts, machine parts, marine parts, space parts, panels, and / or other structures of larger components, etc.). Furthermore, the target drilling location 112 is not limited to a fastener drilled by the drilling equipment, but the positioning device implementation shown and described herein is applicable to any location on the workpiece in which the drilling operation is performed (e.g., a hole drilled for subsequent fastener installation, a vent location, an observation opening location, etc.). As will be described in more detail with respect to positioning device 104, the workpiece surface 110 is not limited to, as Figure 1The surface is generally planar (e.g., having a generally two-dimensional (2D) shape). In contrast, in addition to being generally planar or instead of being generally planar, in other implementations, one or more segments of the workpiece surface 100 have a three-dimensional (3D) shape (e.g., having a contour).

[0033] Referring now to positioning device 104, positioning device 104 includes a retainer 124 mounted to drilling equipment 102. Retainer 124 is configured to be mounted to drilling equipment 102. Specifically, retainer 124 extends a certain length from end 126 to opposite end 128. End 126 of retainer 124 is mounted to body 114 of drilling equipment 102 such that the retainer at least partially surrounds the perimeter of drilling tool 106 of drilling equipment 102, for example as... Figure 1 As shown. Figure 1 As shown, when the retainer 124 is mounted to the body 114 of the drilling equipment 102, the length of the retainer 124 extends along axes 118 and 120.

[0034] The end 126 of the retainer 124 is rigidly mounted to the body 114 of the drilling apparatus 102, such that the retainer 124 remains stationary relative to the body 114 during operation of the drilling apparatus 102 (i.e., does not rotate with the drilling tool 106 about axes 118 and 120). In other words, during operation of the drilling apparatus 102, the drilling tool 106 rotates relative to both the body 114 of the drilling apparatus and the retainer 124 of the positioning device 104 about the axis of rotation 118 and the centerline axis 120. The end 126 of the retainer 124 is mounted to the body 114 of the drilling equipment 102 using any method, means, structure, mechanism, arrangement, connection, connector, device, etc., that enables the retainer 124 to function as described and / or shown herein, such as, but not limited to, adhesives, interference fits, snap-fits, fasteners (e.g., threaded fasteners, etc.), latches, welding, brazing, epoxy resin, clamps, rings, cotter pins, quick-release pins, U-clamps, U-clamp type connections, bayonet type connections, overload springs, etc. Figure 1 In this implementation, the drilling device 102 is a handheld drilling device, and the retainer 124 is configured to be mounted on the handheld drilling device 102, for example... Figure 1 As shown.

[0035] The end 128 of the retainer 124 includes an alignment surface 130. The alignment surface 130 is configured to physically engage with the workpiece surface 110 of the workpiece 108 to position the centerline axis 120 of the drilling tool 106 substantially perpendicular to the workpiece surface 110. Specifically, the alignment surface 130 of the retainer 124 has one or more positions relative to the body 114 of the drilling apparatus 102 (e.g., positions along axes 118 and 120, positions along axes 132 and 134 extending perpendicular to axes 118 and 120, orientations, angles, alignments, etc.) and has one or more geometries (e.g., orientations, angles, shapes, profiles, dimensions, etc.) configured to orient the alignment surface 130 relative to the centerline axis 120 of the drilling tool 106 in a predetermined orientation when the retainer 124 is mounted to the drilling apparatus 102. The predetermined orientation of the alignment surface 130 relative to the centerline axis 120 of the drilling tool 106 is selected such that physical contact between the alignment surface 130 and the workpiece surface 110 (e.g., an action that engages (i.e., moves) the alignment surface 130 into physical contact with the workpiece surface 110, etc.) orients the centerline axis 120 of the drilling tool 106 substantially perpendicular to the workpiece surface 110 (e.g., at the target drilling position 112, etc.). In other words, when the holder is mounted to the drilling apparatus 102, the alignment surface 130 of the holder 124 is oriented relative to the centerline axis 120 of the drilling tool 106 such that when the alignment surface 130 is in physical contact with the workpiece surface 110, the centerline axis 120 extends substantially perpendicular to the workpiece surface 110 (e.g., oriented, etc.) (e.g., at the target drilling position 112, etc.). In some implementations, when the cage is mounted to the drilling apparatus 102, the alignment surface 130 of the cage 124 is oriented relative to the centerline axis 120 of the drilling tool 106, such that when the alignment surface 130 is in physical contact with the workpiece surface 110, the centerline axis 120 extends precisely perpendicular to the workpiece surface 110 (e.g., oriented, etc.) (e.g., at the target drilling location 112, etc.). Figure 1 As shown, the alignment surface 130 is physically engaged with the workpiece surface 110 at one or more contact areas 136.

[0036] The retainer 124 includes any structure, configuration, arrangement, geometry, etc., that enables the retainer 124 to function as described and / or shown herein (e.g., providing a generally perpendicular orientation of the centerline axis 120 of the drilling tool 106 relative to the workpiece surface 110, etc.). Figure 1In this implementation, the cage 124 includes three discrete legs 138, each extending outward from an end 126 of the cage 124 to a free end 140 of the cage. The free end 140 of the leg 138 defines an end 128 of the cage 124. The end face of the free end 140 defines an alignment surface 130 of the cage 124. Therefore, Figure 1 The alignment surface 130, implemented in this manner, comprises three discrete segments 130a, 130b, and 130c. For example... Figure 1 As shown, segments 130a, 130b and 130c are physically engaged with the workpiece surface at the corresponding contact areas 136a, 136b and 136c.

[0037] Any other suitable structure that enables the cage 124 to function as described and / or shown herein is considered to fall within the scope of this disclosure. For example, in other implementations, one or more legs 138 are interconnected to one or more other legs 138, either at their free ends 140 and / or at other locations along the length of the legs 138. Furthermore, in some other implementations, the end 128 of the cage 124 is defined by a single continuous segment surrounding the drilling tool 106 (e.g., surrounding the substantially entire perimeter of the drilling tool, etc.); wherein the continuous segment includes any shape (e.g., circular, polygonal, rectangular, triangular, quadrilateral, curved shape, elliptical, hexagonal, octagonal, etc.). Figures 4 to 7 and Figures 8 to 10 The illustrated implementation shows an example in which the ends 228 and 328 of the cages 224 and 324 can be considered as being defined by a single continuous segment, or alternatively as having shorter legs (with...). Figure 1 Compared to the implementation method of support leg 138).

[0038] Furthermore, for example, other implementations of the cage 124 include any other number (e.g., one, two, four, five, etc.) of legs 138, and / or other implementations of the alignment surface 130 include any other number of discrete segments (e.g., one, two, four, five, etc.). In some implementations, the alignment surface 130 comprises only a single continuous segment.

[0039] As briefly discussed above, in Figure 1In one implementation, the workpiece surface 110 is approximately planar along the region including the target drilling location 112 and the contact areas 136a-c. In other implementations where the region of the workpiece surface 110 including the contact area 136 includes a 3D shape (e.g., having a contour, etc.), different discrete segments of the alignment surface 130 and / or different positions along the same segments of the alignment surface 130 may have different relative positions (e.g., different positions along axes 118 and 120, different positions along axis 132, different positions along axis 134, different orientations, different angles, different alignments, etc.), for example, in a manner that allows the engagement between the alignment surface 130 and the workpiece surface 110 to align the centerline axis 120 of the drilling tool 106 substantially perpendicular to the workpiece surface 110 (e.g., at the target drilling location 112, etc.) to conform to the 3D shape of the workpiece surface 110.

[0040] Optionally, one or more segments of the alignment surface 130 (e.g., segments 130a, 130b, and / or 130c, etc.) have a shape complementary to the shape of the workpiece surface 110 at corresponding contact areas (e.g., corresponding contact areas 136a, 136b, and / or 136c, etc.) on the workpiece surface 110. For example, in an implementation where the region of the workpiece surface 110 including the contact area 136 includes a 3D shape (e.g., having a contour, etc.), with Figure 1 Compared to the generally planar geometry shown in the implementation, one or more segments of the alignment surface 130 may have more complex geometries (e.g., orientation, shape, angle, profile, size, etc.) (e.g., to adapt to the 3D shape of the workpiece surface 110 in such a way that the engagement between the alignment surface 130 and the workpiece surface 110 allows the centerline axis 120 of the drilling tool 106 to be oriented generally perpendicular to the workpiece surface 110 (e.g., at the target drilling location 112, etc.).

[0041] As briefly described above, the positioning device 104 is configured to facilitate the positioning of the drilling equipment 102 such that the drilling tool 106 is substantially or adjustably aligned with the target drilling location 112 on the workpiece surface 110. For example, the positioning device 104 includes a laser projector 142 mounted to the retainer 124, such that the laser projector 142 is configured to illuminate a point (e.g., Figure 2 and Figure 3The illumination point 144 (as shown) is projected onto the workpiece surface 110. When the alignment surface 130 of the holder 124 contacts the workpiece surface 110, the illumination point indicates the position where the centerline axis 120 of the drilling tool 106 intersects with the workpiece surface 110. The drilling device 102 can then be moved relative to the workpiece surface 110 to substantially align the illumination point (and thus the centerline axis 120 of the drilling tool 106) with the target drilling position 112 on the workpiece surface 110. In other words, by moving the drilling device 102 relative to the workpiece surface 110, the illumination point projected onto the workpiece surface 110 by the laser projector 142 is adjustablely aligned with the target drilling position 112 on the workpiece surface 110. In some implementations, the drilling device 102 is moved relative to the workpiece surface 110 to precisely align the illumination point (and thus the centerline axis 120 of the drilling tool 106) with the target drilling position 112 on the workpiece surface 110.

[0042] For example, the laser projector 142 is mounted to the holder 124 with an orientation relative to the centerline axis 120 of the drilling tool 106, such that the laser beam projected by the laser projector 142 intersects the centerline axis 120. In other words, the laser projector 142 is mounted to the holder 124 such that the laser beam projected by the laser projector 142 is intended to intersect the centerline axis 120 of the drilling tool 106. The laser beam projected by the laser projector 142 is intended to be located at the centerline axis 120 of the drilling tool 106 such that when the alignment surface 130 of the holder 124 is physically engaged with the workpiece surface 110, the laser beam intersects the centerline axis 120 at a location along the centerline axis 120, which corresponds to the location of the workpiece surface 110 along the centerline axis 120. Therefore, when the holder 124 moves to physical contact with the workpiece surface 110, the intersection of the laser beam and the workpiece surface 110 is substantially aligned with the centerline axis 120 of the drilling tool 106. Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the intersection between the laser beam and the workpiece surface 110 is marked by an illumination point (e.g., illumination point 144, etc.) formed from the laser beam that is at least partially reflected away from the workpiece surface 110. Therefore, when the alignment surface 130 of the holder 124 is physically engaged with the workpiece surface 110, the illumination point projected by the laser projector 142 indicates the position where the centerline axis 120 of the drilling tool 106 intersects with the workpiece surface 110.

[0043] The laser projector 142 is mounted to the holder 124 using any method, apparatus, structure, mechanism, manner, arrangement, connection, connector, device, etc. that enables the laser projector 142 to function as described and / or shown herein (e.g., projecting a laser beam intersecting the centerline axis 120 of the drilling tool 106, projecting an illumination point indicating the location where the centerline axis 120 of the drilling tool 106 intersects with the workpiece surface 110, etc.). In some other implementations, the laser projector 142 is additionally or alternatively mounted to the body 114 of the drilling apparatus 102. Examples of methods, apparatus, structures, mechanisms, arrangements, connections, connectors, devices, etc., used in some implementations to mount the laser projector 142 to the retainer 124 and / or the body 114 include, but are not limited to, adhesives, interference fits, snap-fits, fasteners (e.g., threaded fasteners), latches, welding, brazing, epoxy resin, clamps, rings, cotter pins, quick-release pins, U-clamps, U-clamp type connections, bayonet type connections, overload springs, etc.

[0044] In some implementations, one or more parameters of the laser projector 142 are selectable, for example, enabling the calibration of the laser projector 142. In other words, in some implementations, one or more parameters of the laser projector 142 can be adjusted, changed, etc. (e.g., by a user, technician, etc.), for example, to configure the laser projector 142 such that the illumination point projected by the laser projector 142 (e.g., Figure 2 and Figure 3 The illumination point 144 (as shown) indicates the location where the centerline axis 120 of the drilling tool 106 intersects with the workpiece surface 110. In other words, in some implementations, one or more parameters of the laser projector 142 are adjustable, for example, to configure the laser projector 142 such that the laser beam projected therefrom is intended to intersect the centerline axis 120 of the drilling tool 106 at a location corresponding to the position of a particular workpiece surface 110 along the centerline axis 120. Examples of parameters of the laser projector 142 selected in some implementations include, but are not limited to, the orientation of the laser projector 142 relative to the centerline axis 120, the intensity of the laser beam projected by the laser projector 142, the position of the laser projector 142 on the holder 124 and / or body 114 (e.g., position, orientation, angle, alignment, etc.), and so on.

[0045] An exemplary implementation of calibrating the laser projector 142 includes: (1) loosening one or more mounting components (not shown) that mount the laser projector 142 to the holder 124 and / or the body 114 of the drilling equipment 102, such that the position of the laser projector 142 on the holder 124 and / or the body 114 is adjustable; (2) physically engaging the alignment surface 130 of the holder 124 with the workpiece surface 110 of the test workpiece 108; (3) aligning the holder 124 with the workpiece surface 110 of the test workpiece 108. (3) Mounting the laser projector 142 onto the main body 114 of the drilling equipment 102; (4) Drilling a notch in the surface 110 of the test workpiece; (5) Adjusting the position of the laser projector 142 relative to the holder 124 and / or the main body 114 such that the illumination point 144 projected by the laser projector 142 is aligned with the notch (e.g., approximately precisely); and (6) Tightening the mounting hardware that mounts the laser projector 142 onto the holder 124 and / or the main body 114 to secure the laser projector 142 in the calibration position. Steps (1)-(3) of the above-described exemplary implementation of calibrating the laser projector 142 can be performed in any relative order.

[0046] The laser projector 142 is any type of laser projector 142 that enables it to function as described and / or shown herein (e.g., projecting a laser beam intersecting the centerline axis 120 of the drilling tool 106, projecting an illumination point indicating the location where the centerline axis 120 of the drilling tool 106 intersects with the workpiece surface 110, etc.). Examples of laser projectors 142 include, but are not limited to, laser diode (e.g., direct injection, etc.) type, frequency doubler diode pumped solid-state (DPSS) type, gas laser, etc.

[0047] As described above, the drilling device 102 is moved relative to the workpiece surface 110 so that the illumination point (and thus the centerline axis 120 of the drilling tool 106) is substantially aligned with the target drilling position 112 on the workpiece surface 110. Once the illumination point projected by the laser projector 142 is substantially aligned with the target drilling position 112, the drilling device 102 is ready to perform a drilling operation on the workpiece 108 substantially at the target drilling position 112. Specifically, the drilling tool 106 is positioned (e.g., oriented, aligned, angled, positioned, etc.) relative to the target drilling position 112 such that: (1) the centerline axis 120 of the drilling tool 106 is substantially aligned with the target drilling position 112; and (2) the centerline axis 120 extends substantially perpendicular to the workpiece surface 110 (e.g., at the target drilling position 112, etc.). For example, in the implementation where the target drilling position 112 is a position on a fastener (e.g., a rivet, bolt, screw, etc.), for example, but not limited to Figure 1 In this implementation, the centerline axis 120 of the drilling tool 106 can be approximately aligned with the center of the fastener (e.g., Figure 1The fasteners 146 shown in the embodiment are approximately aligned with their approximate center 112a, etc.

[0048] In some implementations, illumination points are projected onto the workpiece surface 110 by a laser projector 142 (e.g., Figure 2 and Figure 3 The illumination point 144 (as shown) is visible to the user of the drilling equipment 102. For example, in some implementations, the user of the drilling equipment 102 has a line of sight aligned with the illumination point, wherein this line of sight exists when: (1) the user positions the drilling equipment 102 on and / or along the workpiece surface 110; and / or (2) the user performs a drilling operation on the workpiece 108 (e.g., drilling into the workpiece surface 110, etc.). In some implementations, the line of sight between the user and the illumination point projected by the laser projector 142 is a direct line of sight; while in other implementations, the line of sight between the user and the illumination point projected by the laser projector 142 is an indirect line of sight provided by one or more mirrors, reflectors, etc. When the user moves the drilling equipment 102 to substantially align the illumination point (and thus the centerline axis 120) with the target drilling position 112, the line of sight between the user and the illumination point projected by the laser projector 142 allows the user to locate and view the illumination point in real time.

[0049] In addition to providing the user with a line of sight to the illumination point projected by the laser projector 142, or as an alternative, the positioning device 104 may optionally include one or more cameras 148 mounted to the holder 124. Each camera 148 is configured to capture images including the illumination point (e.g., when the alignment surface 130 of the holder 124 contacts the workpiece surface 110.) Figure 2 and Figure 3 The area of ​​the workpiece surface 110 (e.g., the area of ​​the illumination point 144 shown) on .... Figure 2 and Figure 3 The image of the observation area 150 (e.g., the observation area 150) is shown. For example, the camera 148 is configured such that when the alignment surface 130 of the holder 124 is physically engaged with the workpiece surface 110 at a position where the target drilling position 112 is within the field of view of the camera 148, the camera 148 acquires an image of the area including both the illumination point and the target drilling position 112 (e.g., the observation area 150). When the user moves the drilling equipment 102 to substantially align the illumination point (and thus the centerline axis 120) with the target drilling position 112, the image acquired by the camera 148 allows the user to locate and view the illumination point (e.g., in real time, etc.).

[0050] Each camera 148 is configured to acquire any type of image, such as, but not limited to, still images, video images, real-time images, time-lapse images, visible light images, night vision images, etc. For example, in one exemplary implementation, one or more cameras 148 are configured to acquire real-time video of an area including both the illumination point projected by the laser projector 142 and the target drill hole location 112. Each camera 148 is any type of camera 148 that enables the camera 148 to function as described and / or shown herein (e.g., for acquiring an image of the area of ​​the workpiece surface 110 including both the illumination point projected by the laser projector 142 and the target drill hole location 112, etc.). Examples of cameras 148 include, but are not limited to, still image cameras, video cameras, digital cameras, night vision cameras, visible light cameras, lipstick cameras, etc. Although only a single camera 148 is shown, in other implementations, the positioning device 104 includes any other number of cameras 148.

[0051] In some other implementations, one or more cameras 148 are additionally or alternatively mounted to the body 114 of the drilling apparatus 102. Each camera 148 is mounted to the holder 124 and / or the body 114 at any location (e.g., position, orientation, alignment, angle, etc.) that enables the camera 148 to function as described and / or shown herein (e.g., for acquiring an image of the area of ​​the workpiece surface 110 including both the illumination point projected by the laser projector 142 and the target drilling location 112, etc.). Furthermore, each camera 148 is mounted to the holder 124 using any method, means, structure, mechanism, manner, arrangement, connection, connector, device, etc., that enables the camera 148 to function as described and / or shown herein (e.g., for acquiring an image of the area of ​​the workpiece surface 110 including both the illumination point and the target drilling location 112, etc.). In some implementations, examples of methods, apparatus, structures, mechanisms, arrangements, connections, connectors, devices, etc., for mounting one or more cameras 148 to the cage 124 and / or body 114 include, but are not limited to, adhesives, interference fits, snap-fits, fasteners (e.g., threaded fasteners), latches, welding, brazing, epoxy resin, clamps, rings, cotter pins, quick-release pins, U-clamps, U-clamp type connections, bayonet type connections, overload springs, etc., which are built into the cage 124 and / or body 114.

[0052] In some implementations, one or more parameters of one or more cameras 148 are selectable, for example, enabling the calibration of camera 148. In other words, in some implementations, one or more parameters of one or more cameras 148 can be adjusted, changed, etc. (e.g., by a user, technician, etc.), for example, to configure camera 148 to acquire an image of an area of ​​workpiece surface 110 (e.g., observation area 150, etc.), which includes both the target drilling location 112 and the illumination point projected by laser projector 142 (e.g., illumination point 144, etc.). In some implementations, examples of the selected parameters of one or more cameras 148 include, but are not limited to, the position of camera 148 on holder 124 and / or body 114 (e.g., position, orientation, alignment, angle, etc.), the speed of camera 148, the type of image acquired by the camera (e.g., still image, video image, live image, delayed image, visible light image, night view image, etc.), the delay of the image acquired by camera 148, etc.

[0053] In implementations including one or more cameras 148, optionally, each camera 148 is operatively connected to one or more optional displays 152 and / or one or more external displays 154 (described below) of the positioning system 104, such that the camera 148 is configured to send images thus acquired to the displays 152 and / or displays 154 for viewing by a user of the drilling apparatus 102. For example, in some implementations, the positioning apparatus 104 includes one or more displays 152 (e.g., Figure 1 (The implementation shown, etc.). Each display 152 of the positioning device 104 is mounted to the cage 124 and / or the body 114 of the drilling equipment 102. Each display 152 is mounted to the cage 124 and / or the body 114 in any position (e.g., position, orientation, angle, alignment, etc.) and using any manner, arrangement, method, device, structure, mechanism, connection, connector, device, etc., that makes the display 152 visible to the user of the drilling equipment 102 (e.g., user-visible, etc.). For example, in some implementations, one or more displays 152 of the positioning device 104 are external accessories (e.g., such as...). Figure 1 In one implementation, the device is mounted to the cage 124 and / or the body 114 of the drilling equipment 102, while in other implementations, one or more displays 152 of the positioning device 104 are integrated into the cage 124 and / or the body 114.

[0054] In one exemplary implementation, the positioning device 104 includes a display 152, which is mounted as an external accessory to the holder 124 and / or the body 114 of the drilling equipment 102, such that the position (e.g., location, orientation, angle, alignment, etc.) of the display 152 relative to the holder 124 and the body 114 is configured for adjustment by a user of the drilling equipment 102 (e.g., using a telescopic arm, articulated arm, curved arm, etc.). For example, in Figure 1 In this implementation, the positioning device 104 includes a display 152, which is mounted as an external accessory to the holder 124 via an arm 156. The arm is configured to be curved so that the user can adjust the position of the display 152. The arm 156 includes a flexible shape memory material, so that the arm 156 maintains a curved shape selected by the user, thereby keeping the display 152 fixed in the position set by the user.

[0055] In another exemplary implementation, the positioning device 104 includes a display 152, which is mounted to the body 114 of the drilling device 102 by being built into the body 114 along an end 157 of the body 114, for example, such that the viewing area of ​​the display 152 (e.g., Figure 2 and Figure 3 The center of the observation area 150 (as shown) is substantially aligned with the centerline axis 120 of the drilling tool 106. In yet another exemplary implementation, the positioning device 104 includes a display 152 mounted at a hinge (not shown) to the holder 124 and / or the body 114 of the drilling device 102, such that the display 152 can rotate (e.g., flip, etc.) between a closed position in which the screen of the display 152 is not visible and an open position in which the screen is visible.

[0056] Examples of methods, apparatus, structures, mechanisms, arrangements, connections, connectors, devices, etc., used in some implementations to mount one or more displays 152 to the retainer 124 and / or body 114 include, but are not limited to, adhesives, interference fits, snap-fits, fasteners (e.g., threaded fasteners), latches, welding, brazing, epoxy resin, clamps, rings, cotter pins, quick-release pins, U-clamps, U-clamp type connections, bayonet type connections, overload springs, etc., which are integrated into the retainer 124 and / or body 114.

[0057] Each display 152 of the positioning device 104 is operatively connected to a corresponding camera 148 of the positioning device 104 using any wireless and / or wired operating connection, which enables (e.g., configuration, etc.) the display 152 to receive and display images acquired by the corresponding camera 148. Examples of wired operating connections enabling the display 152 to receive and display images acquired by the corresponding camera 148 include, but are not limited to, one or more cables, one or more wires, one or more optical fibers, wired connections to a local area network (LAN), wired connections to a wide area network (WAN), wired connections to the Internet, etc. Examples of wireless operating connections enabling the display 152 to receive and display images acquired by the corresponding camera 148 include, but are not limited to, Wi-Fi. TM network, Wireless LAN (WLAN), wireless WAN (WWAN), wireless connection to the Internet, etc.

[0058] Each display 152 of the positioning device 104 is any type of display that enables the display 152 to function as described and / or shown herein (e.g., displaying images acquired by the corresponding camera 148, etc.), such as, but not limited to, plasma displays, liquid crystal displays (LCDs), light-emitting diode (LED) displays, cathode ray tube (CRT) displays, projection displays, organic light-emitting diode (OLED) displays, etc. Although only a single display 152 is shown, in other implementations, the positioning device 104 may include any other number of displays 152.

[0059] The above description and in Figure 1 The display 152 of the positioning device 104 shown is a dedicated display. In other words, the display 152 is dedicated to displaying images acquired by one or more cameras 148 of the positioning device 104. Alternatively, in addition to or as an alternative to the positioning device 104 including one or more displays 152, one or more cameras 148 of the positioning device 104 may be configured to be operatively connected to one or more external displays 154 that are not components of the positioning device 104. In other words, in some implementations, one or more cameras 148 are configured to be operatively connected to one or more external displays 154 that are not dedicated solely to displaying images acquired by the cameras 148 of the positioning device 104. Examples of external displays 154 include, but are not limited to, televisions, display panels, computer monitors, smartphones, headsets, virtual reality headsets, augmented reality headsets, virtual reality glasses, augmented reality glasses, Google Glass, handheld screens, tablets, and / or other mobile devices.

[0060] Each camera 148 of the positioning device 104 is operatively connected to one or more corresponding external displays 154 using any wireless and / or wired operating connection, which enables (e.g., configuration) the displays 154 to receive and display images acquired by the corresponding camera 148. Examples of wired operating connections enabling the external displays 154 to receive and display images acquired by the corresponding cameras 148 include, but are not limited to, one or more cables, one or more wires, one or more optical fibers, wired connections to a LAN, wired connections to a WAN, wired connections to the Internet, etc. Examples of wireless operating connections enabling the external displays 154 to receive and display images acquired by the corresponding cameras 148 include, but are not limited to, Wi-Fi. TM network, WLAN, WWAN, wireless connections to the Internet, etc.

[0061] Each external display 154 is any type of display that enables the external display 154 to function as described and / or shown herein (e.g., displaying images acquired by the corresponding camera 148, etc.), such as, but not limited to, plasma displays, LCDs, LED displays, CRT displays, projection displays, OLED displays, etc.

[0062] In some implementations, one or more cameras 148, one or more displays 152, and / or one or more displays 154 are configured such that the one or more displays 152 and / or one or more displays 154 are configured to display a line approximately centered on the illumination point projected by the laser projector 142 (e.g., Figure 2 and Figure 3 The crosshair cursor 158 shown is an example. This marking provides visual guidance, which helps the user locate the illuminated point projected by the laser projector 142 (e.g., as the user moves the drilling equipment 102). Figure 2 and Figure 3 The illumination point 144 (as shown) is approximately aligned with the target drill hole position 112. Examples of the markings optionally displayed by one or more displays 152 and / or one or more displays 154 include, but are not limited to, crosshairs, fine crosshairs (e.g., crosshair 158, etc.), double crosshairs, German markings, milliradian dots, circles, etc.

[0063] Optionally, the positioning device 104 includes one or more strain gauges 160 mounted to the cage 124, such that the strain gauges 160 are configured to measure the load applied to the cage 124 by the contact force between the alignment surface 130 of the cage 124 and the workpiece surface 110. Specifically, each strain gauge 160 is configured to measure the load applied to the cage 124 by the contact force between the alignment surface 130 and the workpiece surface 110 at the location of the strain gauge 160. Therefore, the load measured by each strain gauge 130 indicates the amount of contact force applied by the alignment surface 130 of the cage 124 to the workpiece surface 110 at the location of the strain gauge 160. Figure 1 In the illustrated implementation, the positioning device 104 includes strain gauges 160 mounted to the end 140 of each leg 138 of the cage 124 for measuring the contact force between the workpiece surface 110 and the alignment surface 130 of the corresponding leg 138. Each strain gauge 160 measures the load applied to the cage 124 at the location of the strain gauge 160 in any unit (e.g., but not limited to, pounds (lb), kilograms (kg), etc.).

[0064] In some implementations, one or more cameras 148, one or more displays 152, and / or one or more displays 154 are configured such that the one or more displays 152 and / or one or more displays 154 are configured to display the load measured by strain gauge 160 (e.g., Figure 2 and Figure 3 The measured load 162 shown is an example. In an implementation where the positioning device 104 includes more than one strain gauge 160, the display 152 and / or the display 154 can individually display the load measured by each strain gauge 160 (e.g., as shown in the figure). Figure 2 and Figure 3 The implementation shown in the diagram (e.g.) and / or can display the average of measurements from two or more strain gauges 160.

[0065] although Figure 1Three strain gauges are shown, but positioning device 104 includes any other number of strain gauges 160 (e.g., a single strain gauge 160, two strain gauges 160, four or more strain gauges 160, etc.). Each strain gauge 160 is mounted to cage 124 at any location (e.g., position, orientation, alignment, angle, etc.) using any method, device, structure, mechanism, manner, arrangement, connection, connector, device, etc., that enables the strain gauge 160 to function as described and / or shown herein (e.g., for measuring the amount of contact force applied to workpiece surface 110 by the alignment surface 130 of cage 124 at the location of strain gauge 160). In some implementations, examples of methods, apparatus, structures, mechanisms, arrangements, connections, connectors, devices, etc., for mounting one or more strain gauges 160 to the cage 124 include, but are not limited to, adhesives, interference fits, snap-fits, fasteners (e.g., threaded fasteners), latches, welding, brazing, epoxy resin, clamps, rings, cotter pins, quick-release pins, U-clamps, U-clamp type connections, bayonet type connections, overload springs, etc., which are integrated into the cage 124 and / or the body 114.

[0066] In some implementations, the retainer 124 may be folded along its length to guide the movement of the drilling tool 106 toward the workpiece surface 110 along the centerline axis 120 during operation of the drilling apparatus 102. For example, in an implementation where the body 114 of the drilling apparatus 102 moves relative to the workpiece surface 110 along axes 118 and 120, the retainer 124 may be folded along its length (e.g., along axes 118 and 120, etc.) to allow the drilling tool 106 to move toward and through the workpiece surface 110 during drilling operation. Figure 1 In this implementation, the cage 124 is configured to fold along axes 118 and 120 so that the drilling device 102 (and thus the drilling tool 106) can move toward and through the workpiece surface 110 in the direction of arrow 122. Specifically, each leg 138 can fold in the direction of arrow 164.

[0067] The cage 124 may be folded along its length using any method, device, mechanism, structure, manner, arrangement, or means, such as, but not limited to, telescopic arrangement, sliding arrangement, channel, damper, spring, etc. For example, each leg 138 includes a telescopic structure wherein one or more segments of the length of the leg 138 are received in one or more other segments of the length of the leg 138, such that the leg 138 can be extended from its extended position (…). Figure 1(As shown) Folded to the retracted position (not shown). When sufficient contact force is provided by physically engaging the retainer 124 with the workpiece surface 110, the leg 138 is forced to move from the extended position to the retracted position, thereby causing the retainer 124 to fold into its folded position along axes 118 and 120 in the direction of arrow 164. Optionally, one or more legs 138 include a damper (not shown) operatively connected to the leg 138 to suppress folding movement of the leg 138 along axes 118 and 120 (e.g., to suppress relative movement between two or more segments of the length of the leg 138 when folded, etc.).

[0068] In some implementations, the cage 124 is elastically folded along its length using any type of biasing mechanism, such as, but not limited to, mechanical springs, gas springs, etc. For example, each leg 138 of the cage 124 includes a biasing mechanism (not shown; for example, Figure 6 and Figure 7 The springs 268 (as shown) are operatively connected to two or more segments of the length of the outrigger 138, such that the outrigger is biased toward the extended position of the outrigger 138 in the direction of arrow 122. Each outrigger 138 overcomes the biasing force provided by the biasing mechanism in the direction of arrow 122 and extends from the outrigger 138 in the direction of arrow 122. Figure 1 The extended position is folded into the retracted position. As the contact force decreases and eventually removes as the retainer 124 disengages from the workpiece surface 110, the biasing force provided by the biasing mechanism moves each corresponding leg 138 from the retracted position to the extended position, thereby extending the retainer 124 from the folded position in the direction of arrow 122. Figure 1 The extended position is shown. In some other implementations, the retainer 124 cannot be elastically folded along its length, so that the retainer 124 is manually extended from the folded position to the extended position by the user.

[0069] exist Figure 1 In some implementations, the biasing mechanism of each outrigger 138 is a mechanical spring, such as a coil spring. The biasing mechanism of each outrigger 138 is not limited to a coil spring. Instead, in some implementations, the biasing mechanism of one or more outriggers 138 additionally or alternatively includes another type of mechanical spring, such as, but not limited to, leaf springs, machined springs, serpentine springs, torsion springs, tension springs, constant force springs, variable springs, variable stiffness springs, leaf springs, cantilever springs, spiral springs, V-shaped springs, puck springs, etc. Furthermore, the biasing mechanism of each outrigger is not limited to a mechanical spring, but in some implementations, the biasing mechanism of one or more outriggers 138 additionally or alternatively includes another type of spring, such as a gas spring.

[0070] During operation, the retainer 124 engages physically with the workpiece surface 110 above or near the target drilling location 112, such that the alignment surface 130 of the retainer 124 engages physically with the workpiece surface 110. The contact between the alignment surface 130 and the workpiece surface 110 orients the drilling tool 106 relative to the workpiece surface 110 such that the centerline axis 120 extends substantially perpendicular to the workpiece surface 110 (e.g., at the target drilling location 112, etc.). Using direct and / or indirect lines of sight and / or using one or more images acquired by the camera 148, the user then moves the drilling apparatus 102 relative to the workpiece surface 110 to allow the illumination point projected by the laser projector 142 (e.g., ...) to ... Figure 2 and Figure 3 The illumination point 144 shown (and thus the centerline axis 120 of the drilling tool 106) is roughly aligned with the target drilling position 112 on the workpiece surface 110.

[0071] For example, Figure 2 and Figure 3 One implementation of the observation area 150 of the display 152 (and / or display 154) is shown, the observation area including the target drill hole location 112 and the area defined by the laser projector 142 ( Figure 1 As shown, both are illuminated at point 144. Figure 2 As shown, the illumination point 144 is not aligned with the target drill hole position 112, which in this exemplary implementation is the approximate center 112a of the fastener 146. Figure 3 This shows an observation area 150 after the user has moved the drilling device 102 relative to the workpiece surface 110 of the workpiece 108, such that the illumination point 144 (and thus the centerline axis 120 of the drilling tool 106) is approximately aligned with the approximate center 112a of the fastener 146. Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the observation area 150 includes a crosshair cursor 158 displayed within the observation area 150. The crosshair cursor 158 is approximately located at the center of the illumination point 144, such that the crosshair cursor 158 provides visual guidance to help the user approximately align the illumination point 144 with the approximate center 112a of the fastener 146. Also as... Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, by strain gauge 160 ( Figure 1 The measured load 162 (as shown) is displayed in the observation area 150, for example to indicate to the user whether sufficient contact force has been applied to fold the cage 124, etc.

[0072] Refer again Figure 1Once the illumination point projected by the laser projector 142 (e.g., illumination point 144, etc.) is substantially aligned with the target drilling position 112, the drilling device 102 is ready to drill into the workpiece surface 110 at approximately the target drilling position 112. Because the centerline axis 120 of the drilling tool 106 extends substantially perpendicular to the workpiece surface 110 and is substantially aligned with the target drilling position 112, the positioning device 104 can reduce damage to the workpiece 108 and / or other structures (e.g., attachment structures, etc.) caused by the drilling operation. For example, the positioning device 104 can reduce the occurrence of oversized, deformed (e.g., broken, etc.) and / or abnormal holes. Furthermore, for example, the positioning device 104 can reduce the number of broken drilling tools 106 due to repeated drilling operations. In addition, for example, the positioning device 104 can reduce the cost of performing the drilling operation, reduce the time required to perform the drilling operation, and / or reduce the labor required to perform the drilling operation.

[0073] The retainer 124 of the positioning device 104 can be configured to be mounted on any type of drilling equipment 102, thereby mounting the positioning device 104 on any type of drilling equipment 102. For example, the retainer 124 can be configured to allow the positioning device 104 to be mounted on the following devices: portable handheld drilling equipment, drill presses, drilling equipment supported by fixing devices and / or other structures, less portable drilling equipment, corded electric drilling equipment, battery-powered electric drilling equipment, pneumatic drilling equipment, hydraulically powered drilling equipment, etc. In some implementations, the retainer 124 has a universal mounting configuration, allowing the positioning device 104 to be mounted on more than one type and / or brand of drilling equipment 102. In other implementations, the retainer 124 has a mounting configuration specifically for a single type and / or brand of drilling equipment 102. It should be understood from the above description that the positioning device 104 can be used to retrofit existing drilling equipment 102 and / or can be provided as a component, accessory, etc., for new drilling equipment 102.

[0074] Figures 4 to 7 An example of one implementation of the positioning device 204 is shown, wherein the holder 224 of the positioning device 204 is foldable along its length. The positioning device 204 is configured to facilitate positioning relative to a workpiece (e.g., Figures 1 to 3 The workpiece 108 shown is positioned by a drilling tool 206 in the drilling equipment 202. Specifically, the positioning device 204 includes a retainer 224 that extends a certain length from end 226 to the opposite end 228 (in...). Figure 6 and Figure 7 (Not visible in the image). The end 226 of the retainer 224 is configured to be mounted to the body of the drilling equipment 202 (not shown, for example, ...). Figure 1 The main body 114 (as shown) is arranged such that the retainer at least partially surrounds the perimeter of the drilling tool 206 of the drilling equipment 202, as... Figures 4 to 7 As shown. Figures 4 to 7 As shown, when the retainer 224 is mounted to the drilling apparatus 202, the length of the retainer 224 extends along the rotation axis 218 and the centerline axis 220 of the drilling tool 206. The end 228 of the retainer 224 includes an alignment surface 230 (in... Figure 6 and Figure 7 (Not visible in the middle), the alignment surface is configured to align with the workpiece surface of the workpiece (e.g., Figures 1 to 3 The workpiece surfaces 110, etc., are physically joined together such that the centerline axis 220 of the drilling tool 206 extends approximately perpendicular to the workpiece surface (e.g., orientation, etc.).

[0075] Positioning device 204 is configured to facilitate positioning of drilling equipment 202, such that drilling tool 206 is positioned relative to target drilling location on workpiece surface (e.g., Figures 1 to 3 The target drilling position 112, etc., is aligned. For example, the positioning device 204 includes a laser projector 242 mounted to the holder 224. Figure 6 and Figure 7 (not visible in the center), so that the laser projector 242 is configured to illuminate the point (e.g., Figure 2 and Figure 3 The illumination point 144 (as shown) is projected onto the workpiece surface. The illumination point projected by the laser projector 242 indicates the position where the centerline axis 220 of the drilling tool 206 intersects the workpiece surface when the alignment surface 230 of the holder 224 contacts the workpiece surface. Optionally, the illumination point projected onto the workpiece surface by the laser projector 242 is visible to the user of the drilling equipment 202 (e.g., the user of the drilling equipment 202 has a direct and / or indirect line of sight aligned with the illumination point).

[0076] Positioning device 204 may optionally include one or more cameras 248 (in) Figure 6 and Figure 7 (Not visible in the image), the camera is configured to acquire an area of ​​the workpiece surface including the illuminated point (e.g., when the alignment surface 230 of the holder 224 contacts the workpiece surface). Figure 2 and Figure 3 The image of the observation area 150, etc., shown. For example, the camera 248 is configured such that when the alignment surface 230 of the holder 224 is physically engaged with the workpiece surface at a position where the target drill hole location is within the field of view of the camera 248, the camera 248 acquires an image of the area including both the illumination point and the target drill hole location (e.g., the observation area 150, etc.). Optionally, each camera 248 of the positioning device is operatively connected to one or more optional displays of the positioning system 204 (e.g., [missing information]). Figure 1 The display shown is 152, etc.) and / or one or more external displays (e.g., Figure 1The display 154 shown is configured such that the camera 248 is configured to send the images acquired therefrom to the display for viewing by the user of the drilling equipment 202.

[0077] Positioning device 204 optionally includes one or more strain gauges 260 mounted to cage 224. Figure 6 and Figure 7 (Not visible in the image), such that strain gauge 260 is configured to measure the load applied to the cage 224 by the contact force between the alignment surface 230 of the cage 224 and the workpiece surface. The load measured by each strain gauge 260 indicates the amount of contact force applied to the workpiece surface by the alignment surface 230 of the cage 224 at the location of strain gauge 260.

[0078] As briefly described above, the retainer 224 can be folded along its length to guide the drilling tool 206 toward the workpiece surface along the centerline axis 220 during operation of the drilling equipment 202. Figures 4 to 7 Therefore, an implementation is shown for use with drilling equipment 202, wherein, during drilling operation, drilling tool 206 moves toward and through workpiece surface by moving the body of drilling equipment 202 relative to workpiece surface along axes 218 and 220.

[0079] exist Figures 4 to 7 In an exemplary embodiment, the end 226 of the retainer 224 includes a base 266 configured to extend from an extended position (e.g., in the direction of arrow 264) Figure 4 The extended positions shown, etc., are folded along their length (e.g., along axes 218 and 220, etc.) to the folded positions (e.g., Figure 5 (The folding position shown, etc.) Any method, device, mechanism, structure, manner, arrangement, or apparatus that allows the cage 224 to fold along its length may be used, such as, but not limited to, telescopic arrangements, sliding arrangements, channels, dampers, springs, etc. For example, in... Figures 4 to 7 In an instance implementation, the base 266 includes a telescopic structure, wherein one segment 266a of the length of the base 266 is received in another segment 266b of the length of the base 266, such that the base 266 can be folded from an extended position to a folded position in the direction of arrow 164, as shown. Figure 6 and Figure 7 The best view in the middle.

[0080] For reference only. Figure 6 and Figure 7In an exemplary implementation of cage 224, cage 224 is resiliently foldable along its length. While cage 224 may additionally or alternatively include any other type of biasing mechanism, in an exemplary implementation, cage 224 includes a helical spring 268 operatively connected between segments 266a and 266b, such that base 266 is oriented toward the extended position of segment 266a in the direction of arrow 222 (e.g., Figure 6 The extension position shown corresponds to the extension position of the base 266. When sufficient contact force is provided by physically engaging the retainer 224 with the workpiece surface, the segment 266a folds along axes 218 and 220 in direction 222 (resisting the biasing force provided by the helical spring 268 in direction 222) from the extension position to the retracted position of the segment 266a (e.g., Figure 7 The retracted position (shown in the diagram) corresponds to the folded position of base 266. As the contact force decreases and eventually removes as the retainer 224 disengages from the workpiece surface, a biasing force provided by the helical spring 268 moves segment 266a from the retracted position to the extended position, thereby extending the retainer 224 in direction 222 from its folded position to its extended position. In some other implementations, the retainer 224 is not elastically foldable along its length, allowing the retainer 224 to be manually extended from the folded position to the extended position by the user.

[0081] Optionally, the amount by which segment 266a moves between the extended and retracted positions along axes 218 and 220 is adjustable, such that the distance by which the retainer 224 folds along axes 218 and 220 (e.g., the amount of travel between the extended and retracted positions of the retainer 224) is selectable. Although any other structure may be used additionally or alternatively, in the exemplary implementation, the two sub-segments 266aa and 266ab of segment 266a are threadedly connected, such that their relative position is selectable, allowing the amount of travel of the retainer 224 between the extended and retracted positions to be selectively increased and decreased. For example, the position of the stop 270, which limits the amount of travel of the retainer 224 from the extended to the retracted position, can be selectively adjusted via the threaded connection between the sub-segments 266aa and 266ab of segment 266a.

[0082] Figures 8 to 10 An example of an implementation of the positioning device 304 is shown, wherein the retainer 324 of the positioning device 304 is rigid along its length, such that the retainer 324 cannot be folded along its length. The positioning device 304 is configured to facilitate positioning relative to a workpiece (e.g., Figures 1 to 3 The workpiece 108 shown is positioned by a drilling tool 306 in a drilling device 302. Specifically, the positioning device 304 includes a retainer 324, which extends from the end 326 (at... Figure 10 (Not visible in the middle) Extends a certain length to the opposite end 328. The end 326 of the retainer 324 is configured to be mounted to the body of the drilling equipment 302 (not shown, for example, Figure 1 The main body 114 (as shown) is arranged such that the retainer at least partially surrounds the perimeter of the drilling tool 306 of the drilling equipment 302, as... Figures 8 to 10 As shown. Figures 8 to 10 As shown, when the retainer 324 is mounted to the drilling apparatus 302, the length of the retainer 324 extends along the rotation axis 318 and the centerline axis 320 of the drilling tool 306. The end 328 of the retainer 324 includes an alignment surface 330 configured to align with the workpiece surface (e.g., ...) of the workpiece. Figures 1 to 3 The workpiece surfaces 110, etc., are physically joined together such that the centerline axis 320 of the drilling tool 306 extends approximately perpendicular to the workpiece surface (e.g., orientation, etc.).

[0083] Positioning device 304 is configured to facilitate positioning of drilling equipment 302, such that drilling tool 306 is positioned relative to the target drilling location on the workpiece surface (e.g., Figures 1 to 3 Alignment with the target drilling position 112, etc. (as shown). For example, the positioning device 304 includes a laser projector 342 mounted to the holder 324. Figure 9 and Figure 10 (not shown in the image), such that the laser projector 342 is configured to illuminate the point (e.g., Figure 2 and 3 The illumination point 144 (as shown) is projected onto the workpiece surface. The illumination point projected by the laser projector 342 indicates the position where the centerline axis 320 of the drilling tool 306 intersects the workpiece surface when the alignment surface 330 of the holder 324 contacts the workpiece surface. Optionally, the illumination point projected onto the workpiece surface by the laser projector 342 is visible to the user of the drilling equipment 302 (e.g., the user of the drilling equipment 302 has a direct and / or indirect line of sight aligned with the illumination point).

[0084] Positioning device 304 may optionally include one or more cameras 348. Figure 9 and Figure 10 (Not shown in the image), the camera is configured to acquire an area of ​​the workpiece surface including the illuminated point (e.g., when the alignment surface 330 of the holder 324 contacts the workpiece surface). Figure 2 and Figure 3The image of the observation area 150, etc., shown. For example, the camera 348 is configured such that when the alignment surface 330 of the holder 324 is physically engaged with the workpiece surface at a position where the target drill hole location is within the field of view of the camera 348, the camera 348 acquires an image of the area including both the illumination point and the target drill hole location (e.g., the observation area 150, etc.). Optionally, each camera 348 of the positioning device is operatively connected to one or more optional displays of the positioning system 304 (e.g., [missing information]). Figure 1 The display shown is 152, etc.) and / or one or more external displays (e.g., Figure 1 The display 154 shown (etc.) enables the camera 348 to send the images acquired therefrom to the display for viewing by the user of the drilling equipment 302.

[0085] The positioning device 304 optionally includes one or more strain gauges 360 mounted to the cage 324, such that the strain gauges 360 are configured to measure the load applied to the cage 324 by the contact force between the alignment surface 330 of the cage 324 and the workpiece surface. The load measured by each strain gauge 360 ​​indicates the amount of contact force applied by the alignment surface 330 of the cage 324 to the workpiece surface at the location of the strain gauge 360.

[0086] As briefly described above, the retainer 324 of the positioning device 304 is rigid along its length, such that the retainer 324 does not fold along its length (e.g., along axes 318 and 320, etc.) during operation of the drilling equipment 302. Figures 8 to 10 Therefore, an implementation is shown for use with drilling equipment 302, wherein drilling tool 306 moves relative to the body of drilling equipment 302 so that drilling tool 306 moves toward and through the workpiece surface along axes 318 and 320.

[0087] Figure 11 This is a flowchart illustrating a method 400 for drilling a workpiece according to one implementation. Method 400 includes, at 402, physically engaging an alignment surface of a positioning device mounted to a drilling apparatus with the workpiece surface such that the centerline axis of the drilling tool extends substantially perpendicular to the workpiece surface. In some implementations, engagement at 402 includes physically engaging the alignment surface with the workpiece surface such that the centerline axis of the drilling tool extends precisely perpendicular to the workpiece surface. At 404, method 400 includes projecting an illumination point indicating the location where the centerline axis of the drilling tool intersects the workpiece surface onto the workpiece surface.

[0088] Optionally, method 400 includes, at 406, acquiring at least one of a still image or a video image of an area of ​​the workpiece surface including a lighting point. Method 400 may also optionally include, at 408, displaying at least one of the still image and the video image, including displaying at least one of an indication of the contact force between the alignment surface of the marking and positioning device and the workpiece surface.

[0089] The method further includes, at 410, aligning the illumination point with a target drilling location on the workpiece surface by moving the drilling equipment relative to the workpiece surface. In some implementations, aligning the illumination point with the target drilling location at 410 includes, at 410, substantially aligning the illumination point with the target drilling location. In some implementations, aligning the illumination point with the target drilling location at 410 includes, at 410, precisely aligning the illumination point with the target drilling location. In some implementations, aligning the illumination point with the target drilling location at 410 includes, at 410a, observing at least one of a still image and a video image optionally acquired at an optional step 406 of method 400.

[0090] At 412, method 400 includes drilling a hole at the target drilling location using a drilling tool. In some implementations, drilling the target drilling location at 412 includes, at 412a, folding the cage of the positioning device.

[0091] Now for reference Figure 12 Examples of this disclosure can be described in the context of using positioning devices to construct one or more parts of an aircraft 500, including a fuselage 502 with multiple advanced systems 504 and an interior 506. Examples of advanced systems 504 include one or more of a propulsion system 508, an electrical system 510, a hydraulic fluid system 512, a control system 514, and an environmental system 516. Any number of other systems may be included. Although aerospace examples are shown, the principles can be applied to other industries, such as, but not limited to, the automotive industry, the marine industry, etc.

[0092] It is possible to do as Figure 13 Examples of this disclosure are described in the background of the illustrated aircraft manufacturing and maintenance method 600. Prior to production, the illustrative method 600 may include an aircraft (e.g., Figure 12 The specifications and design of the aircraft (e.g., 500) are defined 602, and material procurement is carried out 604. During production, the aircraft's components and sub-assemblies are manufactured 606, and systems are integrated 608. Subsequently, the aircraft can be certified and delivered 610 for service 612. While in use by the customer, routine maintenance and repairs 614 are arranged for the aircraft (which may also include modifications, reconfigurations, refurbishments, etc.).

[0093] Each process of the illustrative method 600 may be performed or conducted by a system integrator, a third party, and / or an operator (e.g., a customer, etc.). For the purposes of this specification, a system integrator may include, but is not limited to, any number of aircraft manufacturers and main system subcontractors; a third party may include, but is not limited to, any number of suppliers, subcontractors, and vendors; and an operator may be an airline, leasing company, military entity, service organization, etc.

[0094] It should be noted that the systems described herein may include any number of other systems. Furthermore, although an aerospace example has been shown, the principles can be applied to other industries, such as, but not limited to, the automotive industry, the marine industry, etc.

[0095] During any one or more stages of manufacturing and maintenance method 600, the systems and methods shown or described herein may be employed. For example, a component or sub-component corresponding to component and sub-component manufacturing 606 can be made or manufactured in a manner similar to that of a component or sub-component produced when the aircraft is in service. Moreover, during the production state of sub-component manufacturing 606 and system integration 608, one or more aspects of the system, method, or combination thereof may be utilized, for example, by significantly accelerating aircraft assembly or reducing aircraft costs. Similarly, for example, but not limited to, one or more aspects of the equipment or method, or a combination thereof, may be utilized when the aircraft is in service (e.g., maintenance and repair 614).

[0096] Various implementations of this disclosure facilitate positioning the drilling tool of the drilling equipment perpendicular to the workpiece surface and aligned with the target drilling location on the workpiece surface. These implementations reduce damage to the workpiece and / or other structures (e.g., substructures, etc.) caused by drilling operations. For example, they reduce the occurrence of oversized, deformed (e.g., damaged, etc.) and / or abnormal holes. They also reduce the number of drilling tools that break due to repetitive drilling operations. Finally, they reduce the cost of performing drilling operations, the time required to perform drilling operations, and / or the labor required to perform drilling operations.

[0097] The following clauses describe other aspects:

[0098] Clause Group A:

[0099] A1. A positioning device for a drilling tool relative to a workpiece positioning drilling apparatus, the positioning device comprising:

[0100] A retainer configured to be mounted to a drilling apparatus such that the retainer at least partially surrounds the drilling tool of the drilling apparatus. The retainer includes an end portion having an alignment surface configured to physically engage with a workpiece surface. When the retainer is mounted to the drilling apparatus, the alignment surface of the retainer is oriented relative to the centerline axis of the drilling tool such that the centerline axis extends substantially perpendicular to the workpiece surface when the alignment surface of the retainer contacts the workpiece surface.

[0101] A laser projector, mounted to a retainer, is configured to project an illumination point onto the workpiece surface, the illumination point indicating the position where the centerline axis of the drilling tool intersects the workpiece surface when the alignment surface of the retainer contacts the workpiece surface.

[0102] A2. The positioning device according to clause A1, wherein, by moving the drilling equipment relative to the workpiece surface, an illumination point projected onto the workpiece surface by a laser projector is adjustablely aligned with the target drilling position on the workpiece surface.

[0103] A3. The positioning device according to clause A1 further includes a camera mounted to at least one of the cage and the drilling equipment, such that the camera is configured to acquire at least one of a still image and a video image of an area of ​​the workpiece surface including an illumination point when the alignment surface of the cage contacts the workpiece surface.

[0104] A4. The positioning device according to Clause A1 further includes a camera mounted to at least one of the retainer and the drilling equipment, such that the camera is configured to acquire at least one of a still image and a video image of an area of ​​the workpiece surface including an illumination point when the alignment surface of the retainer contacts the workpiece surface, wherein the positioning device further includes a display mounted to at least one of the retainer and the drilling equipment, the display being operatively connected to the camera to display at least one of the still image and the video image acquired by the camera.

[0105] A5. The positioning device according to Clause A1 further includes a camera mounted to at least one of the retainer and the drilling equipment, such that the camera is configured to acquire at least one of a still image and a video image of an area of ​​the workpiece surface including an illumination point when the alignment surface of the retainer contacts the workpiece surface, wherein the positioning device further includes a display operatively connected to the camera to display at least one of the still image and the video image acquired by the camera, the display being configured to display a mark substantially centered on an illumination point projected by a laser projector.

[0106] A6. The positioning device according to clause A1, wherein when the cage is mounted to the drilling equipment, the cage extends a length along the centerline axis of the drilling tool, and the cage is rigid along its length such that the drilling tool moves toward the workpiece surface along the length of the cage during operation of the drilling equipment.

[0107] A7. The positioning device according to clause A1, wherein when the retainer is mounted to the drilling equipment, the retainer extends a length along the centerline axis of the drilling tool, and the retainer is foldable along its length to guide the movement of the drilling tool along the centerline axis toward the workpiece surface during operation of the drilling equipment.

[0108] A8. The positioning device according to clause A1, wherein when the retainer is mounted to the drilling equipment, the retainer extends a length along the centerline axis of the drilling tool, and the retainer is resiliently foldable along its length to guide the movement of the drilling tool along the centerline axis toward the workpiece surface during operation of the drilling equipment.

[0109] A9. The positioning device according to Clause A1 further includes at least one strain gauge mounted to the cage and configured to measure the load applied to the cage by the contact force between the alignment surface of the cage and the workpiece surface.

[0110] A10. The positioning device according to clause A1, wherein the retainer includes at least two legs, an end of the retainer is defined by the ends of the at least two legs, and an alignment surface of the end of the retainer is defined by the end faces of the legs.

[0111] A11. The positioning device according to clause A1, wherein the drilling equipment includes a handheld drilling device, and the cage is configured to be mounted to the handheld drilling device.

[0112] Clause Group B:

[0113] B1. A drilling equipment assembly, comprising:

[0114] Drilling equipment, including:

[0115] main body;

[0116] The chuck, which is held by the main body; and

[0117] Drilling tools, which are held by a chuck; and

[0118] A positioning device, mounted to a drilling apparatus, for positioning a drilling tool relative to a workpiece, the positioning device comprising:

[0119] A retainer, at least partially surrounding a drilling tool of a drilling apparatus, the retainer including an end portion having an alignment surface configured to physically engage with a workpiece surface, the alignment surface of the retainer being oriented relative to a centerline axis of the drilling tool such that, when the alignment surface of the retainer contacts the workpiece surface, the centerline axis extends substantially perpendicular to the workpiece surface; and

[0120] A laser projector, mounted to a retainer, is configured to project an illumination point onto a workpiece surface. This illumination point indicates the position where the centerline axis of the drilling tool intersects the workpiece surface when the alignment surface of the retainer contacts the workpiece surface. The illumination point projected onto the workpiece surface by the laser projector is adjustablely aligned with the target drilling position on the workpiece surface by moving the drilling equipment relative to the workpiece surface.

[0121] B2. The drilling equipment assembly according to clause B1, wherein the positioning device further includes a camera mounted to at least one of the retainer and the body, such that the camera is configured to acquire at least one of a still image and a video image of an area of ​​the workpiece surface including an illuminated point when the alignment surface of the retainer contacts the workpiece surface.

[0122] B3. The drilling equipment assembly according to clause B1, wherein the positioning device further includes a camera mounted to at least one of the retainer and the body, such that the camera is configured to acquire at least one of a still image and a video image of an area of ​​the workpiece surface including an illumination point when the alignment surface of the retainer contacts the workpiece surface, wherein the positioning device further includes a display mounted to at least one of the retainer and the body, the display being operatively connected to the camera to display at least one of the still image and the video image acquired by the camera.

[0123] B4. The drilling equipment assembly according to clause B1, wherein the retainer of the positioning device extends a length along the centerline axis of the drilling tool, and the retainer is foldable along its length to guide the movement of the drilling tool along the centerline axis toward the workpiece surface during operation of the drilling equipment.

[0124] B5. The drilling equipment assembly according to clause B1, wherein the positioning device further includes at least one strain gauge mounted to a cage and configured to measure the load applied to the cage by the contact force between the alignment surface of the cage and the workpiece surface.

[0125] Clause Group C:

[0126] C1. A method for drilling a hole in a workpiece, the method comprising:

[0127] The alignment surface of the positioning device installed on the drilling equipment is physically engaged with the workpiece surface, such that the centerline axis of the drilling tool of the drilling equipment extends approximately perpendicular to the workpiece surface.

[0128] Project the illumination point indicating the location where the centerline axis of the drilling tool intersects with the workpiece surface onto the workpiece surface;

[0129] By moving the drilling equipment relative to the workpiece surface, the illumination point is aligned with the target drilling position on the workpiece surface; and

[0130] Drill holes at the target location using drilling tools.

[0131] C2. The method according to Clause C1 further includes acquiring at least one of a still image and a video image of an area of ​​the workpiece surface including an illumination point, and wherein aligning the illumination point with the target drilling location includes observing at least one of the still image and the video image.

[0132] C3. The method according to Clause C1, wherein drilling a hole at the target drilling location with a drilling tool includes folding the cage of the positioning device.

[0133] C4. The method described in accordance with Clause C1 further includes;

[0134] Acquire at least one of a still image and a video image of the area of ​​the workpiece surface including the illumination point; and

[0135] Displaying at least one of still images and video images includes at least one of displaying an indication of the contact force between the alignment surface of the marking and positioning device and the workpiece surface.

[0136] As used herein, a structure, constraint, or element “constructed to” perform a task or operation is specifically formed, constructed, or adapted in a manner corresponding to that task or operation. For clarity and to avoid ambiguity, an object that can only be modified to perform that task or operation is not “constructed to” perform the task or operation as used herein.

[0137] As will be apparent to those skilled in the art, any range or value given herein may be extended or modified without losing the desired effect.

[0138] Although the subject matter has been described in language specific to structural features and / or methodological actions, it should be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or actions described above. Rather, the specific features and actions described above are disclosed as examples of implementing the claims.

[0139] It should be understood that the above benefits and advantages may relate to one implementation or several implementations. The implementation is not limited to those implementations that solve any or all of the described problems, or those implementations that have any or all of the described benefits and advantages. It will also be understood that references to "a" refer to one or more of those items.

[0140] The term "comprising" is used in this specification to mean including the features or actions that follow it, without excluding the presence of one or more additional features or actions.

[0141] Unless otherwise specified, the order in which operations are performed or carried out in the examples of this disclosure shown and described herein is not required. That is, unless otherwise specified, the operations can be performed in any order, and the disclosed examples may include more or fewer operations than those disclosed herein. For example, it is conceivable that performing or carrying out a particular operation before, simultaneously with, or after another operation (e.g., different steps, etc.) falls within the scope of various aspects of this disclosure.

[0142] When describing elements or instances thereof in various aspects of this disclosure, the articles “a,” “an,” “the,” and “the” are intended to indicate the presence of one or more of that element. The terms “comprising,” “including,” and “having” are intended to be inclusive and indicate that additional elements may be present in addition to those listed. The term “instantaneous” is intended to mean “an instance of…”. The phrase “one or more of the following A, B, and C” means “at least one A and / or at least one B and / or at least one C.”

[0143] Having described in detail various aspects of this disclosure, it will be apparent that modifications and variations are possible without departing from the scope of the aspects of this disclosure as defined in the appended claims. Since various changes can be made to the above-described structures, products, and methods without departing from the scope of the aspects of this disclosure, everything contained in the foregoing description and shown in the accompanying drawings should be interpreted as illustrative rather than restrictive.

[0144] It should be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative and not restrictive. For example, the above embodiments (and / or aspects thereof) may be used in combination with each other. Furthermore, many modifications may be made to adapt particular situations or materials to the teachings of the various embodiments of this disclosure without departing from the scope of the various embodiments thereof. While the dimensions and types of materials described herein are intended to define parameters of the various embodiments of this disclosure, these embodiments are by no means restrictive but rather exemplary. Many other embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art upon review of the above description. Therefore, the scope of the various embodiments of this disclosure should be determined by reference to the full scope of the appended claims together with their equivalents. In the appended claims, the terms “comprising” and “wherein” are used as concise English equivalents to the corresponding terms “including” and “wherein”, and the terms “first,” “second,” and “third,” etc., are used only as illustrative marks and are not intended to impose numerical requirements on their objects. Furthermore, the limitations of the following claims are not written in the form of device plus function, and are not intended to be interpreted based on Section 112(f) of Title 35 of the United States Code, unless and until such limitation of claims is expressly used in the phrase “device for…”, which is a functional statement without further structure.

[0145] Furthermore, this disclosure includes implementations according to the following provisions:

[0146] Clause 1. A positioning device (104, 204, 304) for positioning a drilling tool (106, 206, 306) relative to a workpiece (108) and a drilling apparatus (102, 202, 302), the positioning device (104, 204, 304) comprising:

[0147] A retainer (124, 224, 324) configured to be mounted to a drilling apparatus (102, 202, 302) such that the retainer (124, 224, 324) at least partially surrounds a drilling tool (106, 206, 306) of the drilling apparatus (102, 202, 302). The retainer (124, 224, 324) includes an end (128, 228, 328) comprising an alignment surface (130, 230, 330) configured to physically engage with the workpiece surface (110) of a workpiece (108). When (124, 224, 324) are installed into the drilling equipment (102, 202, 302), the alignment surfaces (130, 230, 330) of the retainer (124, 224, 324) are oriented relative to the centerline axis (120, 220, 320) of the drilling tool (106, 206, 306) such that when the alignment surfaces (130, 230, 330) of the retainer (124, 224, 324) contact the workpiece surface (110), the centerline axis (120, 220, 320) extends substantially perpendicular to the workpiece surface (110); and

[0148] A laser projector (142, 242, 342) is mounted on a retainer (124, 224, 324) such that the laser projector (142, 242, 342) is configured to project an illumination point (144) onto the workpiece surface (110), the illumination point indicating the position where the centerline axis (120, 220, 320) of the drilling tool (106, 206, 306) intersects the workpiece surface (110) when the alignment surfaces (130, 230, 330) of the retainer (124, 224, 324) are in contact with the workpiece surface (110).

[0149] Clause 2. The positioning device (104, 204, 304) according to claim 1, wherein, by moving the drilling device (102, 202, 302) relative to the workpiece surface (110), the illumination point (144) projected onto the workpiece surface (110) by the laser projector (142, 242, 342) is adjustablely aligned with the target drilling position (112) on the workpiece surface (110).

[0150] Clause 3. The positioning device (104, 204, 304) according to claim 1 further includes a camera (148, 248, 348) mounted to at least one of the retainer (124, 224, 324) and the drilling equipment (102, 202, 302), such that the camera (148, 248, 348) is configured to acquire at least one of a still image and a video image of an area of ​​the workpiece surface (110) including an illumination point (144) when the alignment surface (130, 230, 330) of the retainer (124, 224, 324) contacts the workpiece surface (110).

[0151] Clause 4. The positioning device (104, 204, 304) according to claim 1 further includes a camera (148, 248, 348) mounted to at least one of the retainer (124, 224, 324) and the drilling equipment (102, 202, 302), such that the camera (148, 248, 348) is configured to acquire the workpiece surface (110) when the alignment surface (130, 230, 330) of the retainer (124, 224, 324) contacts the workpiece surface (110). The positioning device (104, 204, 304) further includes a display (152) mounted to at least one of the holder (124, 224, 324) and the drilling equipment (102, 202, 302), the display (152) being operatively connected to the camera (148, 248, 348) to display at least one of the still image and video image acquired by the camera (148, 248, 348).

[0152] Clause 5. The positioning device (104, 204, 304) according to claim 1 further includes a camera (148, 248, 348) mounted to at least one of the retainer (124, 224, 324) and the drilling equipment (102, 202, 302), such that the camera (148, 248, 348) is configured to acquire illumination of the workpiece surface (110) when the alignment surface (130, 230, 330) of the retainer (124, 224, 324) contacts the workpiece surface (110). At least one of a still image and a video image of the area of ​​point (144), wherein the positioning device (104, 204, 304) further includes a display (152) operatively connected to the camera (148, 248, 348) to display at least one of a still image and a video image acquired by the camera (148, 248, 348), the display (152) being configured to display a line (158) substantially centered on the illuminated point (144) projected by the laser projector (142, 242, 342).

[0153] Clause 6. The positioning device (104, 204, 304) according to claim 1, wherein when the retainer (124, 224, 324) is mounted to the drilling equipment (102, 202, 302), the retainer (124, 224, 324) extends a length along the centerline axis (120, 220, 320) of the drilling tool (106, 206, 306), and the retainer (124, 324) is rigid along its length such that during operation of the drilling equipment (102, 202, 302), the drilling tool (106, 206, 306) moves toward the workpiece surface (110) along the length of the retainer (124, 324).

[0154] Clause 7. The positioning device (104, 204, 304) according to claim 1, wherein when the retainer (124, 224, 324) is mounted to the drilling equipment (102, 202, 302), the retainer (124, 224, 324) extends a length along the centerline axis (120, 220, 320) of the drilling tool (106, 206, 306), and the retainer (124, 224) is foldable along its length to guide the movement of the drilling tool (106, 206, 306) along the centerline axis (120, 220, 320) toward the workpiece surface (110) during operation of the drilling equipment (102, 202, 302).

[0155] Clause 8. The positioning device (104, 204, 304) according to claim 1, wherein when the retainer (124, 224, 324) is mounted to the drilling equipment (102, 202, 302), the retainer (124, 224, 324) extends a length along the centerline axis (120, 220, 320) of the drilling tool (106, 206, 306), and the retainer (124, 224) is elastically foldable along its length to guide the movement of the drilling tool (106, 206, 306) along the centerline axis (120, 220, 320) toward the workpiece surface (110) during operation of the drilling equipment (102, 202, 302).

[0156] Clause 9. The positioning device (104, 204, 304) according to claim 1 further includes at least one strain gauge (160, 260, 360) mounted to the cage (124, 224, 324) and configured to measure the load applied to the cage (124, 224, 324) by the contact force between the alignment surface (130, 230, 330) of the cage (124, 224, 324) and the workpiece surface (110).

[0157] Clause 10. The positioning device (104, 204, 304) according to claim 1, wherein the retainer (124, 224, 324) includes at least two legs (138), the ends (128, 228, 328) of the retainer (124, 224, 324) are defined by the ends (140) of the at least two legs (138), and the alignment surfaces (130, 230, 330) of the ends (128, 228, 328) of the retainer (124, 224, 324) are defined by the end faces of the legs (138).

[0158] Clause 11. The positioning device (104, 204, 304) according to claim 1, wherein the drilling equipment (102, 202, 302) includes a handheld drilling equipment (102, 202, 302), and the retainer (124, 224, 324) is configured to be mounted to the handheld drilling equipment (102, 202, 302).

[0159] Clause 12. A drilling equipment assembly (100), comprising:

[0160] Drilling equipment (102, 202, 302), including:

[0161] Main body (114);

[0162] The chuck (116), which is held by the body (114); and

[0163] Drilling tools (106, 206, 306), held by a chuck (116); and

[0164] A positioning device (104, 204, 304), mounted to a drilling apparatus (102, 202, 302), for positioning a drilling tool (106, 206, 306) relative to a workpiece (108), the positioning device (104, 204, 304) comprising:

[0165] A retainer (124, 224, 324) at least partially surrounds a drilling tool (106, 206, 306) of a drilling apparatus (102, 202, 302), the retainer (124, 224, 324) including an end (128, 228, 328) having an alignment surface (130, 230, 330) configured to physically engage with a workpiece surface (110) of a workpiece (108), the retainer (124, 224, 324) being at least partially surrounded by ... being at least partially surrounded by a drilling tool (106, 206, 306) of a drilling apparatus (102, 202, 302), the retainer (124, 224, 324) being at least partially surrounded by a drilling tool (106, 206, 306) of a drilling apparatus (102, 202, 302), the retainer (124, 224, 324) being at least partially surrounded by a drilling tool (106, 206, 306) of a drilling apparatus (102, The alignment surfaces (130, 230, 330) of the cage (124, 224, 324) are oriented relative to the centerline axis (120, 220, 320) of the drilling tool (106, 206, 306) such that when the alignment surfaces (130, 230, 330) of the cage (124, 224, 324) contact the workpiece surface (110), the centerline axis (120, 220, 320) extends substantially perpendicularly to the workpiece surface (110); and

[0166] A laser projector (142, 242, 342), mounted to a retainer (124, 224, 324), is configured to project an illumination point (144) onto the workpiece surface (110), the illumination point indicating the contact point between the alignment surfaces (130, 230, 330) of the retainer (124, 224, 324) and the workpiece surface (110). The position where the centerline axis (120, 220, 320) of 06, 306) intersects with the workpiece surface (110), wherein, by moving the drilling equipment (102, 202, 302) relative to the workpiece surface (110), the illumination point (144) projected onto the workpiece surface (110) by the laser projector (142, 242, 342) is adjustablely aligned with the target drilling position (112) on the workpiece surface (110).

[0167] Clause 13. The drilling equipment assembly (100) according to claim 12, wherein the positioning device (104, 204, 304) further includes a camera (148, 248, 348) mounted to at least one of the retainer (124, 224, 324) and the body (114), such that the camera (148, 248, 348) is configured to acquire at least one of a still image and a video image of an area of ​​the workpiece surface (110) including an illumination point (144) when the alignment surface (130, 230, 330) of the retainer (124, 224, 324) contacts the workpiece surface (110).

[0168] Clause 14. The drilling equipment assembly (100) according to claim 12, wherein the positioning device (104, 204, 304) further includes a camera (148, 248, 348) mounted to at least one of the retainer (124, 224, 324) and the body (114), such that the camera (148, 248, 348) is configured to acquire the workpiece surface (110) when the alignment surface (130, 230, 330) of the retainer (124, 224, 324) contacts the workpiece surface (110). At least one of a still image and a video image of an area of ​​the surface (110) including an illumination point (144), wherein the positioning device (104, 204, 304) further includes a display (152) mounted to at least one of the holder (124, 224, 324) and the body (114), the display (152) being operatively connected to a camera (148, 248, 348) to display at least one of a still image and a video image acquired by the camera (148, 248, 348).

[0169] Clause 15. The drilling equipment assembly (100) according to claim 12, wherein the retainer (124, 224, 324) of the positioning device (104, 204, 304) extends a length along the centerline axis (120, 220, 320) of the drilling tool (106, 206, 306), and the retainer (124, 224) is foldable along its length to guide the movement of the drilling tool (106, 206, 306) along the centerline axis (120, 220, 320) toward the workpiece surface (110) during operation of the drilling equipment (102, 202, 302).

[0170] Clause 16. The drilling equipment assembly (100) according to claim 12, wherein the positioning device (104, 204, 304) further comprises at least one strain gauge (160, 260, 360) mounted to a cage (124, 224, 324) and configured to measure the load applied to the cage (124, 224, 324) by the contact force between the alignment surfaces (130, 230, 330) of the cage (124, 224, 324) and the workpiece surface (110).

[0171] Clause 17. A method (400) for drilling a hole in a workpiece (108), the method (400) comprising:

[0172] In step (402), the alignment surfaces (130, 230, 330) of the positioning devices (104, 204, 304) installed on the drilling equipment (102, 202, 302) are physically engaged with the workpiece surface (110) of the workpiece (108), such that the centerline axis (120, 220, 320) of the drilling tools (106, 206, 306) of the drilling equipment (102, 202, 302) extends approximately perpendicular to the workpiece surface (110);

[0173] Step (404): The illumination point (144) indicating the position where the centerline axis (120, 220, 320) of the drilling tools (106, 206, 306) intersects with the workpiece surface (110) is projected onto the workpiece surface (110);

[0174] Step (410) involves aligning the illumination point (144) with the target drilling position (112) on the workpiece surface (110) by moving the drilling equipment (102, 202, 302) relative to the workpiece surface (110); and

[0175] Step (412): Drill a hole at the target drilling location (112) using drilling tools (106, 206, 306).

[0176] Clause 18. The method (400) of claim 17 further includes the step (406) of acquiring at least one of a still image and a video image of an area of ​​the workpiece surface (110) including the illumination point (144), and wherein the step (410) of aligning the illumination point (144) with the target drilling location (112) includes viewing at least one of the still image and the video image.

[0177] Clause 19. The method according to Clause 17, wherein the step (412) of drilling the target drilling location (112) with drilling tools (106, 206, 306) includes the step (412a) of folding the retainer (124, 224) of the positioning device (104, 204, 304).

[0178] Clause 20. The method of claim 17, further comprising:

[0179] Step (406): Acquire at least one of a still image and a video image of an area of ​​the workpiece surface (110) including the illumination point (144); and

[0180] Step (408), displaying at least one of the still image and the video image includes displaying at least one of the markings (158) and an indication of the contact force between the alignment surfaces (130, 230, 330) of the positioning devices (104, 204, 304) and the workpiece surface (110).

[0181] This written description uses examples to disclose various embodiments of this disclosure, including the best mode, and also enables any person skilled in the art to practice the various embodiments of this disclosure, including making and using any apparatus or system, and performing any of the included methods. The patentable scope of the various embodiments of this disclosure is defined by the claims, and may include other instances that would occur to a person skilled in the art. Such other instances are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that are not different from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements that are not substantially different from the literal language of the claims.

Claims

1. A positioning device (104, 204, 304) for positioning a drilling tool (106, 206, 306) relative to a workpiece (108) and a drilling apparatus (102, 202, 302), the positioning device (104, 204, 304) comprising: A retainer (124, 224, 324), configured to be mounted to the drilling apparatus (102, 202, 302) such that the retainer (124, 224, 324) at least partially surrounds the drilling tool (106, 206, 306) of the drilling apparatus (102, 202, 302), the retainer (124, 224, 324) including ends (128, 228, 328), the ends including alignment surfaces (130, 230, 330), the alignment surfaces being composed of a plurality of discrete segments having a geometry complementary to the three-dimensional shape of the workpiece surface (110) of the workpiece (108), when the retainer (124, 224, 324) When the retainers (124, 224, 324) are installed into the drilling equipment (102, 202, 302), the alignment surfaces (130, 230, 330) of the retainers (124, 224, 324) are oriented relative to the centerline axis (120, 220, 320) of the drilling tool (106, 206, 306) such that when the alignment surfaces (130, 230, 330) of the retainers (124, 224, 324) contact the workpiece surface (110), the centerline axis (120, 220, 320) extends perpendicularly to the workpiece surface (110) and the geometry of the alignment surfaces adapts to the three-dimensional shape of the workpiece surface. Multiple strain gauges (160, 260, 360) are mounted on the ends of the cage (124, 224, 324) at positions corresponding to the multiple discrete segments to measure the load applied to the cage (124, 224, 324) at each discrete segment. A laser projector (142, 242, 342), the laser projector being mounted to the retainer (124, 224, 324) such that the laser projector (142, 242, 342) is configured to project an illumination point (144) onto the workpiece surface (110), the illumination point indicating the position where the centerline axis (120, 220, 320) of the drilling tool (106, 206, 306) intersects the workpiece surface (110) when the alignment surfaces (130, 230, 330) of the retainer (124, 224, 324) are in contact with the workpiece surface (110); A camera (148, 248, 348), the camera being mounted to at least one of the holder (124, 224, 324) and the drilling equipment (102, 202, 302), such that the camera (148, 248, 348) is configured to acquire at least one of a still image and a video image of an area of ​​the workpiece surface (110) including the illumination point (144) when the alignment surface (130, 230, 330) of the holder (124, 224, 324) contacts the workpiece surface (110); as well as A display (152) is mounted to at least one of the retainer (124, 224, 324) and the drilling equipment (102, 202, 302), the display (152) being operatively connected to the camera (148, 248, 348) to display at least one of still images and video images acquired by the camera (148, 248, 348), wherein at least one of the still images and video images includes the load measured by each of the plurality of strain gauges and / or the average value of the measurements of the plurality of strain gauges.

2. The positioning device (104, 204, 304) according to claim 1, wherein, By moving the drilling equipment (102, 202, 302) relative to the workpiece surface (110), the illumination point (144) projected onto the workpiece surface (110) by the laser projector (142, 242, 342) can be adjusted to align with the target drilling position (112) on the workpiece surface (110).

3. The positioning device (104, 204, 304) according to claim 1, wherein, The display (152) is configured to display a line (158) centered on the illumination point (144) projected by the laser projector (142, 242, 342).

4. The positioning device (104, 204, 304) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, When the retainers (124, 224, 324) are mounted to the drilling equipment (102, 202, 302), the retainers (124, 224, 324) extend a length along the centerline axis (120, 220, 320) of the drilling tool (106, 206, 306), and the retainers (124, 224) are foldable along the length of the retainers to guide the movement of the drilling tool (106, 206, 306) along the centerline axis (120, 220, 320) toward the workpiece surface (110) during operation of the drilling equipment (102, 202, 302).

5. The positioning device (104, 204, 304) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The retainer (124, 224, 324) includes at least two legs (138), the ends (128, 228, 328) of the retainer (124, 224, 324) are defined by the ends (140) of the at least two legs (138), and the alignment surfaces (130, 230, 330) of the ends (128, 228, 328) of the retainer (124, 224, 324) are defined by the end faces of the legs (138).

6. The positioning device (104, 204, 304) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The drilling equipment (102, 202, 302) includes a handheld drilling device (102, 202, 302), and the retainer (124, 224, 324) is configured to be mounted on the handheld drilling device (102, 202, 302).

7. A drilling apparatus, the drilling apparatus comprising a positioning device (104, 204, 304) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, the drilling apparatus further comprising: Main body (114); A chuck (116), which is held by the body (114); as well as Drilling tools (106, 206, 306), said drilling tools being held by said chuck (116); and The positioning devices (104, 204, 304) are installed on the drilling equipment (102, 202, 302) to position the drilling tools (106, 206, 306) relative to the workpiece (108). The retainers (124, 224, 324) are at least partially oriented around the drilling tools (106, 206, 306) of the drilling equipment (102, 202, 302), relative to the centerline axis (120, 220, 320) of the drilling tools (106, 206, 306), such that when the alignment surfaces (130, 230, 330) of the retainers (124, 224, 324) contact the workpiece surface (110), the centerline axis (120, 220, 320) extends substantially perpendicular to the workpiece surface (110) and the alignment surfaces adapt to the three-dimensional shape of the workpiece surface.

8. A method (400) for drilling a workpiece (108) using the drilling equipment as described in claim 7, the method (400) comprising: Step (402): The alignment surfaces (130, 230, 330) of the positioning devices (104, 204, 304) installed on the drilling equipment (102, 202, 302) are physically engaged with the workpiece surface (110) of the workpiece (108), such that the centerline axis (120, 220, 320) of the drilling tool (106, 206, 306) of the drilling equipment (102, 202, 302) extends perpendicularly to the workpiece surface (110) and the alignment surfaces are adapted to the three-dimensional shape of the workpiece surface; Step (404): The illumination point (144) indicating the position where the centerline axis (120, 220, 320) of the drilling tool (106, 206, 306) intersects with the workpiece surface (110) is projected onto the workpiece surface (110); Step (406): Obtain at least one of a still image and a video image of the area of ​​the workpiece surface (110) including the illumination point (144); Step (408) Displaying at least one of a still image and a video image, including displaying at least one of a reticle (158) and an indication of the contact force between the alignment surfaces (130, 230, 330) of the positioning device (104, 204, 304) and the workpiece surface (110); Step (410) involves aligning the illumination point (144) with the target drilling position (112) on the workpiece surface (110) by moving the drilling equipment (102, 202, 302) relative to the workpiece surface (110); as well as Step (412): Drill a hole at the target drilling location (112) using the drilling tools (106, 206, 306).

9. The method (400) according to claim 8, wherein, The step (410) of aligning the illumination point (144) with the target borehole location (112) includes observing at least one of a still image and a video image.

10. The method (400) according to claim 8, wherein, The step (412) of drilling the target drilling location (112) with the drilling tools (106, 206, 306) includes the step (412a) of folding the retainer (124, 224, 324) of the positioning device (104, 204, 304).

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