A drilling system

Abstract

A self-retaining drilling system utilizes a vacuum chuck base and a suction pump to apply a retaining force toward a surface of an object while maintaining a surface pressure on a drilling apparatus mounted therein. The pump draws suction from two discontinuous but coupled volumes: one volume associated with the vacuum chuck base, and one volume associated with one or more piston tubes movably coupled to the drilling apparatus and mounted transversely to the vacuum chuck base. The piston tubes have a surface area less than the surface area of the vacuum chuck base, which ensures that the retaining force is sufficient to prevent the drilling system from lifting off the surface of the object while also ensuring that the driving force on the drilling apparatus is always less than the retaining force. As a result, operation of the drilling apparatus automatically drills into the surface of the object without the need for manual pressure on the drilling apparatus.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the invention application filed on January 12, 2022, with application number CN202210031270.3 and invention title "Self-holding and self-driving drilling system". Technical Field

[0002] This disclosure generally relates to drilling equipment, and more specifically to drilling equipment that continuously holds itself on the surface of an object while applying driving force to drill a hole through the surface of the object. Background Technology

[0003] A drilling machine is a mechanical device used to drive an attached, replaceable drill bit into the surface of an object and create a hole. The operator must apply a holding force towards the surface and drive the drill bit tip to adhere firmly to the surface. This force must be applied consistently and adjusted as the drill bit's typical helical profile drills through the surface. However, manual drilling is a tedious and physically demanding task that quickly fatigues the operator, especially when ergonomically unsuitable.

[0004] Self-holding devices, such as the vacuum chuck clamp described in U.S. Patent Application No. 2020 / 0338695 (hereinafter referred to as '695), primarily comprise a rigid base element and an annular vacuum sealing element attached thereto. The vacuum generated between the object surface and the base element, and within the area of ​​the sealing element, forces the vacuum chuck clamp to adhere tightly to the object surface. While these devices hold themselves well on different object surfaces, they alone cannot overcome the reaction force between the drill and the surface, which would push the vacuum chuck clamp away from the object surface. For example, the drill forcefully pushes itself away from the object surface during operation, so mimicking the operator's holding force must be adjusted accordingly while still applying a driving force to the drill while maintaining close contact with the object surface. A feedback mechanism can be used, which senses these forces and continuously adjusts the actuator applying the holding force to prevent the drill from pushing itself away; however, this mechanism is extremely expensive and cannot guarantee safe operation, for example, if the sensor or actuator fails. Furthermore, since the performance of vacuum chuck clamps varies when used on surfaces of different materials, maintaining reliable holding force on drilling machines is a complex issue.

[0005] Therefore, there is a need for a reliable, fail-proof, automated, self-holding, and self-driven drilling system that can operate automatically regardless of the type of surface being drilled. Summary of the Invention

[0006] A self-holding and self-driving drilling system is disclosed, comprising a vacuum chuck chuck base having a borehole, a sealing element, and a pumping device. The sealing element includes a peripheral seal disposed within an outer channel of the vacuum chuck chuck base, and an inner seal disposed within an inner channel or surrounding the borehole. The operation of the pumping device creates a low-pressure environment in a first volume comprised of the sealing element, the vacuum chuck chuck base, and an object surface. The pressure difference between the first volume and the surrounding environment generates a holding force that causes the sealing element to conform to the object surface when the vacuum chuck chuck base is pressed against the object surface.

[0007] The drilling system also includes a drilling assembly coupled to a vacuum chuck chuck base. The drilling assembly includes drilling equipment transverse to the borehole opening. One or more piston tubes are transversely mounted to the vacuum chuck chuck base, aligned with the housing. Linear pneumatic operation of the piston tubes causes vertical movement of the drilling equipment relative to the vacuum chuck chuck base. One or more holes in the base allow a first volume to form fluid contact with a second volume contained within the piston tube.

[0008] The holding force is proportional to the first surface area of ​​the first volume and effectively holds the self-drilling system to the object surface. Furthermore, a driving force is applied to the drilling equipment by the low-pressure environment in the second volume. The driving force is equal to the reaction force exerted on the drilling equipment by the object surface during normal operation and is proportional to the second surface area of ​​the second volume. Because the first surface area is larger than the second surface area, the holding force is always greater than the driving force, thus causing the drilling equipment to be pushed into the object surface without lifting the vacuum suction cup holder base from the object surface or dislodging the sealing element. Attached Figure Description

[0009] Embodiments of the present invention are illustrated by way of example and are not limited to the accompanying drawings, in which similar reference numerals refer to similar elements, wherein: Figure 1 This is a perspective view of an exemplary self-holding drilling system according to one or more embodiments.

[0010] Figure 2 This is a perspective view showing the internal components of a self-holding drilling system.

[0011] Figure 3A This is a partial exploded view of a self-holding drilling system, showing the assembly of the vacuum chuck clamp base and sealing elements.

[0012] Figure 3B This is a top-view perspective of the vacuum suction cup clamp base.

[0013] Figure 4 This is a bottom-view 3D diagram of a self-holding drilling system.

[0014] Figure 5AIt is a 3D diagram of the piston tube. Figure 5B and Figure 5C This is a cross-sectional view of the piston tube.

[0015] Figure 6 This is a front perspective view of a self-holding drilling system, showing the distance limiting element.

[0016] Figure 7 This is the front elevation view of a self-holding drilling system used in close contact with the surface of an object.

[0017] Other features of this embodiment will become apparent from the accompanying drawings and the detailed description below. Detailed Implementation

[0018] The example embodiments described below can be used to provide a self-holding drilling system. As used herein, "self-holding" refers not only to the use of current vacuum chuck clamping technology as described in U.S. Patent Application No. 2020 / 0338695 (hereinafter '695), but also to the ability of a drilling system as described herein to compress its drilling equipment to a surface of an object without lifting the entire system off that surface. References Figure 1 The illustration shows an exemplary self-holding drilling system 100 (hereinafter referred to as "drilling system 100"). The drilling system 100 includes a vacuum chuck chuck base 110 and a drilling assembly 120 coupled thereto.

[0019] The vacuum chuck base 110 may be similar to the rigid base element of '695 (see reference numeral 141 in Figure 8 of '695), i.e., it includes a sealing element 112 that conforms to the surface of the object when the vacuum chuck base 110 is pressed against the surface of the object. Reference Figure 2 The cross-sectional view shows the internal components of the drilling system 100, including but not limited to: an air pump 102 that draws air from the vacuum chuck chuck base 110; a battery 104 that supplies power to the electronics of the drilling system 100 in a portable manner; a trigger 106 that provides power control to the user of the drilling system 100; a flexible cable sleeve 107 that isolates the drilling assembly 120 from other internal components of the drilling system 100; and a release valve 108 that, when operated, releases the drilling system 100 from an object surface by equalizing the pressure between the internal volume of the drilling system 100 and the ambient space. For example, a release lever is configured to lift an air plug (e.g., release valve 108) from a release port in the vacuum chuck chuck base, thereby allowing manual release from a low-pressure environment. Although the drilling system 100 is shown powered by the portable battery 104, it is understood that the drilling system 100 is adaptable to receive power from an A / C power source via a connected power cord.

[0020] refer to Figure 3AA partially exploded view of the drilling system 100 shows the assembly of the vacuum chuck clamp base 110 and the sealing element 112. Additionally, see reference... Figure 3B The image shows a top perspective view of a vacuum suction cup clamp base. The vacuum suction cup clamp base 110 includes a peripheral outer channel 111 defined by an outer wall, an inner wall, and a receiving surface. Additionally, the vacuum suction cup clamp base 110 may include an inner channel 113 similarly defined but positioned around a borehole 114 through which a drill bit (not shown) of a drilling apparatus can extend. A sealing element 112 consists of two parts: a peripheral seal 112a that mates with the peripheral outer channel 111, and an inner seal 112b that mates with the inner channel 113. The sealing element 112 may be made of a shrinkable material, such as foam, which locally deforms and is guided by the walls of the outer channel 111 and the inner channel 113 to adhere tightly to the object surface to form an airtight seal.

[0021] In one embodiment, the air pump 102 provides suction to collect debris and other waste generated by the drilling equipment. This suction can remove debris and / or guide it to a local storage area around the borehole opening 114.

[0022] refer to Figure 7 The figure shows a front elevation view of the drilling system 100. As shown, the drilling system 100 is pressed tightly against the object surface 140. If a sufficient driving force 150 is provided, the drill bit 121, connected to the drilling equipment, can drill into the object surface 140. However, a reaction force 155 equal to the driving force 150 pushes the drill bit 121 and thus the entire drilling system 100. Therefore, it is crucial that the driving force 150 does not exceed the holding force 160 applied by the vacuum chuck base 110 to the drilling system 100 to keep it pressed tightly against the object surface 140.

[0023] refer to Figure 6 The front perspective view of the drilling system 100 shows a distance limiter 160, which stops the operation of the drilling system 100 once the drilling system reaches its vertical lower limit. The distance limiter 160 may include a distance limiting rod 166 slidably positioned within a limiting housing 162. The distance limiting rod 166 may include a groove on its side to allow vertical movement and fixation in a vertical position. The limiting housing 162 may include a protrusion complementary to the groove of the distance limiting rod 166. At the end of the distance limiting rod 166 facing the upper surface of the vacuum chuck base 110, the distance limiting rod 166 may include a button tip 168 operably connected to the drilling equipment; that is, when the button tip is pressed, the drilling equipment stops operating. However, the operation of the air pump does not stop, preventing the drilling system 100 from removing itself from the object surface after drilling is complete.

[0024] The operation of the air pump 102 is used to evacuate air from the volume 118 comprised of the vacuum chuck base 110, the sealing element 112, and the object surface (not shown). Due to the low-pressure environment of the volume 118, the vacuum chuck base 110 and the object surface exert a holding force 160 and a reaction force 165 proportional to the surface area of ​​the volume 118 on each other. Importantly, note that the surface area of ​​the vacuum chuck base 110 is maximized by using a chuck with a grid structure as shown.

[0025] The drilling assembly 120 includes a housing 122 having sidewalls surrounding a drilling device (not shown). The drilling device employs a variety of drill bits typically of various form factors and materials, and is centrally mounted on a drill orifice 114. Downward forces from the drilling device push the housing 122 upward. The top of the sidewall of the housing 122 includes a piston retainer 124 that holds one or more piston tubes 130 against a vacuum chuck fixture base 110. The piston tubes 130 are mounted laterally to the vacuum chuck fixture base 110 and vertically aligned with the housing 122. (Reference) Figure 4 The bottom perspective view of the drilling system 100 shows the structure of the piston tube 130 and its positioning relative to the vacuum chuck base 110. Additionally, see reference... Figure 5A and Figure 5B The figures show a perspective view and a cross-sectional view. The piston tube 130 includes an annular sidewall 132, a top cover 134, a base 136 connected to a vacuum chuck clamp base 110, a piston 138 housed within the annular sidewall 132, and a shaft 139 laterally connected to the piston 138 at a first end 139a and to a piston retaining ring 124 at a second end 139b. The piston 138 is slidable within the annular sidewall 132, and the shaft 139 is slidable through the top cover 134.

[0026] Back Figure 7 Also refer to Figure 3B As shown in the figure, the piston tube mounting base 115 includes a balancing hole 117, which provides an open interface between the volume 118 and the volume 119 contained in the annular sidewall 132, piston 138, and base 136. The outward force F within a given volume is characterized as the pressure difference ΔP between the volume and the surrounding environment 170 multiplied by the surface area A of the volume, as shown below: F = ∆P∗A (Equation 1) The low-pressure environment in volume 119 causes piston tube 130 to apply a driving force 150 (FD) to the drilling equipment and subsequently to the object surface 140. FD is equal to the reaction force 155 (FD') applied to the drilling equipment by the object surface 140 during normal operation.

[0027] FD = FD' (Equation 2) Based on Equation 1 above, the driving force FD is proportional to the pressure difference (ΔP) between volume 119 and the surrounding environment 170, as well as the surface area A1 of volume 119, as shown below: FD = ∆P∗A1 (Equation 3) Volume 119 experiences the same pressure differential as volume 118. The pressure difference ΔP between volume 118 and its surroundings causes the vacuum chuck base 110 to adhere tightly to the object surface 140 and apply a holding force FH on the drilling system 100. Similar to FD, FH is proportional to the ΔP between volume 118 and its surroundings 170 multiplied by the surface area A2 of volume 118, as shown below: FH = ∆P∗A2 (Equation 4) Since the surface area (A1) of volume 119 is always significantly smaller than the surface area (A2) of volume 118, FH is always greater than FD. This causes the drilling system 100 to remain in close contact with the object surface 140 while maintaining FD on the drilling equipment not exceeding the holding force FH, thus preventing the drilling system from lifting itself off the object surface 140.

[0028] All references cited herein, including patents, patent applications and publications, are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety to the same extent that each individual publication or patent or patent application is specifically and individually indicated for all purposes and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Claims

1. A drilling system, characterized in that, include: A vacuum suction cup clamp base, wherein the vacuum suction cup clamp base includes a drill hole; A peripheral seal is disposed in the peripheral outer channel of the vacuum suction cup clamp base. The peripheral seal, the vacuum suction cup clamp base, and the object surface form a first volume, and the first volume has a first surface area. An air extraction device is provided on the vacuum suction cup clamp base for extracting air from the first volume so that the peripheral seal conforms to the object surface when the vacuum suction cup clamp base is pressed tightly against the object surface; and Drilling assembly, the drilling assembly being connected to the vacuum suction cup clamp base, the drilling assembly comprising: Drilling equipment, wherein the drill bit of the drilling equipment can extend through the borehole opening; and One or more piston tubes are mounted to the vacuum chuck chuck base, each piston tube containing a second volume in contact with the first fluid volume, the second volume having a second surface area, wherein linear pneumatic operation of each piston tube causes the drilling device to move vertically relative to the vacuum chuck chuck base, so that the drill bit drills into the surface of the object. The first surface area is larger than the second surface area.

2. The drilling system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The drilling assembly also includes: A distance limiting rod, slidably received within a slot of the drilling assembly aligned longitudinally with the drilling assembly; and A button tip is connected to the end of the distance limiting rod near the vacuum suction cup clamp base, wherein the button tip is communicatively connected to the drilling device, and the drilling device stops operating when the button tip contacts the upper surface of the vacuum suction cup clamp base.

3. The drilling system according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a release lever configured to lift the air plug from a release hole in the vacuum chuck base, thereby allowing manual release of the low-pressure environment in the first and second volumes.

4. The drilling system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The suction device provides suction that removes debris through the borehole and stores the debris in a local storage unit.

5. The drilling system according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a power source, wherein the power source is an attached battery or an adapted AC power source.

6. The drilling system according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes an inner seal disposed within an inner channel surrounding the borehole.

7. The drilling system according to claim 1, characterized in that, One or more holes in the vacuum suction cup clamp base allow the first volume to form fluid contact with the second volume.

8. The drilling system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The drilling equipment is positioned laterally to the borehole opening.

9. The drilling system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, The piston tube is horizontally mounted to the vacuum suction cup fixture base, aligned with the drilling equipment.

10. A drilling system, characterized in that, include: A vacuum suction cup clamp base, wherein the vacuum suction cup clamp base includes a drill hole; A peripheral seal is disposed in the peripheral outer channel of the vacuum suction cup clamp base, and the peripheral seal, the vacuum suction cup clamp base, and the object surface form a first volume; An air extraction device is provided on the vacuum suction cup clamp base for extracting air from the first volume so that the peripheral seal conforms to the object surface when the vacuum suction cup clamp base is pressed tightly against the object surface; and Drilling assembly, the drilling assembly being connected to the vacuum suction cup clamp base, the drilling assembly comprising: A housing enclosing a drilling apparatus, the drill bit of which extends through the borehole, the housing having sidewalls, the top of which includes a piston ring, wherein a downward force of the drilling apparatus pushes the housing upward; and At least one piston tube, wherein the piston retainer ring holds the piston tube in close contact with the vacuum chuck fixture base, wherein linear pneumatic operation of the piston tube causes the drilling device to move vertically relative to the vacuum chuck fixture base so that the drill bit drills into the surface of the object.

11. The drilling system according to claim 10, characterized in that, The drilling assembly includes two piston tubes, with the drill hole located between the two piston tubes.

12. The drilling system according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that, The piston tube produces the linear pneumatic operation under the action of the air extraction device.

13. The drilling system according to claim 12, characterized in that, One or more balancing holes in the vacuum suction cup clamp base allow the first volume to form fluid contact with the second volume contained in the piston tube.

14. The drilling system according to claim 13, characterized in that, The piston tube includes: An annular sidewall, transverse to the vacuum suction cup clamp base; A base is disposed at the bottom of the annular sidewall and connected to the vacuum suction cup clamp base; and The piston is housed within the annular sidewall and is slidable within the annular sidewall. The annular sidewall, the piston, and the base form the second volume.

15. The drilling system according to claim 14, characterized in that, The vacuum suction cup clamp base is provided with a piston tube mounting seat for connection with the base, and the piston tube mounting seat includes the balance hole.

16. The drilling system according to claim 14, characterized in that, The piston tube also includes: A top cover, disposed on top of the annular sidewall; and A shaft, the first end of which is connected to the piston, and the second end of which is connected to the piston retaining ring, the shaft slidingly passing through the top cover.

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