Adapter for Interchangeable Drilling Grid Units

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current drilling grids are not interchangeable between automatic quarter-turn and collet drilling units due to differences in nose diameters and guide hole clearances, preventing the use of a single drilling grid with multiple drilling units without modifications.

Innovation Solution

An adapter for the drilling grid featuring a guide tube with a cylindrical wall and inner duct matching the respective drilling unit's nose diameter, along with a pin and immobilization system, allows the adapter to secure both quarter-turn and collet drilling units to the same grid, enabling interchangeability without modifications to the units or grids.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a drilling grid is configured for a quarter-turn automatic drilling unit with a guide orifice diameter matching the cylindrical bearing surface, then proper guidance is achieved for quarter-turn units, but collet automatic drilling units with larger diameter noses cannot be used due to insufficient guide orifice diameter

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedrilling grid compatibilityVSAvoidguidance precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

An adapter is introduced as an intermediary component between the drilling grid and the drilling unit nose. The adapter includes a guide tube with an outer diameter matching the guide orifice (for quarter-turn units) and an inner duct with a larger diameter to accommodate collet noses. This intermediary structure enables both types of drilling units to use the same drilling grid while maintaining proper guidance precision for each unit type.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a drilling grid is configured for a collet automatic drilling unit with a larger guide orifice diameter, then collet units can be used, but quarter-turn units cannot be properly guided due to excessive clearance between the guide orifice and the smaller cylindrical bearing surface

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedrilling grid compatibilityVSAvoidpositioning accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The adapter serves as a mediator that translates between the two different interface requirements. The guide tube's outer diameter matches the larger guide orifice for collet units, while the inner duct provides a smaller diameter interface for quarter-turn units. This ensures that quarter-turn units receive proper guidance through the inner duct, eliminating excessive clearance and improving positioning accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If a drilling grid is designed with specific pin and projecting shape configurations for quarter-turn units, then proper immobilization is achieved for quarter-turn units, but collet units lack the necessary immobilization features

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedrilling unit interchangeabilityVSAvoidimmobilization reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The adapter is designed with universal functionality to support both quarter-turn and collet drilling units. It includes a pin that projects from the first face to engage with the projecting shape on quarter-turn units, and an inner duct that accommodates the nose of collet units. The immobilization system is configured to work with both unit types, ensuring reliable immobilization regardless of which drilling unit is used.

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

4Reliability

If different drilling grids are manufactured for different automatic drilling unit types, then each unit type achieves optimal performance with its dedicated grid, but the overall system complexity increases and interchangeability is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedrilling operation reliabilityVSAvoiddrilling grid system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The adapter enables a single drilling grid design to serve multiple drilling unit types, reducing the overall system complexity. Instead of manufacturing separate drilling grids for quarter-turn and collet units, the same drilling grid can be used with both unit types by simply attaching the appropriate adapter. This maintains drilling operation reliability while eliminating the need for multiple grid variants.

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

Data Source

PatentEP3130419B1Adapter for a boring grate and boring grate provided with said adapter
Publication Date: 2018.07.04 AIRBUS OPERATIONS (SAS)
  • EP3130419B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~3
  • EP3130419B1 patent drawingFigure 4~7

AI summary

The invention relates to an adapter for a drilling grid adapted for an automatic drilling unit with a clamping collet, enabling the use of a quarter-turn drilling unit with said drilling grid. This adapter is characterized in that it comprises: - a guide tube (76) having an outer cylindrical wall (78) with a diameter equal to that of a guide orifice (58) of the drilling grid (30) and an inner conduit (80) with a diameter equal to that of a cylindrical bearing surface (66) of a nose (64) of a quarter-turn automatic drilling unit (62), - a pin (82) acting as a stop for a protruding shape (68) of the nose (64) of the quarter-turn automatic drilling unit (62), - a system (84) for immobilizing the adapter relative to the drilling grid (30). The invention also relates to a drilling grid equipped with said adapter.