Adaptive Drilling Parameter Control for Tool Wear and Hole Quality

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Solution Overview

Problem

Drilling machines often operate with fixed parameters, leading to premature tool wear, reduced hole quality, and increased waste due to lack of process monitoring, resulting in inefficient drilling processes and high costs.

Innovation Solution

A method and machine that monitor drilling forces and adapt rotation and feed speeds based on tool wear, using sensors to adjust parameters dynamically and extend the drilling tool's lifespan while maintaining high-quality hole consistency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If fixed predetermined drilling parameters are used throughout the tool life span, then the drilling process is simple and reliable, but the drilling tool life span is reduced and hole quality deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedrilling process reliabilityVSAvoiddrilling tool life span
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from fixed predetermined drilling parameters to dynamic parameters that automatically adapt based on real-time monitoring of drilling forces. The control unit adjusts rotation speed and feed rate during the drilling process according to measured torque and thrust values, allowing the system to respond to tool wear and material variations, thereby extending tool life span while maintaining hole quality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring drilling parameters (torque and thrust) during the drilling process and using this information to automatically adjust drilling parameters. The control unit receives real-time data from sensors and modifies rotation speed and feed rate accordingly, creating a closed-loop control system that optimizes tool life span and hole quality throughout the drilling operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Ease of operation

If fixed predetermined drilling parameters are used, then the drilling machine operation is simple, but hole quality and repeatability deteriorate due to tool wear

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedrilling machine operation simplicityVSAvoidhole quality and repeatability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies self-service by enabling the drilling system to automatically monitor and adjust its own parameters without external intervention. The control unit autonomously processes sensor data and modifies drilling parameters based on detected tool wear and process conditions, allowing the system to self-optimize hole quality and repeatability while maintaining operational simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements parameter changes by dynamically modifying drilling parameters (rotation speed and feed rate) based on real-time monitoring of drilling forces. The control unit adjusts these parameters according to measured torque and thrust values, compensating for tool wear and material variations to maintain consistent hole quality and repeatability throughout the tool life span.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If drilling parameters are not monitored and adapted, then the drilling process is efficient in terms of speed, but drilling tool wear increases prematurely

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedrilling process efficiencyVSAvoiddrilling tool life span
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by implementing dynamic parameter adjustment that responds to real-time drilling conditions. The control unit continuously monitors torque and thrust and automatically modifies rotation speed and feed rate to optimize the balance between productivity and tool life span, preventing premature wear while maintaining efficient drilling speeds.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements parameter changes by adapting drilling parameters (rotation speed and feed rate) based on monitored drilling forces. The control unit modifies these parameters throughout the drilling process to extend tool life span while preserving productivity, adjusting speeds according to tool wear indicators detected through torque and thrust measurements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

4Duration of action of moving object

If drilling parameters are dynamically adapted based on real-time monitoring, then drilling tool life span is extended and hole quality is maintained, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedrilling tool life spanVSAvoiddrilling machine complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by designing a control unit that performs multiple functions: it monitors drilling parameters, processes sensor data, determines tool wear state, and adjusts drilling parameters. This multi-functional approach consolidates the complexity into a single integrated system rather than adding separate dedicated components for each function, thereby extending tool life span while limiting overall device complexity.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback by creating a closed-loop control system where sensor data is continuously processed and used to adjust drilling parameters. The control unit receives real-time feedback from torque and thrust sensors and automatically modifies operation parameters, extending tool life span through intelligent control without requiring complex mechanical modifications to the drilling machine.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP4063049A1Device and method for drilling with automatic drilling parameters adaptation
Publication Date: 2022.09.28 AIRBUS OPERATIONS SL
  • EP4063049A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4063049A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4063049A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a drilling machine and a drilling method comprising drilling a first bore in a material with a drilling machine by applying a torque to a drilling tool for imparting a rotation at a first rotation speed to said drilling tool, and applying a thrust to said drilling tool for advancing the drilling tool at a first feed speed into the material, characterized in that a drilling parameter is measured while drilling the first bore, and a second rotation speed and a second feed speed are determined based on the drilling parameter, then drilling a second bore at said second rotation speed and at said second feed speed.