Angled Hole Machining by Dual Translational Feed Control

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for drilling angled holes in the narrow edges of flat workpieces require precise alignment of the drilling unit, demanding significant effort and precision, especially when dealing with angular deviations, which can lead to machining defects like out-of-round holes.

Innovation Solution

A method involving superimposed translational feed movements in two directions to create holes perpendicular to the workpiece surface, allowing for angular deviations without adjusting the tool axis, using a tool with a diameter decreasing towards the shank, such as a drill or milling cutter, to penetrate and create holes without enlarging the bore.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the drilling unit and drill bit are adjusted to the desired drilling angle with continuous variable orientation, then the ability to create holes at various angles is improved, but the precision requirements and work preparation effort increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedrilling angle variabilityVSAvoidalignment precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms the problem from adjusting the tool axis angle in one dimension to superimposing two translational movements in perpendicular dimensions. Instead of rotating the drill bit to achieve an angled hole, the method moves the drill bit perpendicular to the workpiece surface while simultaneously moving the workpiece or drilling unit in a direction perpendicular to both the drill bit axis and the narrow edge, creating the angled hole through combined linear movements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces dynamic control of two independent translational movements during the drilling process. The drilling unit performs a first translational movement perpendicular to the workpiece surface, while simultaneously performing a second translational movement in a direction perpendicular to both the drill bit axis and the narrow edge. This dynamic superposition of movements allows continuous variable drilling angles without mechanical angle adjustment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If the tool axis is continuously adjustable to achieve different drilling angles, then the flexibility of machining operations is improved, but the device complexity and alignment effort increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetool axis adjustabilityVSAvoidalignment mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the complex mechanical angle adjustment mechanism with a two-dimensional translational movement system. Instead of mechanically tilting the tool axis, the system uses independent linear movements in two perpendicular directions, controlled by the CNC system, to achieve the same effect with simpler mechanical components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent substitutes the mechanical angle adjustment system with a computer-controlled dual translational movement system. The CNC controller coordinates the two independent linear movements, replacing the need for mechanical angle adjustment mechanisms and reducing device complexity while maintaining flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of manufacture

If angular deviations in workpiece surfaces are not compensated for, then the simplicity of the machining process is maintained, but machining quality defects such as out-of-round holes occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemachining process simplicityVSAvoidhole quality
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates feedback by detecting the angular deviation of the workpiece surface relative to the drilling direction and using this information to adjust the superimposed translational movements. The control system compensates for surface angular deviations by modifying the movement parameters, ensuring high-quality hole creation without requiring complex mechanical alignment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the machining parameters dynamically by adjusting the magnitudes and directions of the two superimposed translational movements based on the detected workpiece surface orientation. This allows the system to adapt to angular deviations in the workpiece while maintaining simple operation and high machining quality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP4450243B1Method for processing a workpiece
Publication Date: 2026.01.21 HOMAG BOHRSYSTEME GMBH
  • EP4450243B1 patent drawingFigure 1

AI summary

A method for machining a workpiece is described, comprising the steps of: providing a workpiece, machining the workpiece with a tool which has a diameter decreasing in the direction of a tool shank, wherein during machining a relative movement between the workpiece and the tool is carried out in a first translational direction and a second translational direction.