Anvil Fluid Circuit for Opposite-Side Debris Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current manufacturing processes face inefficiencies in removing foreign object debris, particularly on the side opposite to the tool during operations like drilling, leading to time-consuming cleaning and potential quality defects.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a tool and an anvil with a fluid circuit that generates a fluid stream through a gap between the tool and anvil sides, utilizing pressurized air and vacuum to collect debris from the opposite side, with conduits integrated within the anvil to efficiently capture chips and other debris.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-generated harmful factors
If traditional chip collection systems are used to capture debris on the drilled side, then debris collection on the tool side is improved, but debris generated on the opposite side cannot be collected
Solution Approach 1:
The anvil is divided into two separate portions (first portion and second portion) with a gap between them, allowing the fluid circuit to access and collect debris from both sides of the component independently
Solution Approach 2:
The debris collection system transitions from a single-sided approach to a dual-sided approach by positioning fluid outlets on both the first and second portions of the anvil, collecting debris from both the tool side and the opposite side of the component
2Reliability
If manual cleaning methods are used to remove foreign object debris, then complete debris removal is achieved, but time and labor requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid circuit performs preliminary debris collection during the drilling operation itself, capturing chips and debris as they are generated and directing them away from the component before they can contaminate the work area
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical cleaning process is replaced with an automated fluid-based debris collection system that uses pressurized gas or vacuum to automatically capture and remove debris during the drilling operation
3Manufacturing precision
If drilling operations are performed on vertically-held panels, then drilling accuracy is improved, but foreign object debris accumulates on the opposite side of the panel
Solution Approach 1:
A fluid stream acts as an intermediary between the drilling operation and the debris collection system, carrying chips and debris away from the drilling zone and preventing their accumulation on the panel surface
Solution Approach 2:
The harmful debris is extracted from the drilling zone through the fluid circuit, which captures chips and debris on both sides of the panel and removes them from the work area, preventing contamination
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This method significantly reduces the time and labor required for debris removal, effectively collecting foreign object debris at the point of origin and preventing quality defects by ensuring comprehensive debris collection on both sides of the component.
Implementation Method 1
A pressurized air source can be in fluid communication with the first fluid conduit
Implementation Method 2
a vacuum generator in fluid communication with the second fluid conduit
Data Source
AI summary
A system and a method include a tool having an operative portion. The tool is disposed in relation to a first side of one or more components. An anvil is disposed in relation to a second side of the one or more components. The second side is opposite from the first side. The anvil includes a first portion separated from a second portion by a gap. A fluid circuit includes a fluid stream that extends through the gap. The fluid circuit is configured to remove foreign object debris generated in relation to the second side of the one or more components.