Auger Bit With Integrated Reaming Portion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Auger bits used for drilling in wood often encounter issues such as dulling or breaking due to contact with fasteners, resulting in rough hole surfaces that can snag conduit or pipes, and require separate reaming tools for smoothing, which complicates the drilling process and reduces tool life.

Innovation Solution

An auger bit with a reaming portion that integrates a primary cutting edge for initial hole cutting and a secondary cutting edge for smoothing, along with a threaded tip for efficient material removal, addressing both drilling and reaming operations in a single tool, enhancing surface finish and extending tool life.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If an auger bit is used for drilling holes in wood, then drilling capability is provided, but the cutting edges dull or break due to contact with fasteners

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedrilling capabilityVSAvoidcutting edge durability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the drilling function and reaming function into a single integrated tool. The auger bit includes both a drilling portion with cutting edges for initial hole formation and a reaming portion with reaming edges for smoothing and finishing the hole surface. This merging eliminates the need for separate reaming operations and protects the cutting edges by performing the smoothing function through the reaming portion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The auger bit is designed as a multi-functional tool that can perform both drilling and reaming operations. The head portion includes both primary cutting edges for drilling and secondary reaming edges for smoothing, allowing a single tool to accomplish multiple tasks that previously required separate tools.

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

2Productivity

If a standard auger bit is used for drilling, then hole formation is achieved, but the inside surface of the hole is rough and can snag conduit or pipes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehole formation speedVSAvoidhole surface finish
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the drilling operation and reaming operation into a single continuous process using one integrated tool. As the auger bit rotates and advances, the drilling portion creates the hole while the reaming portion simultaneously smooths the inside surface, eliminating the need for a separate reaming step.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The reaming portion is positioned to act on the hole surface immediately after the drilling portion creates it. The transition portion connects the drilling function to the reaming function, ensuring that the smoothing action occurs right after hole formation while the bit is still in position, providing preliminary surface preparation before the bit is removed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Manufacturing precision

If separate drilling and reaming tools are used, then accurate smooth holes are achieved, but the drilling process becomes complicated and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehole accuracy and surface finishVSAvoiddrilling process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines two separate tools (drill bit and reamer) into one integrated auger bit. The head portion contains both the primary cutting edges for drilling and the secondary reaming edges for smoothing, along with a transition portion that connects these functions. This eliminates the need for tool changes and simplifies the drilling process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The auger bit is designed as a universal tool that performs both drilling and reaming functions. By integrating multiple functions into a single tool, the system reduces the number of tools and operations required, thereby simplifying the overall process while maintaining high precision.

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

4Productivity

If an auger bit encounters fasteners during drilling, then fastener penetration is achieved, but the complex shape makes it difficult to re-sharpen

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefastener penetration capabilityVSAvoidre-sharpening difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The head portion is segmented into distinct functional zones: the drilling portion with primary cutting edges, the transition portion, and the reaming portion with secondary reaming edges. This segmentation allows each portion to be optimized for its specific function and facilitates easier maintenance, as the reaming edges can be sharpened independently using standard reaming techniques.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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

The integrated reaming portion ensures smooth hole surfaces, reduces snagging issues, and simplifies the drilling process by combining drilling and reaming functions, thereby improving the efficiency and longevity of the auger bit.

Implementation Method 1

a primary cutting edge adapted to engage and remove material from a workpiece

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical cutting: Abrasion

Implementation Method 2

a secondary cutting edge adapted to engage and remove additional material from the workpiece

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical smoothing: Abrasion

Implementation Method 3

A long deep spiral flute on the auger bit moves the removed material out of the recess or hole

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpiral material transport: Archimedes Screw

Data Source

PatentEP2217417B1Auger bit including a reamer
Publication Date: 2016.06.22 ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
  • EP2217417B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2217417B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2217417B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Embodiments of the invention comprise an auger bit (100) for use with a power drill including an elongated member (102) including a first end and an opposing second end, a helical surface having a central axis (112), where the helical surface defines at least one flute (116), a head portion integrally formed with the first end of the elongated member and including a primary cutting edge (126) adapted to engage and remove material from a workpiece and a secondary cutting edge (140) adapted to engage and remove additional material from the workpiece, a threaded tip (120) integrally formed with the head portion and a shank integrally formed with the second end of the elongated member and adapted to engage the drill.