Clamping Collar Tool Head Coupling for Fast, Precise Drilling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Manual drilling operations in the aeronautical industry face challenges such as reduced productivity, musculoskeletal disorders, and quality issues due to the need for manual handling of tools in confined spaces with limited access, leading to increased operator fatigue and potential non-compliance with quality standards.

Innovation Solution

A portable drilling or screwing device with a clamping collar system that securely attaches the tool head to the engine block using a reversible fixing mechanism, incorporating a clamp with an elastic element and locking lever for robust, compact, and ergonomic operation, along with an electronic tag system for tool recognition and interchangeable tool heads.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of time

If a quick fixing solution with balls is used to assemble the tool head on the engine block, then the assembly time is reduced, but assembly clearance is introduced which allows relative movement and shocks

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly timeVSAvoidassembly clearance
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The clamping collar is divided into two hinged jaws that can independently clamp onto the tool head, allowing for secure attachment without clearance while maintaining quick assembly capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The locking lever is designed to be movable between locked and open positions, enabling rapid assembly/disassembly while maintaining precise clamping when locked, thus resolving the contradiction between speed and precision

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If manual drilling operations are performed in confined spaces, then tool accessibility is improved, but operator fatigue and musculoskeletal disorders increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetool accessibilityVSAvoidoperator health
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The manual drilling operation is replaced with a motorized portable drilling device that provides powered rotation of the drill bit, eliminating the need for manual force application while maintaining accessibility to confined spaces

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

Solution Approach 2:

The portable drilling device is designed with balanced weight distribution and ergonomic handles that can be dynamically positioned, reducing operator fatigue while enabling work in confined spaces

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple tool head changes are performed, then operational versatility is improved, but time loss increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetool head interchangeabilityVSAvoidtool head change time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The clamping collar is pre-positioned on the engine block and the locking lever is designed for quick actuation, allowing tool heads to be rapidly exchanged without time loss while maintaining versatility

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The standardized clamping collar design can accommodate multiple types of tool heads, providing universal compatibility that enables quick changes between different operations without requiring multiple specialized attachment mechanisms

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

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 solution enhances maneuverability, safety, and ergonomics, allowing for quick and easy handling of the tool head, reducing operator fatigue, and maintaining precise angular positioning, thereby improving productivity and quality while being simple to implement and cost-effective.

Implementation Method 1

a clamp (3) with quick locking/unlocking which makes it possible to attach the tool holder (2) on the main body (1)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3939727B1Portable device for drilling or screwing comprising a clamping collar for a removable tool head
Publication Date: 2022.11.16 ETABLISSEMENT GEORGES RENAULT SAS
  • EP3939727B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3939727B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3939727B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The invention relates to a portable drilling or screwdriving device comprising a main body (1) in which a motor block is housed, a tool head (2) comprising a socket for receiving a rotating end member, and an interface for connecting the tool head (2) to the motor block. According to the invention, said tool head (2) is coupled to the motor block in a detachable manner by reversible fastening means comprising a clamping collar (3) for said tool head (2) on the motor block, said clamping collar (3) being movable between a locked or closed position in which it cooperates with said motor block and said tool head to hold said motor block and said tool head together, and a release or open position in which it does not cooperate with said tool head so that said motor block and said tool head are no longer held together.