Cushioned Attachment for 90-Degree Drill Hand Force and Surface Damage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Operators using ninety degree drill assemblies experience discomfort due to direct hand force transmission and risk of surface damage from collisions during drilling, especially in confined areas, as gloves are not always approved and the drill bit's movement can cause marring or damage to the structure being fabricated.

Innovation Solution

A removable attachment assembly for the ninety degree drill assembly, comprising a base member and securement assembly for securing to the drill housing, along with a cushion member for hand protection and a securement mechanism using tabs and recesses for easy installation and replacement, and additional securement with zip ties or lanyards to prevent loss and ensure stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the operator applies force directly with their hand to the drill housing, then the drilling operation can be performed, but the operator experiences discomfort due to force transmission

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperator comfortVSAvoidforce transmission to hand

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

A removable attachment assembly with a cushion member is positioned between the operator's hand and the drill housing. The cushion member absorbs and distributes the force applied during drilling, preventing direct force transmission to the operator's hand while maintaining effective drilling operation. This intermediary component resolves the contradiction by providing both force transmission for drilling and protection for the operator.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The cushion member is pre-installed on the attachment assembly before the operator begins drilling. This beforehand cushioning provides immediate protection against force transmission, allowing the operator to apply force comfortably without experiencing discomfort during the drilling operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

2Productivity

If the drill bit is moved to back out of the hole, then the drilling operation can be completed, but the drill housing may collide with and damage the structure surface

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedrilling operation completionVSAvoidsurface damage from collision

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The attachment assembly with cushion member acts as an intermediary buffer between the drill housing and the workpiece surface. During the bit withdrawal motion, this cushioning attachment prevents direct contact and collision between the hard drill housing and the structure surface, eliminating the harmful effect of surface damage while allowing complete drilling operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the drill assembly is moved within the structure for drilling operations, then multiple drilling positions can be accessed, but the hard housing may collide with and mar the finished surface

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedrilling position accessVSAvoidsurface marring from housing collision

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The removable attachment assembly serves as a protective intermediary between the hard drill housing and the finished surface. As the operator moves the drill assembly to access different drilling positions, the cushion member prevents direct contact between the housing and surface, eliminating marring while maintaining full adaptability for multiple drilling operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The cushion member functions as a flexible protective layer that conforms to the workpiece surface. This flexible element absorbs contact forces during drilling and repositioning operations, protecting the finished surface from damage while allowing the drill assembly to access various drilling positions throughout the structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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 attachment assembly reduces operator discomfort by providing cushioning and prevents surface damage by absorbing the force applied during drilling and securing the drill assembly to the structure, minimizing collisions and marring.

Implementation Method 1

a cushion member releasably securable to the base member

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCushioning: Damping

Implementation Method 2

a securement assembly secured to the base member for releasably securing the base member to a housing of the ninety degree drill assembly

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS11633846B2Ergonomic attachment for a ninety degree drill assembly

Publication Date: 2023.04.25 THE BOEING CO

AI summary

A removable attachment assembly for a ninety degree drill assembly, which includes a base member and a securement assembly secured to the base member for releasably securing the base member to a housing of the ninety degree drill assembly. The removable attachment assembly further includes a cushion member releasably securable to the base member.