Deployable Blade Machining Tool for Backside Bore Operations
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Solution Overview
Problem
Machining tools require frequent replacements to achieve various features on a workpiece, leading to increased time and cost due to limited access and the need for multiple tools for different operations.
Innovation Solution
A machining tool with a deployable blade mechanism, where a plunger and resilient element control the deployment and retraction of a pivotally mounted blade through a duct, allowing for multiple operations without tool changes, such as counterboring, countersinking, and spotfacing, by adjusting the blade's position and angle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple machining tools are used for different operations, then various features can be achieved on the workpiece, but tool replacement time increases and production efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The machining tool is designed with a deployable blade mechanism that enables a single tool to perform multiple machining operations including counterboring, countersinking, spotfacing, and deburring. The blade can be deployed from and retracted into the tool body, allowing the same tool to machine both proximal and distal ends of workpieces with different features without requiring multiple specialized tools.
Solution Approach 2:
The blade is designed to be dynamically deployable and retractable rather than fixed. A plunger mechanism with resilient element allows the blade to move between deployed and retracted positions, enabling the tool to adapt its configuration for different machining operations and access different workpiece areas, thereby eliminating the need for manual tool replacements.
2Ease of operation
If machining is performed on distal end of workpiece through bore, then access to back side is achieved, but tool access is restricted and requires precise positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The machining tool separates the cutting function from the access function. The blade can be deployed only when needed at the distal end, while the tool body maintains simple access through the bore. The blade deployment mechanism allows the cutting element to extend from the tool body at the distal end, enabling machining operations on the back side without requiring the entire tool to be complex or difficult to position.
Solution Approach 2:
The blade is nested within the tool body and can be deployed from the distal portion. When not in use, the blade is retracted into the tool body, allowing the tool to pass through the bore with minimal profile. When machining is required at the distal end, the blade deploys from the tool body to perform the machining operation, then retracts for withdrawal.
3Adaptability or versatility
If blade is deployed from distal portion, then machining on back side is enabled, but tool structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The cutting function is extracted into a separate deployable blade component rather than being integrated into the main tool body. This allows the blade to be deployed only when needed for machining operations, keeping the tool body relatively simple for access through bores. The blade can be taken out (deployed) for machining and put back (retracted) when not needed, reducing the complexity of the tool structure while maintaining machining capability.
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
Enables efficient machining of multiple features on both sides of a workpiece with reduced tool changes, minimizing production time and cost by utilizing a single tool with deployable blades that can be configured for different operations, such as counterboring, countersinking, and deburring.
Implementation Method 1
a resilient element to press the plunger towards the proximal inlet
Implementation Method 2
a conduit to transfer emulsion through the plunger into the duct
Data Source
AI summary
A machining tool may include an elongated body forming a duct therewithin, the duct extending from a proximal inlet at a proximal end of the body to a distal portion of the body having a first lateral opening. The tool may also include a plunger movable between a proximal first position and a distal second position along the duct. The tool may also include a resilient element to press the plunger towards the proximal inlet, and a pivotally deployable blade rotatable between a deployed state, when the plunger is in the first position, and a retracted state, when the plunger is in the second position, wherein the blade is deployable from the first lateral opening.