Twisted-Rib Drill Bit Forming for Variable Helix Production

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for manufacturing drill bits with helixes lack the ability to efficiently produce drill bits of varying lengths and helix gradients with high automation, leading to inefficiencies in manufacturing processes.

Innovation Solution

A production method involving cold reshaping of a rod-shaped blank into a semifinished product with longitudinal ribs, followed by twisting these ribs using a tool stand with a pivoting die system to form a helix, allowing for the creation of drill bits with customizable lengths and gradients, and a tool stand design with star-shaped dies for precise shaping.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If traditional manufacturing methods are used for drill bits with helixes, then the manufacturing process is simpler, but the ability to efficiently produce drill bits of varying lengths and helix gradients with high automation is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomation levelVSAvoidmanufacturing process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamically adjustable die system where the first die can be pivoted to different angular positions relative to the second die. This dynamic adjustment allows the same equipment to produce helixes with different gradients and lengths by changing the pivoting angle, thereby achieving high automation and versatility without requiring multiple fixed manufacturing lines

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The manufacturing apparatus is designed as a universal system capable of producing drill bits with various lengths and helix gradients using the same basic equipment. The first die's ability to pivot and the adjustable positioning system enable one machine to perform multiple functions that would traditionally require separate dedicated equipment for each drill bit specification

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

2Adaptability or versatility

If a fixed die system is used, then the device structure is simpler, but the ability to create drill bits with variable lengths and helix gradients is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecustomization capabilityVSAvoidtool stand structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The first die is mounted on a pivoting mechanism that allows it to be rotated to different angular positions around the longitudinal axis. This dynamic positioning enables the creation of helixes with different gradients and pitches by adjusting the pivoting angle, providing high adaptability for various drill bit specifications

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The die system is pre-configured with star-shaped hollow cross sections that correspond to the inverse shape of the desired helix. This preliminary shaping capability allows the longitudinal ribs to be formed with the correct geometry before the twisting process, ensuring consistent and precise helix formation across different drill bit variations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If the hollow cross section of the first die is uniform along the length, then the die design is simpler, but the shaping process stability for longer drill bits is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveshaping process stabilityVSAvoiddie cross section design
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The first die features a non-uniform hollow cross section that varies along its length, with the cross-sectional area increasing in specific regions. This local variation in die geometry provides enhanced support and stability during the shaping process for longer drill bits, ensuring consistent helix formation without requiring overly complex overall die structures

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 high automation in manufacturing drill bits of any length and variable helix gradients, improving manufacturing efficiency and stability, particularly for drill bits used in removing mineral materials like reinforced concrete.

Implementation Method 1

cold reshaping of a rod-shaped blank to form a semifinished product with three or more rectilinear longitudinal ribs

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPlastic deformation: Plasticity

Implementation Method 2

the first die bears against the longitudinal ribs in the direction of rotation around the longitudinal axis and the second die bears against the longitudinal ribs counter to the direction of rotation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS10940527B2Manufacturing process, tool stand, and drill bit
Publication Date: 2021.03.09 HILTI AG
  • US10940527B2 patent drawing
  • US10940527B2 patent drawing
  • US10940527B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A method for producing a drill includes cold forming of a rod-shaped blank to form a semifinished product having three or more rectilinear longitudinal ribs extending along a longitudinal axis of the semifinished product, introducing the longitudinal ribs into a first die and a second die in a working direction, where the first die bears against the longitudinal ribs in a direction of rotation about the longitudinal axis and the second die bears against the longitudinal ribs counter to the direction of rotation, pivoting the first die in the direction of rotation in relation to the second die in order to twist the longitudinal ribs between the first and second dies, pulling the longitudinal ribs 31 through the pivoted first die and the second die counter to the working direction in order to twist the longitudinal ribs and apply a drill head to the rear end in the working direction.