Friction-Welded Drill Insert Tool for Simpler Manufacturing

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Solution Overview

Problem

The manufacturing process of drilling tools is complex and expensive due to the multiple steps involved in adapting the shank, producing the conveyor helix, connecting and grinding the drill head, and coloring the tool.

Innovation Solution

A base module with a conveyor helix and a cutting body is integrally bonded to a hardened shank using friction welding, allowing for a simpler manufacturing process and individualization of the drilling tool with a cutting element design and surface marking.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If traditional multi-step manufacturing process is used for drilling tools, then complete functional requirements are met, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing complexityVSAvoidmanufacturing process steps
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The drilling tool is divided into modular components: a base module containing the conveyor helix and a separate cutting body. This segmentation allows independent manufacturing of components that can be joined through friction welding, simplifying the overall manufacturing process while maintaining functional completeness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The base module integrates the conveyor helix and cutting body into a unified structure through friction welding. This merging of components reduces the number of separate manufacturing steps and assembly operations, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity and cost.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Ease of manufacture

If traditional manufacturing process is used, then all functional requirements are satisfied, but production cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing costVSAvoidtool quality
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the tool into a base module and cutting body, each component can be manufactured using optimized processes for its specific requirements. The base module can be produced with standard precision while the cutting body receives specialized attention, reducing overall manufacturing cost without compromising tool quality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The friction welding process enables controlled joining of components with specific hardness requirements. The base module can be hardened to 48-56 HRC while the cutting body maintains higher hardness, achieving the required manufacturing precision through parameter control during the joining process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If a unified drilling tool design is used, then manufacturing is simpler, but adaptability to different applications is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetool application rangeVSAvoidtool design variations
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The base module serves as a universal component that can be combined with different cutting bodies for various applications (rock drilling, metal drilling, tile drilling, wood drilling). This multi-functionality approach allows a single base module design to support multiple tool types, enhancing adaptability without increasing design complexity.

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

This approach reduces manufacturing complexity and cost by enabling the production of various drilling tools, such as rock, metal, and tile drills, while providing a method for surface marking to indicate wear and optimal operating parameters.

Implementation Method 1

The shank is hardened before connection to the base module. The hardening process required for this is carried out in particular by means of an oven

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat treatment: Heat Treatment

Implementation Method 2

the base module is connected at a second end to an in particular hardened shank in a cohesive manner, in particular by means of a friction welding process

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction welding: Friction Welding

Data Source

PatentEP3936267A1Insertion tool
Publication Date: 2022.01.12 ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
  • EP3936267A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3936267A1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2b
  • EP3936267A1 patent drawingFigure 2c~2d

AI summary

The invention relates to an insert tool, in particular a drilling tool, with a base module, wherein the base module comprises a first section, in particular a feed spiral, and a cutting body, preferably comprising at least two rake faces, and wherein the second section is metallurgically connected to a first end of the first section. It is proposed that the base module be metallurgically connected at a second end to a stub end, in particular a hardened stub end, preferably by a friction welding process.