Automatic Drilling Machine Using IC Tags for Precise Positioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional drilling machines face challenges in efficiently drilling complex structures of aircraft parts without a simpler structure, as they require multiple drilling tools and precise positioning, which complicates the drilling process and increases manufacturing costs.

Innovation Solution

A self-propelled automatic drilling machine with multiple drilling structures, IC tag readers, and a controlling device that uses IC tags attached to drilling plates to automatically control the drilling process, allowing for the attachment of different drilling tools and simplifying the structure by using the object itself as a guide for the traveling mechanism.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple drilling tools are used to drill holes of different diameters, then drilling versatility is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedrilling versatilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a drilling tool magazine that can store multiple drilling tools with different diameters, allowing a single drilling machine to perform multiple drilling operations with various hole sizes. The magazine system enables the drilling head to automatically select and switch between different drilling tools based on the processing requirements, achieving multi-functionality without requiring separate drilling machines for each diameter.

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

2Measurement precision

If a self-travelling drilling machine with light recognition is used, then positioning accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a positioning device that attaches to the workpiece and stores identifier information corresponding to process parameters such as hole position and diameter. The reader on the drilling machine reads this identifier information to determine drilling parameters, serving as an intermediary between the workpiece and the control system. This approach simplifies the positioning system compared to complex light recognition while maintaining accuracy through the standardized positioning device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Stability of the object's composition

If dedicated rails are used for traveling mechanism, then positioning stability is improved, but device complexity and weight increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning stabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes the workpiece itself as the guide rail for the traveling mechanism. The traveling structure moves along predetermined paths defined by the workpiece geometry or attached positioning elements, eliminating the need for separate dedicated rails. This self-service approach reduces device complexity and weight while maintaining positioning stability through the inherent structural features of the workpiece.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3202517B1Drilling machine and method of manufacturing drilled product
Publication Date: 2023.02.08 SUBARU CORP
  • EP3202517B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3202517B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3202517B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

According to one embodiment, a drilling machine includes at least one drilling structure, a travelling machine, a reader and a controlling device such as a controlling circuit. The at least one drilling structure drills an object to be drilled. The travelling machine positions the at least one drilling structure in a travelling direction of the travelling machine by travelling in a direction different from a drilling direction. The reader reads information recorded on at least one integrated circuit tag attached to at least one drilling plate attached to the object to be drilled. The controlling device controls the travelling machine based on the information read by the reader.