Magnet Sensing Portable Autonomous Drilling Device
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for precisely locating and drilling holes in blind areas of structures, such as aircraft skins, are imprecise and labor-intensive, often requiring back drilling or extensive pre-programming with probes, leading to inefficiencies and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
A portable, autonomous CNC machine equipped with a platform, wheel sets, a drive system, attachment mechanism, sensors, and a control board that uses magnetoresistive sensors to detect magnets under the surface for precise location determination and adjust the drill assembly's angle, allowing for accurate hole drilling without manual intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If back drilling is used to locate holes from inside the structure, then hole positioning can be achieved in blind areas, but the positioning precision deteriorates and rework is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces magnets as intermediary markers placed on the outer surface of the skin, which serve as detectable reference points for the sensor system. These magnets enable precise location identification without requiring physical access from inside the structure, thereby improving positioning precision while avoiding the complexity of back drilling operations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical back drilling process with a sensor-based detection system that uses magnetic fields to locate holes. This substitution eliminates the need for physical drilling operations from inside the structure, improving both positioning precision and manufacturing ease
2Ease of operation
If manual back drilling is performed by work persons in tight spaces, then hole creation is possible, but positioning accuracy deteriorates and labor difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service operation where the portable device autonomously navigates to and identifies hole locations using its onboard sensors and magnets, eliminating the need for manual intervention in tight spaces. The device independently performs positioning and drilling operations with high precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical drilling operations with an automated portable drilling system equipped with sensor technology. This substitution improves both ease of operation by removing the need for workers to access tight spaces and manufacturing precision through automated positioning
3Measurement precision
If probes with extensive pre-programming are used to locate points on the surface, then positioning can be achieved, but time consumption and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by placing magnets on the outer surface of the skin before the drilling operation. These pre-placed magnetic markers serve as ready-to-detect reference points that eliminate the need for extensive pre-programming of probe locations, reducing setup time while maintaining positioning accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses magnets as simplified copies or representations of the hole locations on the outer surface. These magnetic markers replicate the positional information needed for drilling without requiring complex probe programming, thereby reducing time consumption while maintaining measurement precision
4Adaptability or versatility
If back markers with split plates are used to transfer holes, then hole location transfer is possible, but the method is limited to thin areas and installation difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical back marker system with a sensor-based detection system that uses magnetic fields. This substitution eliminates the physical constraints of thin plate requirements and reduces installation difficulty, as magnets can be easily placed on the outer surface without requiring access from inside the structure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces magnets as intermediary markers that can be universally applied on the outer surface regardless of skin thickness. These magnetic markers serve as detectable reference points for the sensor system, expanding adaptability to various thickness conditions while simplifying installation
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 precise and efficient hole drilling in hard-to-reach areas with reduced manual labor and manufacturing costs, improving accuracy and safety by automating the drilling process.
Implementation Method 1
A plurality of sensors is operable to sense one or more magnets disposed below the surface
Data Source
AI summary
A magnet sensing portable autonomous device includes a platform. A plurality of wheel sets is coupled to the platform. A drive system is used for driving the plurality of wheels. An attachment mechanism is positioned on an underside of the platform for securing the device to a surface. A control board is used for controlling the operation of the device. In some embodiments, a drill spindle assembly is coupled to the platform. A drill feed assembly is coupled to the drill spindle assembly for raising and lowering the drill spindle assembly. A plurality of sensors are operable to sense one or more magnets disposed below the surface. A drive table is used for positioning the drill spindle assembly in an XY plane based on an output of said plurality of sensors.