Micro-peck Feed Drill Clutch for Selective Pecking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional feed drills lack the ability to selectively control pecking mechanisms, which can damage materials like metallic meshes during drilling, while also hindering the process for layers that benefit from pecking.

Innovation Solution

A clutch mechanism is introduced that selectively engages and disengages the pecking mechanism based on predetermined drilling conditions, such as depth and layer type, using pneumatic or mechanical means to control the pecking action, allowing for controlled pecking only when necessary.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the pecking mechanism is continuously engaged during drilling, then drilling efficiency is improved for most materials, but materials like metallic meshes are damaged

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedrilling efficiencyVSAvoidmaterial damage
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The clutch mechanism dynamically adjusts the engagement state of the pecking mechanism based on drilling depth and material layer detection. The system transitions between engaged and disengaged states to match the specific requirements of different drilling phases and material layers, optimizing both efficiency and material protection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The pecking mechanism is applied selectively to specific drilling depths and material layers rather than uniformly throughout the entire drilling process. The clutch mechanism enables pecking only when beneficial (e.g., in deeper layers or specific materials) while disabling it for sensitive materials like metallic meshes, providing localized quality control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Object-affected harmful factors

If the pecking mechanism is completely disengaged to protect sensitive materials, then material damage is prevented, but drilling efficiency decreases for layers that would benefit from pecking

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvematerial damage preventionVSAvoiddrilling efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically switches between engaged and disengaged states based on real-time drilling conditions. When sensitive materials are detected or shallow depths are being drilled, the clutch disengages to prevent damage. When deeper layers or less sensitive materials are encountered, the clutch engages to restore drilling efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The drilling process is segmented into different phases (shallow drilling, deep drilling, different material layers), and the clutch mechanism controls pecking engagement for specific segments. This allows pecking to be applied only to beneficial segments while protecting vulnerable segments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If a clutch mechanism is added to selectively control pecking, then adaptability to different materials and drilling phases is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol flexibilityVSAvoidclutch mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The clutch mechanism uses pneumatic or hydraulic actuation instead of purely mechanical control systems. This substitution reduces mechanical complexity while maintaining the ability to selectively engage and disengage the pecking mechanism based on drilling conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The clutch mechanism serves multiple functions: it controls pecking engagement, responds to depth sensors, adapts to different material layers, and can be operated manually or automatically. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by providing comprehensive control over the drilling process.

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

4Ease of operation

If automatic clutch engagement is implemented based on drill depth and layer detection, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomatic controlVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The clutch mechanism is equipped with automatic engagement capabilities that use depth sensors and material detection systems to autonomously determine when pecking should be engaged or disengaged. This self-service functionality eliminates the need for constant manual intervention while providing adaptive control based on real-time drilling conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 drilling through sensitive materials without damaging them while still utilizing pecking for layers that benefit from it, improving drilling efficiency and reducing tool wear by selectively applying pecking during specific phases of the operation.

Implementation Method 1

The fluid pressure regulating mechanism is configured to selectively release pressure within the fluid cavity

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure release: Pressure Drop

Implementation Method 2

The clutch mechanism is coupled to a fluid source and configured to flow fluid into the cavity, whereby the flow of fluid into the cavity causes the engaging portion to move towards the washer

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPneumatic pressure: Pressure Increase

Data Source

PatentUS10654114B2Micro-peck feed drill clutch
Publication Date: 2020.05.19 LOCKHEED MARTIN CORP
  • US10654114B2 patent drawing
  • US10654114B2 patent drawing
  • US10654114B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An apparatus includes a spindle, a pecking mechanism, and a clutch mechanism coupled to the pecking mechanism. The spindle includes a drill tool and the spindle is configured to be fed in a first direction during a drilling operation. The pecking mechanism is configured to retract the drill periodically during the drilling operation. The clutch mechanism is configured to selectively engage the pecking mechanism during a portion of the drilling operation. The clutch mechanism is configured to constrain the rotation of the washer such that the spindle drill is retracted a predefined distance periodically.