Modular Step Drill for ETICS Bit Replacement and Lower Wear Cost

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing stepped drilling tools for thermal insulation composite systems face issues with rapid wear of the first drill stage, leading to high operational costs and the need for frequent tool replacement, as well as the unavailability and expense of specialized tools.

Innovation Solution

A stepped drilling tool design featuring a cylindrical drill shank with open and closed grooves for torque transmission and locking, allowing for easy replacement of the drill bit without damage, and utilizing standard SDS or SDS-Plus drills, along with a modular system for adjustable length and depth, reducing operating costs and tool complexity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a one-piece step drill is used for drilling through insulation systems, then the drill can perform both stages of drilling (subsoil and insulation material), but the entire drill must be replaced when the first stage drill head wears out, increasing operational costs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedrilling capabilityVSAvoidoperational cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The drilling tool is divided into separate components: a reusable adapter with milling head and interchangeable drill bits for the first stage. This allows only the worn drill bit to be replaced rather than the entire tool, reducing operational costs while maintaining drilling capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The drill bit is designed as a consumable component that can be discarded when worn, while the expensive adapter and milling head are recovered and reused. This separates the disposable element from the valuable tooling.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #34Discarding and recovering

2Ease of operation

If an adapter with Morse taper drill and self-locking friction connection is used, then the drill can be removed, but the adapter may be damaged during removal making the tool unusable

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedrill replacementVSAvoidadapter integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The connection between adapter and drill bit is segmented into separate locking elements (set screws) that can be independently adjusted and removed without applying stress to the adapter body, preventing damage during drill replacement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Set screws act as intermediary elements that provide a controlled mechanical connection between the adapter and drill bit. These screws can be easily loosened and removed without transmitting damaging forces to the adapter, unlike direct friction-based self-locking connections.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If specialized stepped drilling tools are used for thermal insulation composite systems, then drilling can be performed, but these tools are not readily available and are expensive

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedrilling efficiencyVSAvoidtool availability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The adapter is designed with a universal interface that can accommodate different drill bit types (Morse taper, cylindrical shanks with various groove patterns). This multi-functionality allows standard drills to be used with the specialized adapter, improving availability while maintaining drilling efficiency for thermal insulation composite systems.

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

Data Source

PatentEP4230331A1Graduated drilling tool
Publication Date: 2023.08.23 RANIT BEFESTIGUNGSSYST

AI summary

The invention relates to a step drilling tool for drilling holes of different diameters into a substrate and an insulation layer of an external thermal insulation composite system (ETICS) adjacent to the substrate. The step drilling tool comprises an adapter with a milling tool, an interchangeable drill bit, a drive rod, and a drive shaft for connection to a drill, wherein the drill head of the drill bit forms the first stage and the milling tool the second stage. To enable easy, and in particular non-destructive, replacement of the drill bit and simultaneously reduce the operating costs of the step drilling tool when drilling holes, the invention proposes that the drill shank be designed as a cylindrical insertion end and the tool holder as a hollow cylinder within the adapter, with the functions of torque transmission and drill bit locking being separated between the insertion end and the adapter.