Multi-Bit Drilling Alignment Control for Consistent Hole Depth
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Solution Overview
Problem
Multi-bit drilling machines face challenges in achieving precise hole alignment due to manual bit installation, leading to vertical alignment differences and increased production costs from manual realignment and downtime.
Innovation Solution
An automated method and system for drilling machines that detect and adjust the relative position of multiple drilling bits, allowing them to switch between active and inactive positions based on measured alignment differences, ensuring consistent drilling depth without manual calibration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple drilling bits are installed manually on spindles, then the drilling machine can make multiple holes simultaneously, but vertical alignment differences occur between bits
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical alignment with an automated optical measurement system. A laser scanner or camera system automatically measures the vertical positions of multiple drilling bits, eliminating the need for manual alignment while achieving precise hole alignment. The system captures images or laser scans of the bit positions and processes them computationally to determine alignment deviations.
Solution Approach 2:
The drilling machine performs self-alignment through automated measurement and compensation. The system automatically detects bit position deviations using optical sensors and adjusts the drilling process accordingly, without requiring external manual intervention. The control system calculates compensation values and applies them automatically during drilling operations.
2Manufacturing precision
If manual alignment of drilling bits is performed, then alignment precision may be improved, but production downtime increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs alignment measurement and compensation calculations in advance before actual drilling begins. The optical measurement system scans bit positions, and the control system computes alignment deviations and compensation values beforehand, so that when drilling starts, all adjustments are already made and no time is lost during production.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces time-consuming manual alignment operations with automated optical measurement and computational processing. The system rapidly captures bit positions using lasers or cameras and processes the data computationally, achieving alignment in seconds rather than minutes or hours of manual work.
3Ease of manufacture
If drilling bits are installed without precise alignment, then setup time is reduced, but hole depth consistency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements a feedback loop where the optical measurement system continuously monitors bit positions, and the control system adjusts drilling parameters or bit positions based on measured deviations. The system measures actual bit positions, compares them to ideal positions, and applies compensation to ensure consistent hole depths even when initial installation alignment is imperfect.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the control parameters of the drilling system based on measured bit positions. The control system calculates compensation values from optical measurements and adjusts drilling depth parameters, feed rates, or spindle positions dynamically to maintain consistent hole depths despite variations in initial bit alignment.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1D
Figure 2
Figure 3A
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method for drilling panels (P) by two or more drilling bits (51, 52, 53, 54) to drill at least one panel (P), wherein said drilling bits (51, 52, 53, 54) are installed on a drilling unit (2), movable along at least one movement direction (Z), and wherein each of said drilling bits (51, 52, 53, 54) is configured to assume an extracted position, in which it is capable of drilling said at least one panel (P), and a retracted position, in which it is not capable of drilling said at least one panel (P), wherein said method comprises the following steps: A. arranging two or more drilling bits (51, 52, 53, 54) in said extracted position; B. detecting (110) the relative position (Δij, Δ32, Δ34) among said drilling bits (51, 52, 53, 54) in said extracted position or in said retracted position; C. handling (120, 130) said drilling unit (2) along said at least one movement direction (Z), so that said drilling bits (51, 52, 53, 54) in said extracted position carry out a respective hole (F) having a respective drilling depth (D, D1, D2, D3, D4); and D. switching (140) each of said drilling bits (51, 52, 53, 54) in the extracted position from said extracted position to said retracted position, any time each drilling bit (51, 52, 53, 54) reaches the respective drilling depth (D, D1, D2, D3, D4). The present invention also relates to a drilling machine (1), a computer program and a storage medium.