U-Shaped Nose Piece Assembly for Drilling Behind Closed Angles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automated drilling systems face challenges in accessing and drilling fasteners located behind closed angles in structural assemblies, as conventional pressure feet cannot effectively offset drilling forces in such configurations.
Innovation Solution
A nose piece assembly with a U-shaped offset member and embedded magnets allows for attachment to a bucking station, enabling access and reaction force application behind closed angles, facilitating drilling by an automated spar assembly tool.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional rectangular or cylindrical pressure foot is employed, then the drilling system can provide reaction clamping force, but it cannot access portions of the structural assembly behind a closed angle
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure foot is segmented into a base portion and a nose portion connected by an offset member, allowing the nose portion to be positioned separately from the base to access fasteners behind closed angles while the base remains attached to the automated drilling system
Solution Approach 2:
The offset member introduces a dimensional offset between the base attachment point and the nose engagement point, enabling the nose to reach positions that would be inaccessible with a conventional straight pressure foot configuration
2Ease of operation
If a pressure foot is positioned to access fasteners behind a closed angle, then access is improved, but the ability to offset drilling forces is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure foot is divided into a base portion that provides the reaction force interface with the automated drilling system and a nose portion that contacts the workpiece, allowing force application at the base while maintaining access at the nose
Solution Approach 2:
The offset member acts as an intermediary mechanical element that transmits forces between the base and the nose portion, enabling the nose to reach around closed angles while the base remains in a position to receive and transmit reaction clamping forces from the drilling system
3Ease of operation
If a U-shaped offset member is used to access closed angles, then access to fasteners is enabled, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure foot is segmented into three main components (base, offset member, nose portion) that can be manufactured separately and assembled, simplifying the manufacturing process while achieving the complex geometry needed for closed angle access
Solution Approach 2:
The offset member has a substantially U-shape configuration that provides the necessary curvature to reach around closed angles, using a simple curved geometry rather than complex mechanisms to achieve the required motion and access
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 automated drilling of fasteners in previously inaccessible areas by providing a load path for clamping and reaction forces, expanding the versatility of automated manufacturing systems for complex structural assemblies.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of magnets embedded in the rotation flange for attachment to a headstone on the bucking station
Data Source
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AI summary
A nose piece assembly (40) for an automated spar assembly tool incorporates a base (42) and an engaging member (52). An offset member (46) extends between the base and the engaging member. The offset member (46) has substantially a U-shape allowing for access by the engaging member to portions of a structural assembly behind a closed angle.