Machine Tool Alignment Nosepiece with Radial Collet Centering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing machine tool alignment methods struggle to accurately align drilling tools with target locations on structures, particularly in applications where nominal drilling locations do not coincide with actual target locations due to tolerances, leading to inefficiencies and potential errors in hole processing.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus includes a machine plate with plate bushings and a nosepiece featuring a collet that can be radially moved and attached to center the tool over a target location, allowing for precise alignment and establishment of a predefined approach angle, enabling drilling at locations that deviate from nominal specifications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If drill jigs are used to guide drilling tools to nominal drilling locations, then drilling accuracy at nominal locations is improved, but the ability to drill at actual target locations that deviate from nominal locations is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The drill jig is designed with movable and adjustable components that allow it to adapt its position and orientation dynamically. The jig can be repositioned and reoriented to align with actual target locations that deviate from nominal locations, while maintaining drilling accuracy through its guiding mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The drill jig allows for changes in positioning parameters and orientation parameters to accommodate variations between nominal and actual target locations. By adjusting these parameters, the jig can adapt to different drilling locations while maintaining precision.
2Manufacturing precision
If drill jigs are used to guide drilling tools, then drilling precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The drill jig is divided into modular segments that can be independently positioned and adjusted. This segmentation allows the complex functionality to be achieved through simpler, standardized components that can be assembled and reconfigured as needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The drill jig is designed with universal features that allow it to perform multiple functions: guiding the drill tool, accommodating position variations, and adapting to different target locations. This multi-functionality reduces the need for multiple specialized jigs, thereby managing overall system complexity.
3Ease of operation
If nominal drilling locations are used, then drilling process simplicity is maintained, but drilling errors increase when actual target locations deviate from nominal locations
Solution Approach 1:
The drill jig is pre-positioned and pre-oriented based on nominal drilling locations before the actual drilling operation. This preliminary action establishes a reference framework that can then be adjusted to accommodate actual target locations, maintaining both simplicity and accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The drill jig acts as an intermediary between the nominal drilling locations and the actual target locations. It provides a reference framework based on nominal locations while enabling adjustment to actual locations, thereby mediating between simplicity and precision requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for aligning a machine tool with a target location on a structure. A machine plate positionable on the structure has a plate bushing providing a hole through the plate. The apparatus also includes a nosepiece for guiding a distal end of the tool through the plate bushing to the target location. The nosepiece has a collet configured to be moved at least partly through and sideward in the plate bushing to center the nosepiece on an element projecting from the structure at the target location. The nosepiece can be attached to the plate bushing to establish normality of the tool relative to the projecting element.