Pneumatic Drilling Guide With Contact Feedback

Solution Overview

Problem

Manual guiding tools for drilling in the aeronautical industry often result in operator errors due to improper positioning of the drill bit, leading to deviations from a perpendicular direction, which is critical for maintaining aerodynamic surfaces.

Innovation Solution

A guiding tool with a pneumatic device that supplies pressurized gas to feet with inner holes, emitting an acoustic or light signal when all feet are in contact with the surface, ensuring correct positioning and preventing errors.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If manual guiding tools are used for drilling, then the operator can perform drilling operations, but operator errors occur leading to deviation from perpendicular direction

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedrilling perpendicularityVSAvoidoperator positioning accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism through pneumatic sensors that detect when all feet are simultaneously in contact with the workpiece surface. This triggers an acoustic or visual signal to confirm correct positioning, providing real-time feedback to the operator to ensure perpendicular drilling alignment and prevent positioning errors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The guiding tool performs self-verification of its positioning through the pneumatic feedback system. The tool automatically detects when it is correctly positioned (all feet contacting the surface) and signals this state without requiring external verification, enabling the operator to confidently proceed with drilling.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Loss of information

If simple guiding tools without feedback are used, then the device complexity is low, but the operator cannot identify correct positioning

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning status informationVSAvoidpneumatic feedback system

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism through pneumatic sensors that detect when all feet are simultaneously in contact with the workpiece surface. This triggers an acoustic or visual signal to confirm correct positioning, providing real-time feedback to the operator to ensure perpendicular drilling alignment and prevent positioning errors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces complex mechanical positioning verification mechanisms with a pneumatic sensing system. Instead of using complex mechanical linkages or optical systems to detect positioning, simple pneumatic sensors through the feet detect contact with the workpiece surface, triggering a signal to indicate correct positioning.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Manufacturing precision

If pneumatic feedback system is added to guiding tool, then correct positioning is ensured, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedrilling perpendicularity assuranceVSAvoidpneumatic device with sensors and signals

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical positioning verification mechanisms with a pneumatic sensing system. Instead of using complex mechanical linkages or optical systems to detect positioning, simple pneumatic sensors through the feet detect contact with the workpiece surface, triggering a signal to indicate correct positioning.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes pneumatic principles by incorporating a pneumatic device with sensors that detect when all feet are simultaneously in contact with the workpiece surface. Compressed air or gas flows through channels in the feet, and when all feet contact the surface simultaneously, it triggers a pneumatic sensor to generate an acoustic or visual signal confirming correct positioning.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

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

The tool ensures perpendicular drilling by providing tactile and auditory or visual feedback, reducing operator errors and ensuring accurate fastener placement on aircraft skins.

Implementation Method 1

The pneumatic device includes a pressurized gas pipeline ending in said feet

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressurized gas flow: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 2

said emitter is a pneumatic whistle

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPneumatic whistle: Acoustic Emission

Data Source

PatentEP2604366B1Guiding tool for the drill bit of a drilling apparatus and drilling method

Publication Date: 2017.03.22 AIRBUS DEFENCE & SPACE SAU

AI summary

The invention provides a guiding tool for the drill bit of a drilling apparatus and a method of making drills. The tool comprises a body (13) with an orifice (15) for passage of the drill bit and a base (14) with at least three protruding feet (19) for resting on the working surface; the feet (19) being configured with inner holes (21) with an outlet at its ends; the tool (11) being connected to a pneumatic device (31) of pressurized gas supply which includes means for activating a signal indicative of correct positioning of the tool (11) for performing a drill when a simultaneous blocking of gas output in said feet (19) is produced when all of them are in contact with said working surface; the tool (11) comprising a pressurized gas pipeline up to said feet (19).