Reverse Countersink Assembly With Depth Stop Sleeve for Confined Holes

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Solution Overview

Problem

Performing reverse countersinking in confined or limited spaces is challenging due to inconsistent depth of cut and finish quality in existing tools.

Innovation Solution

A reverse countersink cutting assembly with a depth stop sleeve and fastener that defines a precise depth of cut, combined with a pull shank assembly for consistent countersinking, allowing for adjustable and controlled cutting in confined spaces.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If existing tools are used for reverse countersinking, then the operation can be performed in confined spaces, but the depth of cut becomes inconsistent and the cut finish quality deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to perform reverse countersinking in confined spacesVSAvoiddepth of cut consistency and cut finish quality

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The depth stop sleeve is pre-configured with projections at specific distances from the cutting portion to define predetermined depth stops. This preliminary setting of depth parameters before operation eliminates the need for operator judgment during cutting, ensuring consistent depth of cut and finish quality while maintaining the ability to operate in confined spaces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the depth control parameter from operator-dependent manual control to a fixed physical parameter defined by the depth stop sleeve projections. By establishing predetermined depth stops at specific distances (e.g., 0.060 inches to 0.180 inches) from the cutting portion, the system achieves consistent manufacturing precision while preserving ease of operation in confined spaces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If operator control is used for depth of cut, then flexibility is maintained, but consistency and reliability of the cut depth deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperator control flexibilityVSAvoiddepth of cut consistency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The depth stop sleeve automatically controls the depth of cut through its projections that engage with the workpiece surface. The system serves itself by physically limiting the cutting depth without requiring operator intervention or judgment, thereby achieving reliable and consistent depth control while maintaining the flexibility to be used in various confined space configurations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS20250108444A1Reverse countersink cutting assemblies, reverse countersinking assemblies and methods for reverse countersinking a through hole in a workpiece

Publication Date: 2025.04.03 THE BOEING CO

AI summary

A reverse countersink cutting assembly includes a countersink cutting head, a depth stop sleeve and a fastener. The countersink cutting head includes a cutter distal portion, a cutting portion and a cutter proximal portion axially spaced along a longitudinal axis. The cutting portion defines a countersink cutting range. The depth stop sleeve includes a central cavity that coaxially receives the cutter proximal portion of the countersink cutting head. The depth stop sleeve also includes one or more projections that extend coaxially along the longitudinal axis to a predetermined point within the countersink cutting range to define a depth of cut for the reverse countersink cutting assembly. The fastener retains the depth stop sleeve on the countersink cutting head. A reverse countersinking assembly includes a pull shank assembly and the reverse countersink cutting assembly. A method for reverse countersinking a through hole in a workpiece is also disclosed.