Self-Aligning Drilling Spindle for Precise Perpendicular Holes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current drilling technologies face challenges in achieving precise alignment of the drilling spindle with the workpiece surface, leading to inefficiencies in productivity and risk of marking or deforming the workpiece, particularly in the aeronautical industry where tight tolerances and perpendicularity are critical.
Innovation Solution
A drilling device with a tiltable spindle housed in a casing, allowing self-alignment by applying a thrust force along the axis of the casing, which reduces the mass of parts to be moved and thus the necessary thrust force, enabling quick and precise perpendicular alignment without risking workpiece damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a drilling robot with controlled feed rate is used to position and move the drill between holes, then positioning precision and automation are improved, but productivity decreases due to the need for complex measurement, calculation, and manual intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The drilling device performs self-alignment by automatically detecting the workpiece surface geometry and adjusting its own position and orientation without external measurement systems or manual intervention. The control unit processes surface data and commands positional adjustments autonomously, eliminating the need for separate measurement and calculation operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical positioning systems with sensors and computational algorithms. Instead of relying on mechanical measurement devices and manual calculations, the system uses surface detection sensors to acquire geometric data and a control unit to compute and execute positioning adjustments, substituting mechanical complexity with electronic sensing and control.
2Manufacturing precision
If a high thrust force is applied to align the drilling spindle with the workpiece surface, then alignment precision is improved, but the risk of marking or deforming the workpiece increases
Solution Approach 1:
The drilling device employs dynamic adjustment mechanisms that allow the spindle and housing to be repositioned in real-time based on detected surface geometry. Rather than applying excessive static thrust force to force alignment, the system dynamically adapts its position to match the workpiece surface, reducing the force required and preventing damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters by using sensor-based surface detection to determine the optimal positioning parameters. Instead of relying on high mechanical force to achieve alignment, the control unit calculates precise positional parameters based on detected surface geometry, enabling alignment with minimal thrust force that prevents workpiece damage.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the drilling spindle is made tiltable within the housing to enable self-alignment, then adaptability to surface variations is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the tilting mechanism with the existing housing structure, integrating the alignment function into the housing itself rather than adding a separate complex alignment system. The housing incorporates the tilting capability, combining structural support with adaptive positioning functionality in a unified design that minimizes overall system complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a drilling device with automatic or controlled feed rate comprising a casing housing a drilling spindle intended to move a cutting tool in order to drill a workpiece comprising an attack surface. According to the invention, said pin can be tilted inside said casing relative to the axis of said casing, said device comprising means for self-alignment of said pin relative to said attack surface, said self-aligning means alignment moving said spindle into a position in which its axis is essentially perpendicular to said attack surface under the effect of an application of a thrust force of said drilling device against said attack surface essentially along the axis of said crankcase.