Formation of a pattern of holes in a structure
US8454280B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 16, 2007 |
| Grant date | Jun 4, 2013 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 11, 2031 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T408/567
- WIPO fieldMachine tools
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A drill template includes a vacuum housing with a skirt having a CAD-formed contact surface formed to an exact fit with a mold line surface of a structure. The drill template includes at least one drill guide bushing extending through the vacuum housing from a top surface to an interior surface of the vacuum housing; a vacuum port integral to the vacuum housing; and at least one index hole for positioning and aligning the vacuum housing on the structure. Index holes extend from the top surface through to the CAD-formed contact surface of the vacuum housing. A CAD-formed edge of part locator is formed according to a CAD solid model of the aircraft fuselage and fits to a precise location of the structure for precisely positioning the template on the structure. A vacuum port provides vacuum to the interior of the vacuum housing for removing drilling debris and dust.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.