Additively manufactured geometry optimized drilling jigs and methods of making and using the same
AssigneeEmbraer S.A.
InventorsAdriano Passini, Leandro Oliveira Renó, Marcio Fernando Cruz
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Drilling jigs are provided which include a one-piece jig body (preferably additively manufactured from laser-sintered metallic (e.g., aluminum alloy) powders) having at least one set of cylindrical sockets that are spatially separated from one another, and a web member joining the at least one set of sockets. Cylindrical bushings may thus be positioned within each of the cylindrical sockets so as to define respective cylindrical guideways for a drill bit. According to certain embodiments, the web member may be planar and oriented parallel to a substantially longitudinal bisecting plane of the cylindrical sockets.
Claims18
A drilling jig comprising:
- (i) a one-piece jig body which includes:
- a plurality of cylindrical sockets that are spatially separated from one another;
- and
- a web member joining the plurality of cylindrical sockets to one another to form a conjoined set of cylindrical sockets having an opposed set of endmost cylindrical sockets;
- (ii) a plurality of cylindrical bushings, wherein each of the cylindrical bushings is received within a respective one of the cylindrical sockets and defines a cylindrical guideway for a drill bit;
- and
- (iii) pairs of axially elongated end stand-off members attached to respective exterior cylindrical surfaces of each of the endmost cylindrical sockets so that the end stand-off members are circumferentially separated from one another about the exterior cylindrical surfaces of the endmost cylindrical sockets, wherein each of the elongated end stand-off members is of sufficient axial length so as to establish a clearance gap between a bottom edge of the jig body and a surface of a part to be drilled.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.