Level referencing drill guide
AssigneeThe Boeing Company
InventorDavid Michael Dembeck
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A device which includes a guide member which includes a first end portion and an opposing second end portion. The first end portion defines a first plane and an opening is defined by the guide member, wherein the opening extends along the guide member in a direction perpendicular to the first plane. The device further includes a first bubble vial attached to the guide member wherein the first bubble vial extends within a second plane. The device further includes a second bubble vial attached to the guide member, wherein the second bubble vial extends within a third plane, the second and third planes are in angular relationship relative to one another and the first and second bubble vials are each rotationally adjustable relative to the guide member.
Claims20
A device, comprising:
- a guide member comprising:
- a first end portion and an opposing second end portion, wherein:
- the first end portion defines a first plane;
- and
- an opening defined by the guide member, wherein the opening extends along the guide member in a direction perpendicular to the first plane;
- and
- a first bubble vial attached to the guide member wherein the first bubble vial extends within a second plane;
- and
- a second bubble vial attached to the guide member, wherein:
- the second bubble vial extends within a third plane;
- the second and third planes are in angular relationship relative to one another;
- and
- the first and second bubble vials are each rotationally adjustable relative to the guide member.
A device assembly for forming a hole for accommodating a fastener in fabricating an aircraft, comprising:
- a structural component of an aircraft comprising a surface;
- a guide member which abuts against the surface, wherein the guide member comprises:
- a first end portion and an opposing second end portion, wherein the first end portion defines a first plane and the first end portion abuts against the surface;
- and
- an opening defined by the guide member, wherein the opening extends in a direction perpendicular to the first plane defined by the first end portion;
- and
- a first bubble vial attached to the guide member wherein the first bubble vial extends within a second plane;
- and
- a second bubble vial attached to the guide member wherein:
- the second bubble vial extends within a third plane;
- the second and third planes are positioned in angular relationship relative to one another;
- and
- each of the first and second bubble vials are rotationally adjustable relative to the guide member.
A method for forming a hole in a structural component, comprising the steps of:
- abutting a guide member against a surface of the structural component, wherein the guide member, comprises:
- a first end portion and an opposing second end portion, wherein the first end portion defines a first plane and the first end portion abuts against the surface at a location for positioning a hole to be drilled into the structural component;
- and
- an opening defined by the guide member, wherein the opening extends in a direction perpendicular to the first plane;
- adjusting a first bubble vial attached to the guide member such that a bubble within the first bubble vial is positioned into a predetermined position within the first bubble vial and adjusting a second bubble vial attached to the guide member such that a bubble within the second bubble vial is positioned into another predetermined position within the second bubble vial, wherein:
- each of the first and second bubble vials are rotationally adjustable relative to the guide member;
- the first bubble vial extends within a second plane;
- and
- the second bubble vial extends within a third plane, wherein the second and third planes are positioned in angular relationship relative to one another.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.