Method and apparatus for automated drilling hole patterns in elongated workpieces
AssigneeLockheed Corporation
InventorsR. Lamar Griggs, Norman E. Hatton
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A computerized apparatus and method for drilling holes in elongated workpieces. Predetermined locations for holes are input into a computer by visually aligning hole locations on a template with the drilling axis of the apparatus. The computer controls movement of the drill and of the ring segment relative to the drill. The workpiece is moved relative to the drill and is stopped at each predetermined location for drilling.
Claims5
An apparatus for drilling holes in an elongated workpiece having both a longitudinal axis and a traverse axis, comprising:
- a drill positioned for drilling holes in an exterior surface of the elongated workpiece, the drill having an actuator for extending and retracting a drill bit having a drilling axis;
- positioning means for positioning the elongated workpiece, relative to the drill bit, at a predetermined position along the longitudinal axis of the elongated workpiece;
- and
- data storage means for storing a hole pattern comprising a plurality of predetermined positions along the longitudinal axis of the elongated workpiece;
- input means for entering the hole pattern into said data storage means, the input means including a gage for aligning the drill bit with a hole site of a given hole pattern marked on a template when affixed to the positioning means;
- and
- a controller for controlling operation of the positioning means and the actuator of the drill so that holes are drilled in the exterior surface of the elongated workpiece at predetermined positions along the longitudinal axis thereof in accordance with the hole pattern stored in the data storage means.
A method of forming a predetermined hole pattern to be drilled in an elongated workpiece, the method comprising the steps of:
- affixing a template, having markings indicating each hole sites of a given hole pattern, to a workpiece holder for supporting an elongated workpiece for movement relative to a drill having a drill bit;
- moving the workpiece holder relative to the drill;
- visually aligning each hole site marked on the template with the drill bit;
- storing the position of the workpiece holder at each hole site in a memory means.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.