阅读说明：本技术 用于由近似全尺寸孔形成对准的孔的工具和方法 (Tool and method for forming aligned holes from approximately full-size holes ) 是由 J·P·沙伊贝尔 J·L·谢勒 M·A·沃德 于 2021-03-19 设计创作，主要内容包括：本发明涉及用于由近似全尺寸孔形成对准的孔的工具和方法。该工具包括具有第一直径的切削构件和连接到切削构件并与切削构件同轴的引导构件。引导构件的第一区段包括定心构件,并且定位在切削构件和具有第二直径的第二区段之间。定心构件可以包括切削表面。第二直径对应于具有相同直径和全尺寸孔直径的多个近似全尺寸孔的未对准的位置公差。定心构件可具有在第一直径和第二直径之间的第三直径。定心构件可以是锥形的。引导构件可以插入多个近似全尺寸孔中,并且切削构件可以切削穿过这些孔以形成多个对准的全尺寸孔。(The invention relates to a tool and method for forming aligned holes from approximately full-size holes. The tool includes a cutting member having a first diameter and a guide member coupled to the cutting member and coaxial with the cutting member. The first section of the guide member includes a centering member and is positioned between the cutting member and the second section having the second diameter. The centering member may include a cutting surface. The second diameter corresponds to a positional tolerance of misalignment of a plurality of approximately full-sized holes having the same diameter and the full-sized hole diameter. The centering member may have a third diameter between the first diameter and the second diameter. The centering member may be tapered. The guide member may be inserted into a plurality of approximately full-size holes, and the cutting member may cut through the holes to form a plurality of aligned full-size holes.)

1. A tool (100A, 100B) for creating a plurality of aligned full-size holes from a plurality of approximately full-size holes (211, 221), the tool comprising:

a cutting member (130) having a first diameter (131); and

a guide member (105A, 105B) connected to the cutting member, the guide member being coaxial with the cutting member, the guide member comprising a first section (107A, 107B) having a centering member (120A, 120B) and a second section (110) having a second diameter (111), the first section being positioned between the cutting member and the second section.

2. The tool according to claim 1, wherein the centering member comprises a cutting surface (123A, 123B).

3. The tool of claim 1, wherein the first diameter is greater than the second diameter.

4. The tool as recited in claim 1, wherein the centering member is configured to center the guide member within a first hole (211) of the plurality of approximately full-sized holes.

5. The tool as recited in claim 1, wherein the second diameter corresponds to a full-size hole diameter (230) and a positional tolerance of misalignment of the plurality of approximately full-size holes.

6. The tool of claim 5, wherein the plurality of approximately full-size holes includes a first hole (211) and a second hole (221), and wherein at least a portion of a boundary of the first hole and at least a portion of a boundary of the second hole define a gap (C1, C2), the misaligned positional tolerance comprising a width dimension (W1, W2) of the gap.

7. The tool according to claim 6, wherein the centering member has a third diameter (121A), and wherein:

the third diameter and the second diameter are less than each diameter (D) of the plurality of approximately full-sized holes;

the size of the third diameter is half the difference between the size of the first diameter and the size of the second diameter; and is

The first diameter is greater than a diameter of any of the plurality of approximately full-sized holes.

8. The tool of any of claims 1-7, wherein the centering member comprises a taper.

9. The tool of claim 8, wherein the taper has a lower end and an upper end, the lower end having a lower diameter (121B) substantially equal to the second diameter, and the upper end having an upper diameter (122B) substantially equal to the first diameter.

10. A method (400) for producing a plurality of aligned holes from a plurality of holes, the method comprising:

inserting (410) a guide member into the plurality of bores, the guide member comprising a first section having a centering member, the first section connected to a cutting member having a first diameter, and a second section having a second diameter smaller than the first diameter, wherein the first section is positioned between the cutting member and the second section, and wherein the second diameter corresponds to a positional tolerance and a full-size bore diameter of the plurality of bores; and

cutting (460) with the cutting member through the plurality of holes.

Technical Field

Examples described herein relate to tools and methods for creating a plurality of aligned holes from a plurality of near full-sized holes. Embodiments disclosed herein may reduce perceived looseness of a tool while forming a full-sized hole through two or more components.

Background

Two or more components may be joined together during the process of forming the assembly. For example, multiple components may be connected together to form an aircraft. Fasteners may be inserted through holes in two or more components to connect the components together. Holes are formed in each of the components so that when the components are brought together the holes are intended to be aligned to connect the components together. Misalignment of corresponding holes in components may occur for various reasons, including variations in manufacturing processes and acceptable tolerances.

In some cases, the holes formed in each component may be initially formed as approximately full-size holes. In other words, the holes formed in the components are formed to have a diameter that is smaller than the diameter required to insert the desired fastener through the corresponding hole. It is challenging to form corresponding full-size holes through the components that are also aligned to allow the desired fastener to be inserted through each corresponding full-size hole.

Cutters having guide members attached to the cutter may be used to form full-size holes in two or more components. The diameter of the guide member is selected to allow the guide member to pass through an initial pair of misaligned holes that are aligned or misaligned to a specified maximum misalignment. The specified maximum misalignment corresponds to the highest degree of misalignment between the pair of holes for which the cutter will be able to cut an aligned full-size hole through the corresponding component. Thus, when a tool is inserted into two or more holes, there may be a perceived loosening of the tool, the holes being misaligned to a lesser extent than the maximum misalignment. The perceived looseness potentially increases with decreasing degree of misalignment.

U.S. patent No.9,573,209 describes a method for forming a pair of aligned holes. The method includes determining a diameter of a clearance hole associated with the plurality of misaligned holes, where the clearance hole diameter may also correspond to a fastener diameter. In addition, a tapered reamer is at least partially inserted into a gap defined by the plurality of misaligned apertures. The tapered reamer has a longitudinal axis and may be configured such that when the tapered reamer is inserted into a gap defined by the plurality of misaligned holes, the longitudinal axis is aligned with the center of the cleaning hole. The plurality of misaligned holes may then be reamed with a tapered reamer to form a clearance hole defined by a plurality of aligned holes having the same center and the same diameter.

U.S. patent No.10,213,855 describes a method for forming a plurality of aligned holes that includes aligning a first surface defining a first hole with a second surface defining a second hole, wherein the first hole is at least partially aligned with the second hole to form a gap. A virtual hole diameter is measured, where the virtual hole diameter is the diameter of a virtual hole through the gap, and the virtual hole diameter is the smallest bisector of the gap. A first purge hole having a first purge hole diameter is formed through the gap in response to the dummy hole diameter having the first dummy hole diameter, wherein the first purge hole is concentrically aligned with the dummy hole. A first fastener having a first size is inserted into the first clearance hole and the first surface is attached to the second surface using the first fastener.

Disclosure of Invention

The present disclosure relates to tools and methods for producing a plurality of aligned holes from a plurality of approximately full-size holes.

One example of the present disclosure is a tool for producing a plurality of aligned full-size holes from a plurality of approximately full-size holes. The tool includes a cutting member having a first diameter and a guide member coupled to the cutting member. The guide member is coaxial with the cutting member and includes a first section having a centering member and a second section having a second diameter. The first section is located between the cutting member and the second section.

The centering member may include a cutting surface. The first diameter is greater than the second diameter. The centering member may be configured to center the guide member within a first bore of the plurality of approximately full-sized bores. The centering member may be configured to reduce loosening of the guide member within a first bore of the plurality of approximately full-sized bores.

The second diameter may correspond to a misalignment position tolerance and a full-size hole diameter of the plurality of approximately full-size holes. The plurality of approximately full-sized apertures may include a first aperture and a second aperture, and wherein at least a portion of a boundary of the first aperture and at least a portion of a boundary of the second aperture may define a gap, the positional tolerance including a width dimension of the gap.

The centering member may have a third diameter, wherein the third diameter and the second diameter are less than each diameter of the plurality of approximately full-sized holes. The size of the third diameter may be half the difference between the size of the first diameter and the size of the second diameter. The first diameter may be greater than the diameter of any of the plurality of approximately full-sized holes.

The centering member may comprise a taper. The cone may have a lower end and an upper end. The lower end may have a lower diameter substantially equal to the second diameter. The upper end may have an upper diameter substantially equal to the first diameter. The taper may be substantially 10 degrees.

One example of the present disclosure is a method for producing a plurality of aligned holes from a plurality of holes. The method includes inserting a guide member into the plurality of holes, the guide member including a first section and a second section. The first section has a centering member. The first section is connected to a cutting member having a first diameter. The second section has a second diameter that is less than the first diameter. The first section is positioned between the cutting member and the second section. The second diameter corresponds to a positional tolerance of the plurality of holes and a full-size hole diameter. The method includes cutting through a plurality of holes with a cutting member.

Cutting through the plurality of holes with the cutting member may include forming a plurality of full-sized holes, wherein the plurality of holes are approximately full-sized holes. Inserting the guide member into the plurality of bores may include inserting a second section having a second diameter into a first bore of the plurality of bores, wherein the second diameter is less than the diameter of each bore of the plurality of bores. The method may include inserting the first section having the centering member into the first one of the plurality of holes after inserting the second section into the first one of the plurality of holes to reduce perceived looseness of the guide member, wherein the centering member has a third diameter that is greater than the second diameter of the second section of the guide member to reduce a gap between the guide member and a sidewall of the first one of the plurality of holes to reduce perceived looseness of the guide member.

The method may include inserting the first section having the centering member into the first one of the plurality of holes after inserting the second section into the first one of the plurality of holes to center the guide member within the first one of the plurality of holes, the centering member having a constant diameter greater than the second diameter and less than the first diameter, the constant diameter of the centering member reducing a gap between the guide member and a sidewall of the first one of the plurality of holes to center the guide member within the first one of the plurality of holes. The method may include inserting the first section having the centering member into the first one of the plurality of holes after inserting the second section into the first one of the plurality of holes to center the guide member within the first one of the plurality of holes, the centering member having a tapered surface that reduces a gap between the guide member and a sidewall of the first one of the plurality of holes to center the guide member within the first one of the plurality of holes. The method may include cutting through the plurality of holes by contacting a sidewall of at least one hole of the plurality of holes with a cutting surface on the tapered surface of the centering member.

Drawings

FIG. 1 shows an example of a tool that may be used to form a plurality of aligned full-size holes from a plurality of holes.

FIG. 2 shows an example of a tool that may be used to form a plurality of aligned full-size holes from a plurality of holes.

FIG. 3 is a schematic view of two components, each having an approximately full-size aperture, wherein the approximately full-size apertures are aligned.

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing two approximately full-size holes misaligned.

Fig. 5A-5C are schematic side views illustrating a tool for forming aligned full-size holes in two components having misaligned holes.

Fig. 6A-6C are schematic side views showing a tool for forming aligned full-size holes in two components having misaligned approximately full-size holes.

FIG. 7 is a close-up view showing the tool positioned within the misaligned approximately full-sized bore.

FIG. 8 is a close-up view showing a tool positioned within a misaligned, approximately full-sized bore.

FIG. 9 is a flow chart of an example of a method for producing a plurality of aligned holes from a plurality of holes.

While the disclosure is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail herein. It should be understood, however, that the disclosure is not intended to be limited to the particular forms disclosed. On the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

Detailed Description

Embodiments described herein may be used to form a plurality of aligned full-size apertures from a plurality of apertures, which may be approximately full-size apertures. As used herein, an approximately full-size hole is a hole within a part or component that is undersized relative to a specified full-size or finished hole size, which is a hole for inserting a fastener to connect the part or component to one or more additional parts or components. In other words, the diameter of the approximately full-sized hole is less than the designated diameter of the full-sized hole to receive the necessary or intended fastener. The designated diameter of the full-size hole will be slightly larger than the diameter of the fastener to be inserted into the full-size hole. Typically, a full-size or finished hole will be specified within an engineering specification detailing the assembly of two or more components.

Fig. 1 shows an example of a tool 100A that may be used to form a plurality of aligned full-size holes from a plurality of holes, which may be approximately full-size holes. The tool 100A includes a cutting member 130 and a guide member 105B. Cutting member 130 has a first diameter 131. The guide member 105A is connected to the cutting member 130. The guide member 105A is coaxial with the cutting member 130. For example, guide member 105A is coaxial with cutting member 130 by aligning centerline 135 of cutting member 130 with centerline 115A of guide member 105A. The guide member 105A includes a first section 107A having a centering member 120A and a second section 110 having a second diameter 111. The first section 107A is positioned between the cutting member 130 and the second section 110.

The first diameter 131 of the cutting member 130 is configured to cut a full-size hole through two or more components. The cutting member 130 includes a cutting surface 133 to enable the cutting member 130 to cut a full-size hole through two or more components. The first diameter 131 may be configured to be slightly larger than the diameter of a standard size fastener or may be slightly larger than the diameter of a given fastener used to connect two or more components together to form an assembly. The first diameter 131 may be the same diameter as a standard size fastener or as a designated fastener used to join two or more components together to form an assembly. The first diameter 131 is greater than the diameter of any of the plurality of approximately full-sized holes.

If an interference fit fastener is used, the first diameter 131 may be less than the diameter of a standard size fastener, or a designated fastener used to join two or more components together to form an assembly. The first diameter 131, which determines the full-size hole diameter, is a function of the fastener size and the assembly grade, i.e., clearance, transition, or interference. The cutting member 130 has a first length 132 configured to cut through two or more components to form an aligned full-sized hole. The first diameter 131 of the cutting member 130 is greater than the second diameter 111 of the second section 110 of the guide member 105A.

The second diameter 111 is configured to be smaller than the diameter of an approximately full-sized hole into which the guide member 105A is to be inserted. The second diameter 111 of the second section 110 of the guide member 105A may correspond to a misalignment position tolerance and an expected full-size hole diameter of a plurality of approximately full-size holes. In other words, the second diameter 111 may be configured to correspond to a maximum misalignment between two or more approximately full-size holes, which will ensure that a desired full-size hole diameter corresponding to the first diameter 131 of the cutting member 130 will cut through a full-size hole of a component that completely surrounds the two or more approximately full-size holes, as discussed herein. The second section 110 of the guide member 105A has a second length 112. The second length 112 of the second section is configured to enable the second section 110 to pass through holes in two or more components as desired. The positional tolerance for misalignment may include a width dimension W2 of the gap C2 of an approximately full-size hole.

The first section 107A of the guide member 105A includes a centering member 120A. The centering member 120A includes a cutting surface 123A. Centering member 120A has a third length 122A and a third diameter 121A. The centering member 120A may be configured to reduce the looseness of the guide member 105A within the first hole 211 of the approximately full-sized holes 211, 221. For example, the third diameter 121A may be configured to reduce perceived looseness of the tool 100A when inserted into two or more approximately full-sized holes in a plurality of components. The third diameter 121A is less than the first diameter 131 of the cutting member 130 and greater than the second diameter 111 of the second section 110 of the guide member 105A. The size of the third diameter 121A may be half the difference between the size of the first diameter 131 and the size of the second diameter 111. The centering member 120A is configured to center the guide member 105A within a first hole 211 of the plurality of approximately full-sized holes 211, 221. For example, the third diameter 121A may be configured to center the guide member 105A within a plurality of holes. The third diameter 121A of the guide member 105A may be smaller than the diameter of the plurality of approximately full-sized holes in the plurality of components to enable the guide member 105A to be inserted into the plurality of approximately full-sized holes. Third diameter 121A and second diameter 111 are smaller than each diameter D1 of plurality of approximately full-sized holes 211, 221.

The centering member 120A of the first section 107A of the guide member 105A may include a cutting surface 123A to enable the centering member 120A to cut through a portion of the one or more components through which the full-sized hole is to be cut. For example, when the guide member 105A is inserted into a pair of misaligned holes, the centering member 120A may be configured to align the tool 100A along the centerline of the first hole, but when the cutting member 130 begins to cut a full-size hole in the proximal component, the centering member 120A may engage a portion of the distal component due to the misalignment of the pair of holes. The cutting surface 123A of the centering member 120A may enable the centering member 120A to cut through the distal part.

Fig. 2 shows an example of a tool 100B that may be used to form a plurality of aligned full-size holes from a plurality of holes, which may be approximately full-size holes. The tool 100B includes a cutting member 130 and a guide member 105B. Cutting member 130 has a first diameter 131. The guide member 105B is connected to the cutting member 130. The guide member 105B is coaxial with the cutting member 130. For example, guide member 105A is coaxial with cutting member 130 by aligning centerline 135 of cutting member 130 with centerline 115B of guide member 105B. The guide member 105B includes a first section 107B having a centering member 120B and a second section 110 having a second diameter 111. The first section 107B is positioned between the cutting member 130 and the second section 110.

The first diameter 131 of the cutting member 130 is configured to cut a full-size hole through two or more components. The cutting member 130 includes a cutting surface 133 to enable the cutting member 130 to cut a full-size hole through two or more components. The first diameter 131 may be configured to be slightly larger than the diameter of a standard size fastener or may be slightly larger than the diameter of a given fastener used to connect two or more components together to form an assembly. The first diameter 131 may be the same diameter as a standard size fastener or as a designated fastener used to join two or more components together to form an assembly. If an interference fit fastener is used, the first diameter 131 may be less than the diameter of a standard size fastener, or a designated fastener used to join two or more components together to form an assembly. The first diameter 131, which determines the full-size hole diameter, is a function of the fastener size and the assembly grade, i.e., clearance, transition, or interference. The cutting member 130 has a first length 132 configured to cut through two or more components to form an aligned full-sized hole. The first diameter 131 of the cutting member 130 is greater than the second diameter 111 of the second section 110 of the guide member 105B. The first diameter 131 is greater than the diameter of any of the plurality of approximately full-sized holes.

The second diameter 111 is configured to be smaller than the diameter of an approximately full-sized hole into which the guide member 105B is to be inserted. The second diameter 111 of the second section 110 of the guide member 105B may correspond to a misalignment position tolerance and an expected full-size hole diameter of a plurality of approximately full-size holes. In other words, the second diameter 111 may be configured to correspond to a maximum misalignment between two or more approximately full-size holes, which will ensure that a desired full-size hole diameter corresponding to the first diameter 131 of the cutting member 130 will cut a full-size hole through a component that completely surrounds the two or more approximately full-size holes, as discussed herein. The second section 110 of the guide member 105B has a second length 112. The second length 112 of the second section is configured to enable the second section 110 to pass through holes in two or more components as desired.

The first section 107B of the guide member 105B includes a centering member 120B. Centering member 120B includes a cutting surface 124B. Centering member 120B has a third length 123B. The centering member 120B includes a taper. The centering member 120B is tapered from the lower end to the upper end. At a lower end, the centering member 120B has a lower diameter 121B, which may be substantially equal to the second diameter 111 of the second section 110 of the guide member 105B. At the upper end, the centering member 120B has an upper diameter 122B, which may be substantially equal to the first diameter 131 of the cutting member 130. The centering member 120B is configured to reduce the loosening of the guide member 105B within the first hole 211 of the approximately full-sized holes 211, 221. For example, the taper of the centering member 120B may be configured to reduce the perceived loosening of the tool when inserted into two or more approximately full-sized holes in a plurality of components. The taper may be substantially 10 degrees. The lower diameter 121B is smaller than the upper diameter 122B. The centering member 120B is configured to center the guide member 105B within a first hole 211 of the plurality of approximately full-sized holes 211, 221. For example, the taper of the centering member 120B may be configured to center the guide member 105B within the plurality of holes.

The centering member 120B of the first section 107B of the guide member 105B may include a cutting surface 124B to enable the centering member 120B to cut through a portion of the one or more components through which the full-sized hole is to be cut. For example, when the guide member 105B is inserted into a proximal hole in two or more components, a portion of the taper of the centering member 120B will engage the components to be connected before the guide member 105B is fully inserted through the hole of the components. The cutting surface 124B of the centering member 120B enables the tool 100A to begin cutting through the proximal component until the cutting surface 133 of the cutting member 130 engages the proximal component. The taper of the centering member 120B is configured to align the tool 100B along a centerline of a proximal hole of two or more approximately full-size holes through which the full-size holes are formed.

FIG. 3 is a schematic view of a system 200 having a first component 210 with a first approximately full-size aperture 211 and a second component 220 with a second approximately full-size aperture 221, collectively referred to as approximately full-size apertures 211, 221, wherein the approximately full-size apertures 211, 221 are aligned. Both approximately full-size holes 211, 221 have a diameter D1 that is less than the diameter 230 of the intended full-size hole. When the two approximately full-sized holes 211, 221 are aligned, the diameter D1 of each of the two approximately full-sized holes 211, 221 is also the same as the gap C1 through the two approximately full-sized holes 211, 221. The positional tolerance for misalignment may include a width dimension W1 of the gap C1 through the two approximately full-sized holes 211, 221. As the degree of misalignment between two apertures increases, the gap through two or more approximately full-size apertures will decrease. Although the two holes 211, 221 are aligned, the two holes 211, 221 are approximately full-size holes, and would require the use of a cutting tool, such as the tool 100A of fig. 1 or the tool 100B of fig. 2, to enlarge the two approximately full-size holes to two aligned full-size holes.

The guide members 105A, 105B may be inserted into two approximately full-sized holes 211, 221, and the centering members 120A, 120B are configured to align the tools 100A, 100B such that the cutting member 130 is able to cut the full-sized aligned holes through the two components 210, 220. As discussed herein, the first diameter 131 of the cutting member 130 corresponds to the diameter 230 of the intended full-sized hole to enable a desired fastener to be inserted through the components 210, 220 to couple the components 210, 220 together. The number, size, location, shape, and/or configuration of the components 210, 220, full-size diameter 230, diameter D1, clearance C1, and holes 211, 221 in fig. 3 are shown for illustrative purposes and may vary depending on the application.

Fig. 4 is a schematic diagram showing two approximately full-size holes 211, 221 misaligned. For clarity, components are not included in the schematic. The two approximately full-sized holes 211, 221 result in a clearance C2 that is less than the diameter of the two approximately full-sized holes 211, 221. The clearance C2 results in a virtual hole diameter 240 through the two misaligned approximately full-size holes 211, 221. When the two approximately full-sized holes are at the predetermined maximum misalignment, the clearance C2 will be the smallest possible value that still enables the second section 110 of the guide member 105A, 105B to pass through the two approximately full-sized holes 211, 211 and the first diameter 131 of the cutting member 130 to completely surround the two holes 211, 221. As shown in fig. 4, a portion of the boundary of the first hole 211 and a portion of the boundary of the second hole 221 define a gap C2. At the maximum misalignment between the two apertures 211, 221, the positional tolerance corresponding to the second diameter 111 corresponds to the width dimension of the gap C2.

Fig. 5A-5C are schematic side views illustrating a system 300A including a tool 100A for forming an aligned full-size hole in two components 210, 220 having two nearly full-size misaligned holes 211, 221. Fig. 5A shows the second section 110 of the guide member 105A positioned within two misaligned approximately full-size holes 211, 221. A guide block 250 may be positioned on top of one of the components 210 to guide the tool 100A to position the second section 110 within two nearly full-size misaligned holes 211, 221. The second diameter 111 of the second section 110 of the guide member 105A is configured to correspond to a positional tolerance to ensure that the tool 100A will be able to cut a full-size hole through the components 210, 220 that encompasses both of the misaligned approximately full-size holes 211, 221. If the second section 110 of the guide member 105A of the tool 100A cannot pass through both of the misaligned approximately full-size holes 211, 221, the tool 100A will not be able to form both of the aligned full-size holes. For illustrative purposes, two components 210, 220 having two approximately full-sized holes 211, 221 are shown in fig. 5A-5C, and may vary depending on the application.

Fig. 5B shows the centering member 120A of the tool 100A positioned within the proximal approximately full-size bore 221. The third diameter 121A may be configured to center the tool 100A within the proximal approximately full-size bore 221. The third diameter 121A may be configured to reduce any perceived looseness of the tool when the tool 100A is inserted through the two approximately full-sized holes 211, 221. For example, the third diameter 121A may be half of the difference between the second diameter 111 of the second section 110 of the guide member 105A and the first diameter 131 of the cutting member 130. Alternatively, the third diameter 121A may be half the difference between the second diameter 111 of the second section 110 of the guide member 105A and the diameter of the proximal approximately full-size hole 221. Since the centering member 120A has a cutting surface 123A, the third diameter 121A may be any diameter between the first diameter 131 and the second diameter 111. Fig. 5C shows the insertion of cutting member 130 through both proximal and distal components 210, 220 to cut two full-sized aligned holes in components 210, 220.

Fig. 6A-6C are schematic side views illustrating a system 300B including a tool 100B for forming an aligned full-size hole in two components 210, 220 having two nearly full-size misaligned holes 211, 221. Fig. 6A shows the second section 110 of the guide member 105B positioned within two misaligned approximately full-sized holes 211, 221. A guide block 250 may be positioned on top of one of the components 210 to guide the tool 100B to position the second section 110 within two nearly full-size misaligned holes 211, 221. The second diameter 111 of the second section 110 of the guide member 105B is configured to correspond to a positional tolerance to ensure that the tool 100B will be able to cut a full-size hole through the components 210, 220 that encompasses both of the misaligned approximately full-size holes 211, 221. If the second section 110 of the guide member 105B of the tool 100B cannot pass through both of the misaligned approximately full-size holes 211, 221, the tool 100B will not be able to form both of the aligned full-size holes. For illustrative purposes, two components 210, 220 having two approximately full-sized holes 211, 221 are shown in fig. 6A-6C, and may vary depending on the application.

Fig. 6B shows centering member 120B of tool 100B positioned within a portion of proximal approximately full-size hole 221. As described herein, the centering member 120B is tapered, and the taper may be configured to center the tool 100B within the proximal approximately full-size bore 221. The taper of the centering member 120B may be configured to reduce any perceived loosening of the tool 100B as it is inserted through the two approximately full-sized holes 211, 221. The centering member 120B includes a cutting surface 124B to enable the centering member 120B to cut through a portion of the components 210, 220 when the tool 100B is inserted through the holes 211, 221. Fig. 6C shows cutting member 130 inserted through both proximal and distal components 210, 220 to cut two full-sized aligned holes in components 210, 220.

Fig. 7 shows a close-up view of fig. 5A, with second section 110 of guide member 105A positioned within two misaligned approximately full-size holes 211, 221. The second section 110 of the guide member 105A creates a first gap G1 between the second section 110 and the proximal bore 211. The centering member 120A is configured to create a second gap G2 between the second section 110 and the proximal bore 211 that is less than the first gap G1. Centering member 120A reduces perceived looseness of tool 100A and/or may center tool 100A within proximal bore 211.

Fig. 8 shows a close-up view of fig. 6A, with second section 110 of guide member 105B positioned within two misaligned approximately full-size holes 211, 221. The second section 110 of the guide member 105B creates a first gap G1 between the second section 110 and the proximal bore 211. The centering member 120B is configured to create a second gap G2 between the second section 110 and the proximal bore 211 that is less than the first gap G1 when the taper of the centering member 120B engages the proximal first component 210. The taper of the centering member 120B is configured to reduce perceived loosening of the tool 100B and/or may center the tool 100B within the proximal bore 211.

Fig. 9 is a flow chart of an example of a method 400 for generating a plurality of aligned holes from a plurality of holes. The method 400 includes inserting a guide member into the plurality of holes at 410. The guide member includes a first section and a second section, the first section having a centering member. The first section is connected to a cutting member having a first diameter and the second section has a second diameter that is smaller than the first diameter. The first section is positioned between the cutting member and the second section, and the second diameter corresponds to a positional tolerance of the plurality of bores and a full-size bore diameter. For example, the second section 110 of the guide member 105A, 105B of the tool 100A, 100B is inserted into the plurality of holes 211, 221.

The method 400 includes inserting 415 a second section having a second diameter into a first hole of the plurality of holes, wherein the second diameter is less than a diameter of each hole of the plurality of holes. The method 400 includes cutting 460 through the plurality of holes with a cutting member. For example, the cutting members 130 of the tools 100A, 100B cut through the plurality of holes 211, 221 in the plurality of components 210, 220. The method 400 includes forming 470 a plurality of full-sized holes. For example, cutting through the plurality of holes with the cutting member 130 further includes forming a plurality of full-sized holes, wherein the plurality of holes 211, 221 are approximately full-sized holes.

After inserting the second section into the first hole, the method 400 may include inserting the first section with the centering member into a first hole of the plurality of holes to reduce perceived looseness of the guide member, at 425. For example, the first section may be inserted after inserting the second section into a first hole of the plurality of holes of the first section of the guide member. The first section of the guide member includes a centering member having a third diameter that is greater than the second diameter of the second section of the guide member. The larger diameter of the centering member reduces the clearance between the guide member and the sidewall of the first of the plurality of holes to reduce perceived looseness of the guide member. Alternatively, the method 400 may include inserting the first segment having the centering member into a first hole of the plurality of holes to center the guide member within the first hole of the plurality of holes, at 435. For example, the centering member may have a constant diameter that is greater than the second diameter and less than the first diameter. The constant diameter of the centering member reduces a gap between the guide member and a sidewall of a first one of the plurality of holes to center the guide member within the first one of the plurality of holes.

The method 400 may include inserting the first section having the centering member into a first hole of the plurality of holes to center the guide member within the first hole of the plurality of holes, the centering member having a tapered surface, at 445. For example, the tapered surface may reduce a clearance with the guide member within a first one of the plurality of bores. The method 400 may include cutting 455 through a plurality of holes. For example, the tool may cut through the plurality of holes by contacting a sidewall of at least one of the plurality of holes with a cutting surface on the tapered surface of the centering member.

Further, the present disclosure includes implementations according to the following examples:

example 1. a tool for producing a plurality of aligned full-size holes from a plurality of approximately full-size holes, the tool comprising: a cutting member having a first diameter; and a guide member connected to the cutting member, the guide member coaxial with the cutting member, the guide member including a first section having a centering member and a second section having a second diameter, the first section positioned between the cutting member and the second section.

Example 2. the tool of example 1, wherein the centering member comprises a cutting surface.

Example 3 the tool of examples 1 or 2, wherein the first diameter is greater than the second diameter.

Example 4. the tool of any of examples 1-3, wherein the centering member is configured to center the guide member within a first hole of the plurality of approximately full-sized holes.

Example 5 the tool of any one of examples 1-4, wherein the centering member is configured to reduce loosening of the guide member within a first bore of the plurality of approximately full-sized bores.

Example 6 the tool of any of examples 1-5, wherein the second diameter corresponds to a full-size hole diameter and a positional tolerance of misalignment of the plurality of approximately full-size holes.

Example 7. the tool of example 6, wherein the plurality of approximately full-size holes includes a first hole and a second hole, and wherein at least a portion of a boundary of the first hole and at least a portion of a boundary of the second hole define a gap, the positional tolerance of the misalignment including a width dimension of the gap.

Example 8 the tool of example 7, the centering member having a third diameter, wherein the third diameter and the second diameter are less than each diameter of the plurality of approximately full-sized holes.

Example 9. the tool of example 8, wherein the third diameter is half the size of the difference between the size of the first diameter and the size of the second diameter.

Example 10. the tool of examples 8 or 9, wherein the first diameter is greater than a diameter of any of the plurality of approximately full-sized holes.

Example 11 the tool of any of examples 1-10, wherein the centering member includes a taper.

Example 12. the tool of example 11, wherein the cone portion has a lower end and an upper end, the lower end having a lower diameter substantially equal to the second diameter, and the upper end having an upper diameter substantially equal to the first diameter.

Example 13 the tool of example 12, wherein the taper is substantially 10 degrees.

Example 14. a method for producing a plurality of aligned holes from a plurality of holes, the method comprising: inserting a guide member of the tool of any one of examples 1 to 13 into a plurality of holes; and cutting through the plurality of holes with the cutting member of the tool.

Example 15a method for producing a plurality of aligned holes from a plurality of holes, the method comprising: inserting a guide member into the plurality of holes, the guide member comprising a first section having a centering member, the first section connected to a cutting member having a first diameter, and a second section having a second diameter smaller than the first diameter, wherein the first section is positioned between the cutting member and the second section, and wherein the second diameter corresponds to a positional tolerance and a full-size hole diameter of the plurality of holes; and cutting with the cutting member through the plurality of holes.

Example 16 the method of examples 14 or 15, wherein cutting with the cutting member through the plurality of holes further comprises forming a plurality of full-size holes, wherein the plurality of holes are approximately full-size holes.

Example 17 the method of any one of examples 14 to 16, wherein inserting the guide member into the plurality of bores further comprises inserting a second section having a second diameter into a first bore of the plurality of bores, wherein the second diameter is less than a diameter of each bore of the plurality of bores.

Example 18 the method of example 17, further comprising inserting the first section having the centering member into the first one of the plurality of holes to reduce perceived looseness of the guide member after inserting the second section into the first one of the plurality of holes, wherein the centering member has a third diameter that is greater than the second diameter of the second section of the guide member, thereby reducing a gap between the guide member and a sidewall of the first one of the plurality of holes to reduce perceived looseness of the guide member.

Example 19 the method of examples 17 or 18, further comprising inserting the first section having the centering member into the first one of the plurality of holes after inserting the second section into the first one of the plurality of holes to center the guide member within the first one of the plurality of holes, the centering member having a constant diameter that is greater than the second diameter and less than the first diameter, the constant diameter of the centering member reducing a gap between the guide member and a sidewall of the first one of the plurality of holes to center the guide member within the first one of the plurality of holes.

Example 20 the method of any of examples 17 to 19, further comprising inserting the first section having the centering member into the first one of the plurality of holes after inserting the second section into the first one of the plurality of holes to center the guide member within the first one of the plurality of holes, the centering member having a tapered surface that reduces a gap between the guide member and a sidewall of the first one of the plurality of holes to center the guide member within the first one of the plurality of holes.

Example 21 the method of example 20, further comprising cutting through the plurality of holes by contacting a sidewall of at least one hole of the plurality of holes with a cutting surface on the tapered surface of the centering member.

While the present disclosure has been described in terms of certain embodiments, other embodiments that are apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art, including embodiments that do not provide all of the features and advantages set forth herein, are also within the scope of the present disclosure. Accordingly, the scope of the disclosure is to be defined only by the following claims and their equivalents.