초록 ▼

A method for repositioning or repairing holes in metal substrates such as metal components used in jet engines and the like. The hole to be repositioned or repaired is enlarged and a recess is formed at each end of the enlarged hole. A deformable metal insert is then inserted within the enlarged hol

A method for repositioning or repairing holes in metal substrates such as metal components used in jet engines and the like. The hole to be repositioned or repaired is enlarged and a recess is formed at each end of the enlarged hole. A deformable metal insert is then inserted within the enlarged hole and then subjected to physical forces so as to cause it to deform and frictionally engage the walls of the recesses and the enlarged hole so that the insert becomes axially fixed therein. A new, repositioned hole can then be formed in the fixed insert that extends completely therethrough.

대표청구항 ▼

1. A method for repositioning or repairing a hole in a metal substrate having a first and second surface wherein the hole extends through the substrate from the first surface to the second surface of the substrate, the method comprising the steps of:(a) enlarging the diameter of the hole to form an

1. A method for repositioning or repairing a hole in a metal substrate having a first and second surface wherein the hole extends through the substrate from the first surface to the second surface of the substrate, the method comprising the steps of:(a) enlarging the diameter of the hole to form an enlarged hole through the substrate from the first to the second surface; (b) forming in the first surface a first recess at one end of the enlarged hole, the first recess having a wall with at least a portion of its diameter larger than the diameter of the enlarged hole; (c) forming in the second surface a second recess at the other end of the enlarged hole, the second recess having, a wall with at least a portion of its diameter larger than the diameter of the enlarged hole; (d) providing a physically deformable metal insert having a head portion and body portion, the head portion having an end with a diameter larger than the diameter of the enlarged hole, and being sized and configured so as to be capable of frictionally engaging the wall of one of the recesses, the body portion having an end, a diameter sized to permit the body portion to be inserted at least partially within the enlarged hole and a length, such that the end of the body portion is capable of extending at least to the other recess; (e) inserting the insert through the one recess so that the body portion extends at least partially within the enlarged hole; (f) after insertion, subjecting the head and body portions of the insert to physical deforming forces so as to cause the head portion to be deformed and frictionally en gage the wall of the one recess, so as to cause the body portion to be deformed and frictionally engage the enlarged hole and so as to cause the end of the body portion to be deformed and frictionally engage the wall of the other recess, so that the insert becomes substantially axially fixed within the enlarged hole.