MIPS Project Detail:
Company
Company Description:
Black & Decker has been setting the standard for home improvement products since 1910. With roots in Baltimore, Maryland, the company evolved from a small machine shop that invented the first portable electric drill to a global manufacturing and marketing powerhouse. Black & Decker’s product line now includes a broad variety of products for both commercial and residential use.
MIPS Project
Drill Bit Design
Project #
1017.34
|
MIPS Round
14
|
Starting Date:
Aug 1994
MIPS Project Challenge:
The company was looking to develop a line of masonry drill bits with improved efficiency to conserve power in battery-powered drills while maintaining their effectiveness.
Project Scope:
Researchers at UMBC conducted a systematic, scientific study of the mechanics behind concrete drilling. These results were then used to design a bit that performed significantly better than previous iterations, allowing for improved energy transmission, a better material egress mechanism and environmentally safe operation.
During the project, researchers also developed an impact model based on 3D wave propagation, an experimental facility to validate the egress model, a combined egress and impact model, and optimal drill bit design. The project also included the fabrication of a drill bit prototype.
Results:
Following the successful completion of their project, Black & Decker debuted its new line of Bullet Speed Tip Masonry Drill Bits, which included 29 bits. The annual sales from this product line were estimated to be several million dollars.
The Bullet bits offer customers faster drill speed when compared to other bits, and up to six times more holes per battery charge when using a cordless drill. Patents for the bits were issued to UMBC, and then licensed to Black & Decker.
Principal Investigator:
M. Appa
Anjanappa
Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering
Project Manager:
Russell
Timmons
Engineering Manager
Technologies:
Mechanical Machinery
