Back to results
US 10,502,500 B2Granted
Method of generating support structure of tube components to become functional features
AssigneeUnited Technologies Corporation
InventorsEvan Butcher, Wendell V. Twelves, Jr., Gary A. Schirtzinger, Joseph Ott, Lexia Kironn
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A method includes building a tubular object by a layer-by-layer additive manufacturing process. A structure integrally connected to the tubular object for supporting a portion of the tubular object is formed during building of the tubular object. The structure provides vibration dampening, heat shielding, heat transfer, stiffening, energy absorption, or mounting after the tubular object is built.
Claims14
A method comprising:
- building a tubular object designed for and built by a layer-by-layer additive manufacturing process;
- forming, while building the tubular object, a structure integrally connected to the tubular object for supporting a portion of the tubular object having a build direction that exceeds a build limit angle of the layer-by-layer additive manufacturing process during building of the tubular object with the layer-by-layer additive manufacturing process, and wherein the structure provides vibration dampening, heat shielding, heat transfer, stiffening, energy absorption, or mounting after the tubular object is built.
A method comprising:
- designing a component having a tubular body and a structure that performs at least one of vibration dampening, heat shielding, heat transfer, stiffening, energy absorption, or mounting, wherein the structure is positioned with respect to the tubular body so that the structure will act as a support to the component during layer-by-layer additive manufacturing of the component;
- creating digital files defining the component on a layer-by-layer basis;
- and
- producing the component by layer-by-layer additive manufacturing using the digital files, wherein the structure supports the component during the producing of the tubular body, wherein a build direction of a portion of the tubular body exceeds a build limit angle of the layer-by-layer additive manufacturing process.
1 more element
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.