US 11,806,941 B2 · Mechanical part retention features for additively manufactured structures

Abstract

Part retention features are disclosed for securing additively manufactured (AM) parts or for securing an AM part with another component, such as a node, panel, tube, extrusion, and the like, while an adhesive is being applied and/or while the adhesive is undergoing expansion due to a subsequent curing process. The retention features described herein can be used in the context of one or more AM parts such that the elements used to house the retention features (e.g., grooves, apertures, elastic elements, etc.) can advantageously be co-printed with the AM part, thereby removing a manufacturing step. The retention features also can be made with flatter profiles than existing solutions, making the overall structure smaller and less cumbersome to assemble.

Claims10

Dependent claims

An apparatus, comprising:

a first additively manufactured (AM) part connected to a second part via an adhesive applied at an interface between the first and second parts;
and
a snap ring arranged for placement across the interface and securing the first and second parts during at least application of the adhesive or curing of the adhesive,
wherein the first and second parts each comprise a protrusion, each protrusion having a generally continuous groove and a generally flat portion,
wherein each groove having a shape configured to receive the snap ring, and
wherein the flat portion of the protrusion corresponding to the first part configured to be flush, at least in part, against the flat portion of the protrusion corresponding to the second part when the first and second parts are positioned for connection via the adhesive.

3 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Mechanical part retention features for additively manufactured structures

Life of this patent

Mechanical part retention features for additively manufactured structures

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims10