3D printed vehicle architecture, joints and method
AssigneeFord Global Technologies, LLC
InventorsGarret Huff, Michael James Whitens, Peter A. Friedman, Cynthia Mowery Flanigan
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A method of assembling components of a vehicle is provided that includes locating a node relative to an adjoining component, measuring at least one geometrical feature of the node or the adjoining component, 3D printing an assembly adjustment member based on the measuring, and placing the assembly adjustment member proximate at least one of the node or the adjoining component. The assembly adjustment member is configured to allow relative movement between the node and the adjoining component for subsequent processing operations.
Claims20
A method of assembly comprising:
- locating a node relative to an adjoining component;
- measuring at least one geometrical feature of the node or the adjoining component;
- identifying a gap between the node and the adjoining component based on the measuring;
- 3D printing an assembly adjustment member according to the gap based on the measuring, the assembly adjustment member being physically separate from the node;
- and
- placing the assembly adjustment member proximate at least one of the node or the adjoining component to fill the gap,
- wherein the assembly adjustment member is configured to allow relative movement between the node and the adjoining component for subsequent processing operations,
- wherein a plurality of nodes and a plurality of adjoining components are measured, and a plurality of 3D printed assembly adjustment members are paired with closest mating geometries of nodes and adjoining components.
A method of assembly comprising:
- locating a node relative to an adjoining component;
- measuring at least one geometrical feature of the node or the adjoining component;
- identifying a gap between the node and the adjoining component based on the measuring;
- 3D printing an assembly adjustment member according to the gap based on the measuring, the assembly adjustment member being physically separate from the node;
- and
- placing the assembly adjustment member proximate at least one of the node or the adjoining component to fill the gap,
- wherein the assembly adjustment member is configured to allow relative movement between the node and the adjoining component for subsequent processing operations, and
- wherein the node is an organic node that is optimized for design load conditions and is formed by a 3D printing process, the node defining at least one receiving portion and an outer geometry that is configured elastically, and up to plastically, deform for fit-up of the node to the adjoining component.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.