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US 2016/0238324 A1Published application
Method of generating support structure of tube components to become functional features
AssigneeUnited Technologies Corporation
InventorsEvan Butcher, Wendell V. Twelves, Jr., Gary A. Schirtzinger, Joe Ott, Lexia Kironn
Life of this patent
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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.
Claims18
A method comprising:
- building a tubular object 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 with the structure during building of the tubular object, and for providing vibration dampening, heat shielding, heat transfer, stiffening, energy absorption, or mounting after the tubular object is built.
An apparatus comprising:
- a tubular object, the tubular object built by layer-by-layer additive manufacturing;
- and
- a structure comprising a heat-shield structure, mounting structure, honeycomb structure, fin structure, matrix structure, lattice structure, rib structure, filter structure, bushing structure, or slot, the structure integrally formed to the tubular object and positioned to act as a support structure during building of the tubular object by layer-by-layer additive manufacturing.
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.
1 more element
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.