Method and system for machining an array of components
AssigneeGeneral Electric Company
InventorAsghar Ali Farooqui
Life of this patent
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Abstract
The invention provides an enhanced method and system for machining an array of components. A holding mechanism is provided for holding an array of components in a machining process. The holding mechanism comprises: a rigid base plate and at least one support for holding a raw material while machining, one end of each support being coupled to the rigid base plate. The holding mechanism is further provided with a secure plate movably coupled to the rigid base plate. The secure plate is provided with one or more holding parts such as double-sided tape or guiding pins for holding the raw material. The secure plate can be elevated to hold the raw material during a machining operation such as peripheral machining.
Claims10
A process of manufacturing an array case for an ultrasound probe, comprising:
- (a) providing a raw material with a plurality of holes for accommodating a plurality of supports;
- (b) machining a plurality of components having an internal cavity and a plurality of lips, wherein the lips attach the components to the raw material;
- (c) removing the raw material on the corners of the internal cavity using a broaching process;
- (d) machining outer surface of the components, while the lips hold the components to the raw material;
- (e) elevating a vertically-moveable secure plate for holding the plurality of components, the secure plate being provided with at least one holding part;
- and
- (f) peripheral machining the raw material for removing the lips, the components being held by the secure plate during the peripheral machining.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.