Extrusion method for fabricating a compact tube with internal features
AssigneeApple Inc.
InventorsM. Evans Hankey, Emery Sanford
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Methods for forming a tube that includes a feature extending from an inner surface of the tube are provided. The methods can include using a die and stamper, single impact extrusion, double impact extrusion, and progressive deep draw process.
Claims28
A method for forming, from a longitudinal member having an elongated axis, a tube that includes an internal wall extending from an inner surface of the tube and perpendicular to the elongated axis, the method comprising:
- using impact extrusion to form an indentation in the longitudinal member, wherein the indentation provides a cavity extending from a first end of the longitudinal member to a predetermined location within the longitudinal member;
- and
- machining the longitudinal member in between the predetermined location and a second end of the longitudinal member to provide the internal wall and to create a lumen extending between the cavity and the second end, wherein:
- a portion of the lumen has a cross-section substantially equal to a cross-section of the cavity;
- the internal wail defines a transition region having a cross-section less than the cross-section of the cavity and the second end in at least one dimension;
- and
- the internal wall is non-annular.
A method for forming, from a longitudinal member having an elongated axis, a tube that includes an internal wall extending from an inner surface of the tube and perpendicular to the elongated axis, the method comprising:
- using impact extrusion to form first and second indentations in the longitudinal member, wherein the first indentation provides a first cavity extending from a first end of the longitudinal member to a first predetermined location within the longitudinal member, the first cavity providing a tube portion having a first tube wall thickness, and wherein the second indentation provides a second cavity extending from a second end of the longitudinal member to a second predetermined location within the longitudinal member, the second cavity providing a machinable tube portion having a second tube wall thickness;
- and
- removing a portion of the machinable tube portion to form the internal wall and to create a lumen extending between the first cavity and the second cavity, wherein:
- a cross-section of the first cavity is substantially equal to a cross-section of the second cavity after the removing;
- the internal wall is non-annular;
- and
- the lumen has a cross-section less than the cross-section of the first cavity in at least one dimension.
A method for forming, from a longitudinal member having an elongated axis, a tube that includes an internal wall extending from an inner surface of the tube and perpendicular to the elongated axis, the method comprising:
- using impact extrusion to form an indentation in the longitudinal member, wherein the indentation provides a cavity extending from a first end of the longitudinal member to a predetermined location within the longitudinal member;
- and
- machining the longitudinal member between the predetermined location and a second end of the longitudinal member to provide the internal wall and to create a lumen extending between the cavity and the second end, wherein the internal wall extends from only a portion of the tube's circumference.
A method for forming, from a longitudinal member having an elongated axis, a tube that includes an internal wall extending from an inner surface of the tube and perpendicular to the elongated axis, the method comprising:
- using impact extrusion to form first and second indentations in the longitudinal member, wherein the first indentation provides a first cavity extending from a first end of the longitudinal member to a first predetermined location within the longitudinal member, the first cavity providing a tube portion having a first tube wall thickness, and wherein the second indentation provides a second cavity extending from a second end of the longitudinal member to a second predetermined location within the longitudinal member, the second cavity providing a machinable tube portion having a second tube wall thickness;
- and
- removing a portion of the machinable tube portion to form the internal wall and to create a lumen extending between the first cavity and the second cavity, wherein the internal wall extends from only a portion of the tube's circumference.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.