Method and assembly for forming components having internal passages using a lattice structure
AssigneeGeneral Electric Company
InventorStephen Francis Rutkowski
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A mold assembly for use in forming a component having an internal passage defined therein is provided. The component is formed from a component material. The mold assembly includes a mold that defines a mold cavity therein. The mold assembly also includes a lattice structure selectively positioned at least partially within the mold cavity. The lattice structure is formed from a first material that is at least partially absorbable by the component material in a molten state. A channel is defined through the lattice structure, and a core is positioned in the channel such that at least a portion of the core extends within the mold cavity and defines the internal passage when the component is formed in the mold assembly.
Claims30
A mold assembly for use in forming a component having an internal passage defined therein, said mold assembly comprising:
- a mold that defines a mold cavity therein;
- a lattice structure selectively positioned at least partially within said mold cavity, said lattice structure defines a channel therethrough;
- and
- a preformed core insertably positionable through said channel such that at least a portion of said core extends within said mold cavity and defines the internal passage when the component is formed in said mold assembly.
A mold assembly for use in forming a component having an internal passage defined therein, said mold assembly comprising:
- a mold that defines a mold cavity therein;
- a lattice structure selectively positioned at least partially within said mold cavity, said lattice structure comprises a plurality of elongated members that define a plurality of open spaces therebetween, said lattice structure defines a channel therethrough, wherein said plurality of elongated members comprises:
- a plurality of sectional elongated members arranged in at least one group shaped to be positioned within a corresponding cross-section of said mold cavity;
- and
- at least one stringer elongated member that extends between at least two of said groups;
- and
- a core positioned in said channel such that at least a portion of said core extends within said mold cavity and defines the internal passage when the component is formed in said mold assembly.
A mold assembly for use in forming a component having an internal passage defined therein, said mold assembly comprising:
- a mold that defines a mold cavity therein;
- a lattice structure selectively positioned at least partially within said mold cavity, said lattice structure defines a channel therethrough;
- a core positioned in said channel such that at least a portion of said core extends within said mold cavity and defines the internal passage when the component is formed in said mold assembly;
- and
- a hollow structure that encloses said core along a length of said core, wherein said hollow structure defines said channel.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.