Flexible tools and apparatus for machining objects
US10213919B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 7, 2016 |
| Grant date | Feb 26, 2019 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 27, 2037 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB25J9/1676
- WIPO fieldHandling
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A flexible tool comprising: a plurality of rigid members spaced along a longitudinal axis; a plurality of flexible members extending between the plurality of rigid members and being arranged to enable the plurality of rigid members to diverge from the longitudinal axis and define a work volume for the flexible tool, at least some of the plurality of flexible members being unevenly spaced around the longitudinal axis, and/or a physical characteristic of at least some of the plurality of flexible members varying along the longitudinal axis, to cause the work volume and/or stiffness of the flexible tool to be asymmetric relative to the longitudinal axis.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.