Architecture, methods, and apparatus for additive manufacturing and assembly of sparse structures, multifunctional structures, and components for space and terrestrial systems
US10213965B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 25, 2014 |
| Grant date | Feb 26, 2019 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 1, 2036 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB33Y30/00
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A truss-formation apparatus comprising two truss makers and a lateral stage, wherein the truss makers create trusses and each truss maker comprises thermal dies, heaters with temperature sensors, and mandrels; wherein the truss makers form trusses that comprise parallel truss elements and battens; wherein a pultrusion actuator pulls parallel truss elements down along a mandrel; wherein a batten actuator causes a thermal die to rotate around a mandrel forming battens that connect parallel truss elements to one another; and wherein the lateral stage comprises a thermal die and traverses the gap between the parallel trusses forming cross members that connect the trusses.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.