Robotic assembly of transport structures using on-site additive manufacturing
US11358337B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 24, 2017 |
| Grant date | Jun 14, 2022 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 13, 2038 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG05B2219/49007
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Techniques for flexible, on-site additive manufacturing of components or portions thereof for transport structures are disclosed. An automated assembly system for a transport structure may include a plurality of automated constructors to assemble the transport structure. In one aspect, the assembly system may span the full vertically integrated production process, from powder production to recycling. At least some of the automated constructors are able to move in an automated fashion between the station under the guidance of a control system. A first of the automated constructors may include a 3-D printer to print at least a portion of a component and to transfer the component to a second one of the automated constructors for installation during the assembly of the transport structure. The automated constructors may also be adapted to perform a variety of different tasks utilizing sensors for enabling machine-learning.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.