Additive manufacturing on-orbit
US11524459B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 19, 2021 |
| Grant date | Dec 13, 2022 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 6, 2041 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB64G2004/005
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A spacecraft includes an additive manufacturing (A/M) subsystem and one or both of a thermal control arrangement and a contamination control arrangement. The A/M subsystem includes an A/M tool, feedstock and a workpiece and is configured to additively manufacture the workpiece using material from the feedstock. The thermal control arrangement is operable, in an on-orbit space environment characterized by near vacuum pressure and near zero-g force, to maintain temperature of at least one of the A/M tool, the feedstock, and the workpiece within respective specified ranges. The contamination control arrangement is operable, in the on-orbit space environment, to control outgassing of volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.