Abstract:
A releasable adhesive system for joining a first surface to a second surface. The system includes a primary material having a first portion including at least one first-portion molecule configured to be positioned parallel with at least one first-surface molecule of the first surface, and a second portion, opposite the first portion, including at least one second-portion molecule configured to be positioned parallel with at least second surfaced one molecule of the second surface. The first surface molecule, positioned parallel with the first-surface molecule, is configured to maintain bonds between the first portion and the first surface up to one or more pre-determined three scenarios, such as pre-determined shear, pull, and peel forces being exerted on the first surface. The second portion can function similarly with respect to the second surface.
Abstract:
An interlocking tool for a for forming stator end turns includes a first member including a first base having a first surface. A first ring extends from the first surface and a second ring extends from the first surface radially outwardly of the first ring. The second ring is spaced from the first ring by a first gap. A second member includes a second base having a first surface portion. A first ring element extends from the first surface portion and a second ring element extends from the first surface portion radially inwardly of the first ring element. The second ring element is spaced from the first ring element by a second gap. The second ring is positioned in the second gap, and the second ring element is positioned in the first gap. The first member is rotatable relative to the second member.
Abstract:
Systems and methods are provided for shape controlled gripping of a workpiece. A layer jamming structure includes a membrane defining an internal cavity containing a number of overlapping material layers. A pressure system includes a pump coupled with the internal cavity. A shape conforming tool includes at least one part configured to move to apply a force to the layer jamming structure. The shape conforming tool, by operation of the part, conforms the layer jamming structure to the workpiece. The pressure system, with operation of the pump, changes a pressure in the internal cavity to impart rigidity to the layer jamming structure.
Abstract:
A system and method for additive manufacturing are provided. The system includes a structure defining a chamber for manufacturing parts via additive manufacturing. A powder metal applicator is configured to deposit layers of powder metal material to build a part on a build platform. A laser source is configured to direct one or more laser beams onto each layer of powder metal material to fuse the powder metal material, wherein metal condensate is created by the laser beam(s) contacting the powder metal material. An element spaced apart from the layers of powder material has a temperature different than the chamber temperature, so that the element is configured to attract or repel the metal condensate by virtue of the temperature differential between the element and the chamber. The method includes using the element having the different temperature to attract or repel the metal condensate within the chamber.
Abstract:
A configurable build volume system for a powder bed fusion manufacturing process includes a chamber wall defining a chamber, the chamber wall extending in the X-, Y-, and Z-axis directions, a plurality of build platforms enclosed within the chamber, a plurality of adjustment mechanisms coupled to the plurality of build platforms such that each build platform is coupled to a separate adjustment mechanism, a sensor mounted within the chamber and configured to capture data regarding a Z-axis position of each of the plurality of build platforms, and a controller in electronic communication with the plurality of adjustment mechanisms and the sensor. The controller receives the Z-axis position data and generates a plurality of control signals to adjust a Z-axis position of each of the plurality of build platforms and each of the plurality of build platforms is actively and independently controlled by the controller.
Abstract:
A powder bed fusion system includes a plurality of individual build chambers, with each individual build chamber including an area laser scanner optical device and a point laser scanner. A single, area beam delivery system and the plurality of build chambers are moveable relative to each other, such that the area beam delivery system may be positioned to provide an area scanning laser beam to any of the area laser scanner optical devices in any of the plurality of build chambers. The point laser scanners may be used to contour an edge of an object, and the area scanning laser beam may be used to fill in large areas of the object.
Abstract:
Systems and methods are provided for shape controlled gripping of a workpiece. A layer jamming structure includes a membrane defining an internal cavity containing a number of overlapping material layers. A pressure system includes a pump coupled with the internal cavity. A shape conforming tool includes at least one part configured to move to apply a force to the layer jamming structure. The shape conforming tool, by operation of the part, conforms the layer jamming structure to the workpiece. The pressure system, with operation of the pump, changes a pressure in the internal cavity to impart rigidity to the layer jamming structure.
Abstract:
A configurable build volume system for a powder bed fusion manufacturing process includes a chamber wall defining a chamber, the chamber wall extending in the X-, Y-, and Z-axis directions, a plurality of build platforms enclosed within the chamber, a plurality of adjustment mechanisms coupled to the plurality of build platforms such that each build platform is coupled to a separate adjustment mechanism, a sensor mounted within the chamber and configured to capture data regarding a Z-axis position of each of the plurality of build platforms, and a controller in electronic communication with the plurality of adjustment mechanisms and the sensor. The controller receives the Z-axis position data and generates a plurality of control signals to adjust a Z-axis position of each of the plurality of build platforms and each of the plurality of build platforms is actively and independently controlled by the controller.
Abstract:
Systems and methods are provided for locating a pair of components relative to one another using complex surfaces. One component has a complex surface, where the complex surface is smoothly contoured. Another component is shaped to be connected with the first component. A fixture locates the first component relative to the second component. The fixture includes a locator with a complex surface region shaped to mate with the complex surface of the one component to locate the fixture relative to that component. The fixture includes another locator to locate the fixture relative to the second component.
Abstract:
An assembly for a vehicle includes a first member including a plurality of elastically deformable locating protrusions extending outward, and a second member defining a cavity extending inward and including a plurality of elastically deformable compression features disposed within the cavity. The locating protrusions of the first member are disposed within the cavity of the second member in press fit engagement with the compression features of the second member to secure the first member relative to the second member. The average of the elastic deformation between all of the locating protrusions of the first member and all of the compression features of the second member precisely aligns the first member relative to the second member. The assembly may include but is not limited to a multiple unit battery pack, a multiple unit fuel cell pack, a dashboard assembly or adjoining body panels.