Unison Industries LLC (Jacksonville, FL)
What is a Patent for Methods, systems and media to control artificial intelligence-based process control in additive manufacturing
Search Patent for Methods, systems and media to control artificial intelligence-based process control in additive manufacturing
Modern aircraft engines are equipped with a number of tubes and ducts which are utilized to carry a variety of fluids (e.g. air, oil, fuels, etc.). are generally known as fluid delivery systems. Complex geometry is often located in tubes and ducts in 3D space. The ducts can have multiple bends, geometrical or non-cylindrical shapes, different cross-sectional dimensions (tapering) and intricate transitions between cylindrical to rectangular cross-sectional shapes. These shapes pose manufacturing issues and challenges.
For instance, the fabrication of metal parts often requires several operations like cutting, bending, stamping and welding or brazing. To counteract the thermal deformation that is caused by joining, sub-components might need to be thicker than necessary. Additionally when a design modification occurs, a new tooling set is required. A number of sub-components can be joined using brazing or fusion welding to make a final tube.
For instance, the rigid cure tools/mandrels are often used to fabricate non-metal parts. However, the process of removing a mandrel or the cured component from the duct could be time-consuming, expensive, and difficult. This is particularly true when the duct or formed part has a complex geometrical structure (such as the ones found in the components of aircraft engines) and makes it difficult to remove the part from the mandrel’s rigid structure.
Another way of making is by using an elongated mold. After the piece has dried, it is able to be disassembled and taken apart into sections. However, these mandrels can be costly and time-consuming to install and remove. Moreover, such segmented mandrels are typically designed to form a single part, and are not easily reconfigured to form other various types of components.
There are other methods for removal of the mandrel include the destruction of the mandrel through cutting and dissolving, or otherwise breaking the mandrel down into more easily removable pieces. Hammer et al published Patent Application No.US2014/0023812A1. This patent describes the methods of removing mandrels employed in the production of aircraft fluid delivery pipes with acid, which dissolves it. These destructive techniques can not only prevent the mandrel’s reuse, but also may cause damages to the ducts or formedparts. Additionally, expendable tools may result in additional costs for processing parts and tools.
Still other known production processes may use less destructive inflatable/deflatable balloon-like mandrels. These bladder-type machines, however, often aren’t strong enough and lack stiffness and strength, and could require support the struts and other structures for load support, during the part fabrication process. This type of tooling, however, is complicated and costly for many designs.
Another common method is to make parts for engines in aircraft using an ad hoc model, substrate mandrel, mold, and the tooling set. A mold or set of molds or set of components for making a mold is often referred to as a tooling.
For instance, the process of creating composite components using shape memory polymer (SMP) mandrels is a well-known process. See U.S. Pat. No. 7,422,714B1, for an “Method of Utilizing Shape Memory Material For Composite Part Manufacturing”, issued to Hood et al, onSep. 8, 2008; and, see the Methods and Systems to Co-Boil and Cure Composite Parts Using an SMP Rigid/Malleable Apparatus sent to Havens et al on February 10, 2015.
SMPs are materials made of polymers that have characteristics modified to create flexible shape “memory” properties. SMPs get their name because they can return to their original form “memorized” after being subject to shape deformation. SMPs pre-formed are able to be bent into any shape you like. After deformation, in order to preserve the thermoformed shape (i.e., to “lock” during deformation) the SMP should remain below, or be quenched lower than “Tg”. (Tg is the glass transition temperature of the particular type of SMP selected to be utilized for deformation.) The SMP will remain in its deformed form indefinitely if it is heated to temperatures above Tg once more. Then the SMP will return to its original (“remembered”) state. These characteristics of SMP are well-known in the art (see Hood ‘714 at column 3.
While the Hood’714 method makes use of a mandrel made of SMP that is reusable It is believed that the SMP comes composed of particles or gel or that it is reinforced by fibrous materials (such as textile fabric
Given the aforementioned deficiencies, a need exists for an improved method for forming engine parts, that does not suffer from the above limitations, solves some of the concomitant problems indicated above, and employs tooling with mold/mandrelmaterials that enable both reuse and reconfiguration. Another method is needed to make duct and tube assemblies that permit fluid delivery into the engines of aircraft.
A method of low-temperature metal deposition on tooling that is reconfigurable to SMP is an embodiment of the invention. The current manufacturing process conceptually comprises three phases. They are further discussed in the following paragraphs.
In some situations the invention provides the method of creating an object piece that is suitable for fluid delivery using low temperature metal deposition and a reusable reconfigurable SMP. This method involves providing an amandrel with SMP having a pre-formed shape and a glass transition temperature of Tg (Tg) making a tooling assembly with an object, and then putting the preformed SMP into contact with the mold. The SMP will then deform to replicate the shape of the mold. The process also involves coating the outer surface of the deformed SMP using an electrically conductive material, placing the entire tooling inside a low-temperature electroplating tank, applying voltage to electrochemically deposit metal on the surface of the tooling, and then heating it until the SMP turns malleable.
In addition to use in creating metal internal aircraft engine parts, another embodiment of the present invention can be utilized to fabricate non-metal exterior parts of aircraft engines. These parts may be found, for instance on the exterior of turbine engines. A second example uses SMP mandrels in combination with resin coated woven conformable Carbon fiber sleeves to make the non-metal exterior parts.
Other embodiments can be used for, for instance low-temperature tubes or conduits within a fluid delivery systems or composite laminate parts for mounting brackets and housings for fan cases.
Many of the shape shifting properties of SMP materials have been well-known by the scientific community for years, (e.g., see the previously mentioned Hood ‘714 patent, and the various SMP related references in the patents). However, the known processing techniques or techniques do not teach the concepts described in the present invention. Processes that are well-known do not provide techniques or methods of fabricating components for aircraft engines that have complicated 3-D tube and duct geometries with crossing-sections that change, by using smart polymer tooling in a novel manner described and claimed in the present invention.
Further features and advantages of the invention, as well as the design and operation of different embodiments of the invention, are discussed in greater detail below, with reference to the drawings accompanying them. It should be important to note that the invention is notlimited to the specific embodiments discussed herein. These embodiments are intended for illustration purposes. Persons skilled in the relevant art(s), using the lessons herein can find additional examples.
Click here to view the patent on USPTO website.
Get Patents with PatentPC
What is a patent?
The government grants patents to protect an invention, patents give the inventor with the exclusive right to use, create, sell and promote the invention? society benefits when a innovative technology is introduced to the market. The benefits can be directly realized as people can achieve previously unattainable feats, or indirectly by the economic benefits which innovation can bring (business growth, jobs).
A lot of pharmaceutical companies and researchers at universities seek patent protection for their research and developments. Patents can be granted for a product, process, or method of making new materials. Patent protection is granted to an invention that is useful or novel and is not previously known to others in the same area.
Patents are a way to reward inventors for their commercially profitable inventions. They serve as a motivator for inventors to come up with new ideas. Patents allow entrepreneurs and inventors to know that there’s a good chance they will receive a return for their efforts, time, and money invested in technology development. They could earn a decent income through their work.
Patents play essential roles in companies, and they can:
Protect innovative products and services;
Enhance the value, visibility, and attractiveness of your products on the market
Differentiate yourself and your products from others.
Access business and technical expertise and information;
Be careful not to accidentally use third-party content or risking losing important information, creative outputs, and other outputs.
Patents transform the knowledge of inventors into a marketable asset, which opens up new opportunities for job creation by licensing joint ventures and joint ventures.
Investors in the development and commercialization of technology will find small-scale businesses that have patent protection to be more attractive.
Patents can result in innovations and new ideas. The information you create may be eligible for patent protection.
Patents are a way to stop untrustworthy third parties from profiting through the work of inventions.
Revenues from patent-protected technology that are commercially successful can be used to fund technological research and development (R&D), which will increase the chance of better technology in the future.
Intellectual ownership of property can be used to convince lenders and investors that there are genuine opportunities to commercialize your product. One powerful patent may lead to multiple financing opportunities. Patents can be used along with other IP assets as collateral or security financing. Investors can also see your patent assets to boost company valuation. Forbes and other publications have noted that each patent can increase the value of your company by as much as $500,000 to $1 Million.
A properly-designed business plan is essential for start-ups. It should be based on IP and demonstrate what your service or product stands out. Investors will be also impressed if you have IP rights are secured or are on the verge of becoming secure, and that they support your business strategy.
It is essential to keep an invention secret until you apply for patent protection. Public divulging an invention could often damage its novelty and render it invalid. Disclosures that are filed prior to filing, like for investors, test marketing, or any other business partners, is best done after signing a confidentiality agreement.
There are many kinds of patents, and understanding the different types is crucial to protect your invention. Utility patents cover the development of new methods and machines. Design patents cover ornamental designs. Utility patents are the most effective and protect the owner against copycats and other competitors. In most cases the utility patent is issued for alterations or improvements to existing inventions. Utility patents also cover enhancements and modifications to existing inventions. For instance, a process patent covers acts or methods for performing one specific thing, while chemical compositions will comprise the combination of components.
What is the typical length of patents? Patents that are utility-related last for 20 years from the initial filing dates, but their expirations may be extended due to patent office delays such as.
Do you want to patent your ideas? Patents are granted only to applicants who file first, which is why you must file as quickly as possible. Contact PatentPC now to have your patent application filed!
Patent searches are an essential step when you’re drafting an application for patent. This will enable you to see different ideas and provide insight into their potential. You’ll be able to limit the scope of your invention. You can also discover the current latest developments in the field you’re inventing. This will help you to comprehend the scope of your invention and prepare you to file your patent application.
How to Search for Patents
The first step to get your patent is to perform the patent search. You can do a google patent search or do a USPTO search. Patent-pending is the name used to describe the product covered by the patent application. You can use the public pair to find the patent application. When the patent office is satisfied with your application, you will be able to conduct an examination of the patent number to find the patent granted. Your product now has the potential to be patentable. You can also utilize the USPTO search engine. See below for details. For assistance, consult an attorney for patents. In the US, patents are issued by the US patent and trademark office or by the United States patent and trademark office, which is also responsible for examining trademark applications.
Interested in finding more similar patents? Here are the steps to follow:
1. Think of terms that describe your invention in relation to its intended and composition or use.
Begin by writing down a concise detailed description of your idea. Avoid using generic terms such as “device”, “process” or “system”. Instead, look for synonyms to the terms you initially chose. Then, take note of important technical terms and key words.
Use the questions below to help you determine the keywords or concepts.
- What is the purpose of the invention Is it a utilitarian device or an ornamental design?
- Does the invention consist of a method of creating something or an action? Does it constitute a product?
- What is the basis of the invention? What is the physical structure of the invention?
- What’s the point of the invention
- What are the terms and phrases in the field of technology that define the nature of an invention? A technical dictionary can assist you to find the appropriate words.
2. Use these terms to find relevant Cooperative Patent Classifications on the Classification Text Search Tool. To determine the most suitable classification for your invention, scan the classification’s class Schemes (class schedules). If you don’t see any results from the Classification Text Search, you may want to consider replacing the words for describing your invention with synonyms.
3. Review the CPC Classification Definition to verify the accuracy of the CPC classification you’ve discovered. If the chosen classification has a blue box with an “D” to its left, clicking on the hyperlink will direct you to the CPC classification description. CPC classification definitions will aid you in determining the classification’s scope so that you can choose the most relevant. The definitions could also contain research tips or other suggestions that can be useful for further study.
4. Find patent documents that have the CPC classification from the Patents Full-Text and Image Database. By focusing on abstracts and drawings that are representative you can narrow your search to the most relevant patent publications.
5. Utilize this list of most relevant patent publications to study each one in depth for any the similarities to your idea. Be sure to read the specification and claims. It is possible to find additional patents through contacting the patent examiner and the applicant.
6. You can retrieve patent applications published in the past that fit the CPC classification you selected in Step 3. You can apply the same method of search in Step 4 to narrow your results to the most pertinent patent application through the abstract and representative illustrations on every page. After that, you must review all published patent applications carefully with particular attention paid to the claims and other drawings.
7. Find additional US patent publications using keyword searching in PatFT or AppFT databases, searching for classification of non-U.S. patents as described below, and searching for non-patent literature disclosures of inventions using web search engines. For instance:
- Add keywords to your search. Keyword searches may turn up documents that are not well-categorized or have missed classifications during Step 2. For example, US patent examiners often supplement their classification searches with keyword searches. Think about the use of technical engineering terminology rather than everyday words.
- Search for foreign patents using the CPC classification. Then, re-run the search using international patent office search engines such as Espacenet, the European Patent Office’s worldwide patent publication database of over 130 million patent publications. Other national databases include:
- European Patent Office (EPO) provides esp@cenet to access a network of Europe’s patent databases with access to machine translation of European patents.
- Japan Patent Office (JPO) – with access to machine translations of Japanese patents.
- World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) offers PATENTSCOPE with a full-text search of published international patent applications and machine translations for some documents, as well as a list of international patent databases.
- Korean Intellectual Property Rights Information Service (KIPRIS)
- State Intellectual Property Office (SIPO) with machine translation of Chinese patents.
- Other International Intellectual Property Offices with online patent databases include Australia, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Great Britain, India, Israel, Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, and Taiwan.
- Search non-patent literature. Inventions can be made public in many non-patent publications. It is recommended that you search journals, books, websites, technical catalogs, conference proceedings, and other print and electronic publications.
To review your search, you can hire a registered patent attorney to assist. A preliminary search will help one better prepare to talk about their invention and other related inventions with a professional patent attorney. In addition, the attorney will not spend too much time or money on patenting basics.