U.S. patent application number 17/408324 was filed with the patent office on 2022-02-10 for interconnected deflectable panel and node and methods for producing same.
The applicant listed for this patent is Divergent Technologies, Inc.. Invention is credited to John Russell BUCKNELL, Eahab Nagi EL NAGA, Stuart Paul MACEY, Antonio Bernerd MARTINEZ.
Application Number | 20220040911 17/408324 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | |
Filed Date | 2022-02-10 |
United States Patent
Application |
20220040911 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
BUCKNELL; John Russell ; et
al. |
February 10, 2022 |
INTERCONNECTED DEFLECTABLE PANEL AND NODE AND METHODS FOR PRODUCING
SAME
Abstract
Some embodiments of the present disclosure relate to an
apparatus including an additively manufactured node having a
socket. The apparatus includes a panel interconnected with node.
The panel includes opposing surface layers and a core between at
least a portion of the surface layers. The socket engages an end
portion of the panel and shapes the surface layers on the end
portion of the panel.
Inventors: |
BUCKNELL; John Russell; (El
Segundo, CA) ; EL NAGA; Eahab Nagi; (Topanga, CA)
; MARTINEZ; Antonio Bernerd; (El Segundo, CA) ;
MACEY; Stuart Paul; (Laguna Niguel, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Divergent Technologies, Inc. |
Los Angeles |
CA |
US |
|
|
Appl. No.: |
17/408324 |
Filed: |
August 20, 2021 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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15616620 |
Jun 7, 2017 |
11123973 |
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17408324 |
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International
Class: |
B29C 64/00 20060101
B29C064/00; B33Y 80/00 20060101 B33Y080/00; B29D 99/00 20060101
B29D099/00; F16B 5/00 20060101 F16B005/00 |
Claims
1. An apparatus, comprising: an additively manufactured node having
a socket; and a panel interconnected with the node, the panel
comprising opposing surface layers and a core between at least a
portion of the surface layers, wherein the socket engages an end
portion of the panel and shapes the surface layers on the end
portion of the panel.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the surface layers on the end
portion of the panel are without at least a portion of the core
between them.
3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the panel further comprises a
material between the surface layers on the end portion of the
panel, wherein when the stiffness of the core is reduced, the
material has greater flexibility than the core.
4. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the panel further comprises
adhesive filler material comprising a plurality of microballoons
between the surface layers on the end portion of the panel.
5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein a section of the core extends
between the surface layers of the end portion of the panel, and
wherein the section of the core comprises a notch.
6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the adhesive extends from the
notch into the socket.
7. The apparatus of claim 6, further comprising a sealant between
the panel and the socket to seal the adhesive in the socket.
8. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the socket comprises a tapered
portion that narrows with distance from the socket opening, and
wherein the notch is compressed by the tapered portion.
9. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the socket comprises a tapered
portion that widens with distance from the socket opening, and
wherein the notch is expanded with the tapered portion.
10. A method comprising: printing a node having a socket by
additive manufacturing; interconnecting a panel with the node, the
panel comprising opposing surface layers and a core between at
least a portion of the surface layers; engaging the socket with an
end portion of the panel; and by the socket, shaping the surface
layers on the end portion of the panel.
11. The method of claim 10, further comprising removing the core
between at least a portion of the surface layers on the end portion
of the panel.
12. The method of claim 11, further comprising injecting a material
between the surface layers on the end portion of the panel, wherein
the material has greater compressibility than the core.
13. The method of claim 11, further comprising injecting a
plurality of microballoons between the surface layers on the end
portion of the panel.
14. The method of claim 10, wherein a section of the core extends
between the surface layers on the end portion of the panel, and the
method further comprising cutting a notch in the section of the
core.
15. The method of claim 14, further comprising pre-injecting an
adhesive that extends from the notch into the socket.
16. The method of claim 15, further comprising: applying heat to
the sealant; and causing the sealant to expand around the panel and
the socket to seal the adhesive in the socket.
17. The method of claim 14, wherein the socket comprises a tapered
portion that narrows with distance from the socket opening, the
method further comprising compressing the notch by the tapered
portion.
18. The method of claim 14, wherein the socket comprises a tapered
portion that widens with distance from the socket opening, the
method further comprising expanding the notch with the tapered
portion.
19. The method of claim 18, wherein the shaping the surface layers
on the end portion of the panel further comprises using a foaming
adhesive in the socket.
Description
BACKGROUND
1. Field
[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to techniques for
interconnecting a panel to a node, and more specifically to
additively manufacturing techniques for printing a node with a
tapered socket and interconnecting a panel by deforming the panel
to conform to the shape of the tapered node.
2. Background
[0002] Additive Manufacturing (AM) processes involve the
layer-by-layer buildup of one or more materials to make a
3-dimensional object. AM techniques are capable of fabricating
complex components from a wide variety of materials. Typically, a
freestanding object is fabricated from a computer aided design
(CAD) model. Using the CAD model, the AM process can create a solid
3-dimensional object by using a laser beam to sinter or melt a
powder material, which then bonds the powder particles together. In
the AM process, different materials or combinations of material,
such as, engineering plastics, thermoplastic elastomers, metals,
and ceramics may be used to create a uniquely shaped 3-dimensional
object.
[0003] Several different printing techniques exist. One such
technique is called selective laser melting. Selective laser
melting entails fusing (agglomerating) particles of a powder at a
temperature below the melting point of the powder material. More
specifically, a laser scans a powder bed and melts the powder
together where structure is desired, and avoids scanning areas
where the sliced data indicates that nothing is to be printed. This
process may be repeated thousands of times until the desired
structure is formed, after which the printed part is removed from a
fabricator.
[0004] As AM processes continue to improve, more complex mechanical
manufacturers are beginning to investigate the benefits of using
additively manufactured parts in their designs. This is because,
achieving efficient and effective manufacturing processes at low
costs are perpetual goals of manufacturing sectors of many
industries. For instance, the automotive industry, aircraft
manufacturing, and other industries involved in the assembly of
transport structures are constantly engaging in cost saving
optimizations and looking for opportunities to improve
manufacturing processes. Joining components with a multitude of
shapes is one such area that has proven to be difficult to
optimize. For instance, conventional manufacturing processes
provide simple internal geometric shapes such as rectangles without
additional features. These simple internal structures limit the
configuration of components that may be interconnected. As a
result, such manufacturing processes have a limited practical
range, because they cannot be efficiently used to produce complex
geometrical structures having the potential to provide new and
different features and capabilities.
[0005] The recent advances in 3-dimensional printing or AM
processes have presented new opportunities to build wide varieties
and ranges of simple to very complex parts at relatively
competitive costs. With AM, components with unique internal
structures may be printed which may provide greater options when
joining components. However, these unique shapes present a new
unique set of challenges to joining components capable of deforming
to fit the shape of more complex internal structures. For instance,
a socket connection requires an internal fit that is not externally
visible to a welder at a conventional manufacturing plant.
Therefore, it can be difficult to join a socket component with a
unique internal structure to a deformable component.
SUMMARY
[0006] Several aspects of techniques for joining an additively
manufactured node to a component will be described more fully
hereinafter with reference to 3-dimensional printing
techniques.
[0007] One aspect of an apparatus includes an additively
manufactured node having a socket. The apparatus includes a panel
interconnected with the node. The panel includes opposing surface
layers and a core between at least a portion of the surface layers.
The socket engages an end portion of the panel and shapes the
surface layers on the end portion of the panel.
[0008] One aspect of a method includes printing a node having a
socket by additive manufacturing. The method interconnects a panel
with the node. The panel includes opposing surface layers and a
core between at least a portion of the surface layers. The method
engages the socket with an end portion of the panel. By the socket,
the method shapes the surface layers on the end portion of the
panel.
[0009] It will be understood that other aspects of co-printing
interconnects with additively manufactured nodes will become
readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the following
detailed description, wherein it is shown and described only
several embodiments by way of illustration. As will be realized by
those skilled in the art, the co-printing of interconnects with
additively manufactured nodes are capable of other and different
embodiments and its several details are capable of modification in
various other respects, all without departing from the invention.
Accordingly, the drawings and detailed description are to be
regarded as illustrative in nature and not as restrictive.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] Various aspects of co-printing interconnects with additively
manufactured nodes will now be presented in the detailed
description by way of example, and not by way of limitation, in the
accompanying drawings, wherein:
[0011] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of an apparatus
comprising a node and a panel interconnected with the node.
[0012] FIGS. 2A-2B illustrate an exemplary embodiment of an
apparatus comprising a node and a panel engaged by narrowing a
tapered socket.
[0013] FIGS. 3A-3C illustrate an exemplary embodiment of an
apparatus comprising a node and a panel engaged by a widening
tapered socket.
[0014] FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of an apparatus
having a node with additively manufactured features designed to
cause a panel to taper upon insertion into a node.
[0015] FIG. 5 conceptually illustrates a process 500 for utilizing
co-printed internal features in joining a panel with a node.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0016] The detailed description set forth below in connection with
the appended drawings is intended to provide a description of
various exemplary embodiments of additively manufacturing
techniques for co-printing nodes and interconnects and is not
intended to represent the only embodiments in which the invention
may be practiced. The term "exemplary" used throughout this
disclosure means "serving as an example, instance, or
illustration," and should not necessarily be construed as preferred
or advantageous over other embodiments presented in this
disclosure. The detailed description includes specific details for
the purpose of providing a thorough and complete disclosure that
fully conveys the scope of the invention to those skilled in the
art. However, the invention may be practiced without these specific
details. In some instances, well-known structures and components
may be shown in block diagram form, or omitted entirely, in order
to avoid obscuring the various concepts presented throughout this
disclosure.
[0017] The use of additive manufacturing in the context of joining
two or more parts provides significant flexibility and cost saving
benefits that enable manufacturers of mechanical structures and
mechanized assemblies to manufacture parts with complex geometries
at a lower cost to the consumer. The joining techniques described
in the foregoing relate to a process for joining additively
manufactured parts and/or commercial of the shelf (COTS) components
such as panels. Additively manufactured parts are 3-dimensionally
printed by adding layer upon layer of a material based on a
preprogramed design. The parts described in the foregoing may be
parts used to assemble a motor vehicle such as an automobile.
However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the
manufactured parts may be used to assemble other complex mechanical
products such as vehicles, trucks, trains, motorcycles, boats,
aircraft, and the like without departing from the scope of the
invention.
[0018] One important issue that has been encountered in these
industries is how to enable various disparate parts or structures
to more efficiently interconnect. One such technique as disclosed
herein involves the use of additive manufacturing. More
specifically, by utilizing additive manufacturing techniques to
print unique parts, it becomes simpler to join different parts
and/or components in the manufacturing process. Such techniques can
include deforming a portion of one part to conform to the internal
shape of another. Additive manufacturing provides the ability to
create complex internal shapes that were not previously possible
using conventional manufacturing techniques. For example, a
deformable panel having an end portion with a notch therebetween
may be inserted into a node having a uniquely tapered shape. In the
joining process, the end portion of the panel can deform into the
internal shape of the node, which creates a stronger and simpler
bond between the now interconnected components.
[0019] As will be discussed herein, a node is an example of an
additively manufactured part. A node may be any 3-D printed part
that includes a socket for accepting a component such as a panel.
The node may have internal features configured to accept a
particular type of component. Such features may be co-printed with
the node. Alternatively or conjunctively, the node may be shaped to
accept a particular type of component. For instance, the internal
shape of a node may taper or expand to deform a deflectable panel
according to the shape of the node's internal socket and then
accept an adhesive to adhere the component to the node. However, as
a person having ordinary skill in the art will appreciate, a node
may be shaped to accept any type of component and utilize any
internal design or shape and accept any variety of components
without departing from the scope of the disclosure.
[0020] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of an apparatus
100 comprising a node and a panel interconnected with the node. In
some embodiments of the apparatus, the panel may comprise a
deflectable panel. As shown, the apparatus 100 includes a node 105,
a panel 110, and injection port 155, a socket 115, and a socket
opening 190. The panel 110 includes surface layers 140, a core 145,
and an end portion 150. The end portion 150 includes a filler
material 125. The filler material may be a cross-linkable polymer
such as an epoxy or a liquid adhesive. In some aspects of the
apparatus, the end portion 150 may also include microballoons 120
in the filler material 125. In some aspects of the apparatus, the
opposing surface layers 140 may be carbon fiber sheets. At least of
a portion of the core 145 may be removed from between the surface
layers 140. In some aspects of the apparatus, the end portion 150
may be without the core 145. Consequently, the filler material 125
may be injected into the available area near end portion 150
between the surface layers 140. The filler material 125 may be
injected by way of the injection port 155. The microballoons 120
may be used to make the filler material 125 less dense without
compromising structural integrity so that it may be compressed as
shown in FIG. 1. For instance, microballoons may be incorporated
into a material such as an epoxy to form a less dense slurry that
can be deformed or compressed as necessary. However, a liquid
adhesive, or any suitably curable and malleable substance may be
used as the filler material 125 illustrated in FIG. 1.
[0021] The surface layers 140 may sandwich a core material 145 such
as a honeycomb-like material or foam. The core 145 may remain
between at least a portion of the surface layers 140, at least
until the panel 110 is joined to the node 105. In order to join the
node 105 and the panel 110, the end portion 150 of the surface
layers 140 of the panel 110 may be compressed and deformed to fit
into the socket 115 as it is being slid through the socket opening
190. As shown, the tapering within the socket 115 increases, or the
socket narrows, as the distance from the socket opening 190
increases. The narrowing socket causes the panel 110 to compress.
As a result, the end portion 125 of the panel 110 may be compressed
against the node 105 so that it fits into the socket 115. In some
aspects of the apparatus, a sealant and/or an adhesive may
subsequently be injected into the socket 115 to fix the panel 110
to the node 105 in the deformed configuration. The notches along
the socket 115 may provide a path for the sealant and/or adhesive,
but are not necessary to effectively bond the panel 110 and the
node 105.
[0022] FIG. 2A illustrates an exemplary embodiment of an apparatus
200 comprising a node 205 and a panel 210 engaged by a narrowing
tapered socket. Similar to the panel 110 of FIG. 1, the panel 210
may be a deflectable panel capable of deforming by expansion or
compression. As shown, the panel 210 includes a notch 215, surface
layers 240, and a core 245. The node 205 includes a socket 295 with
an adhesive layer 220 and a socket opening 290. FIG. 2B illustrates
the apparatus 200 comprising the panel 210 interconnected with the
node 205. In some aspects of the apparatus, the panel 210 may be
inserted by way of the socket opening 290 into the socket 295 of
the node 205. As shown, like in FIG. 1, the socket 295 comprises a
tapered portion that narrows with increased distance from the
socket opening 290. When the panel 210 is inserted, the notch 215
may compress by the tapered portion such that the end portion of
the panel 210 surrounding the notch 215 conforms to the shape of
the node 205. Moreover, as one skilled in the art will appreciate,
the interface between the node and the panel may be similar to the
socket 130 interface illustrated in FIG. 1 without departing from
the scope of the disclosure.
[0023] The surface layers 240 may comprise a lightweight sturdy
material, such as a composite material. Such composite materials
may include carbon fiber. The composite material may have greater
flexibility than the core material, which may be achieved by
reducing the stiffness of the core 245. The flexibility of the
surface panels 240 enables the end portion of the panel 210 that is
inserted into the node 205 to become malleable and conform to the
shape of the node socket 295 to form a secure bond. As will be
discussed in the foregoing, a node may be configured to cause
surface panels to conform to many different shapes and
arrangements.
[0024] Additionally, the adhesive layer 220 may then surround the
portion of the panel 210 that is enclosed within the node 205. In
some aspects of the apparatus, the adhesive layer 220 is a film
foam adhesive. In such aspects, film foam adhesives are harder
than, cure faster than, and provide a stronger bond than liquid
adhesives. The adhesive layer 220 may cure to fix the
interconnected panel 210 with the node 205. An external heat
source, such as an oven, may apply heat to the panel/node
connection and cause the adhesive layer 220 to cure. As will be
discussed below, the adhesive may be applied to the panel 210 prior
to inserting the panel 210 into the node 205.
[0025] FIGS. 3A-3C illustrate an exemplary embodiment of an
apparatus 300 comprising a node 305 and a panel 310 engaged by a
widening tapered socket. FIG. 3A illustrates a node and
interconnected panel prior to bonding, while FIGS. 3B and 3C
illustrate the following steps of bonding the node and the panel.
FIGS. 3A-3C include an apparatus 300. The apparatus 300 includes a
node 305 and a panel 310. Similar to the panels 110 and 210, the
panel 310 includes surface layers 340 and a core 345. The panel 310
also includes a deformable edge 335 and a notch 315. A portion of
the core may be cut out to form the notch. Inside the notch is a
pre-applied adhesive 325, that may foam and/or disperse when
heated. The node 305 further includes a socket 330 and a socket
opening 390.
[0026] As shown in FIG. 3A, the notch 315 may be created in the
core 345. In some embodiments of the apparatus, at least a portion
of the core 345 is removed. In some aspects of the apparatus, the
adhesive 325 may be heated using an external source. When the
temperature of the adhesive 325 reaches a particular point, the
adhesive may begin to foam and expand into the socket 330. The
adhesive 325 may be applied to the panel 310 prior to inserting the
panel 310 into the node 305.
[0027] As shown in FIG. 3B, as the adhesive 325 begins to foam, it
starts to fill the socket 330 of the node 305. As the adhesive 325
continues foaming, it may cause the panel 310 to expand, as shown
in FIG. 3C. Thus, in contrast to the apparatus 200 of FIG. 2, the
socket 330 may comprise a tapered portion that widens with distance
from the socket opening 390. As a result, the deformable edges and
the notch 335 may expand, causing the notch 315 to widen. In such
aspects, the deformable edges 335 of the panel 310 may expand due
to the action of the adhesive 325 to conform to the geometry of the
socket 330 of the node 305. As discussed above, the surface layers
340 of the deformable ends 335 may have greater flexibility or
compressibility than the core 345 because the stiffness of the core
is reduced by the notch 315. Thus, the socket 330 expands the notch
315 according to the shape of the socket 330, in contrast to the
panel that has the flexibility to fit the tapered socket in FIG.
2.
[0028] In the above example, the adhesive may be a film foam
adhesive. However, in some aspects of the apparatus the adhesive
325 may be a liquid adhesive. The use of a liquid adhesive may
require additional material and manufacturing time. For instance,
when using a liquid adhesive, a liner may be applied between the
notch 315 in the core 345 and the pre-applied adhesive 325. The
liner is used to prevent the adhesive from migrating into the core
345. For instance, since the core 345 is typically made of a
material with a honeycomb-like structure, a liquid adhesive could
seep into the holes of the core's honeycomb structure in the
absence of a liner.
[0029] Additionally a sealant may be necessary to seal the adhesive
325 to the node 305. Thus, when interconnecting the node 305 with
the panel 310, a sealant may be pre-applied to at least one
internal side of the node socket 330. Without the sealant, a proper
seal between the socket 330 and the panel 310 may not be formed
after the adhesive 325 cures.
[0030] Heat may then be applied to the apparatus, similar to the
example above. As the temperature increases from the heat, the
sealant may first begin to foam in order to form a seal around the
edges of the socket 330. The adhesive 325 may subsequently foam,
filling the cavity between the panel 310 and the sealant. In some
aspects of the apparatus, the sealant may foam at a lower
temperature than the adhesive 330. In such aspects, during the
interconnecting process, heat may be applied to the node 305 and
panel 310. As the temperature rises, the sealant would foam first.
The heat may be applied such that the sealant has sufficient time
to partially or fully cure before the temperature reaches the
foaming point for the adhesive 325. After the adhesive 325 fills
the cavity between the sealant within the socket 330 and the panel
310, the temperature may remain at a point that allows the adhesive
325 to cure and bond the node 305 and the panel 310 together, while
also sealing the interface between the node 305 and the panel 310.
The heat may be applied to the apparatus 300 from an external heat
source.
[0031] Alternatively, when a film foam adhesive is used, as
discussed above, applying sealant may be unnecessary for forming a
seal between the node 305 and the adhesive 325 because the film
foam adhesive is capable of forming the seal on its own. As a
result, bonding time is reduced. Thus, when faster bonding times
are needed, it may be important use a film foam adhesive in order
to bypass the step of applying a sealant so that a faster bonding
time can be achieved. Moreover, in some aspects of the apparatus,
additively manufactured features may be printed in the node 305,
where the node 305 acts as a tapering mechanism such that the panel
310 may deflect before the adhesive 325 flows through the node
socket. The following figure illustrates a node with such printed
features.
[0032] FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of an apparatus
400 having a node with additively manufactured features configured
to cause a panel to taper upon insertion into a node. As shown, the
apparatus 400 includes a node 405, a panel 410, and adhesive 425.
The node 405 includes a tapering feature 455, socket 495, and
socket opening 490. The panel 410 includes a core 445, and surface
layers 440. As shown, a portion 415 of panel 410 surface layers 440
is without the core.
[0033] As discussed above, the tapering feature 455 expands with
distance from socket opening 490. The tapering feature 455 is
configured to cause the portion 415 of the surface layers 440
without the core 445 therebetween to deform, or taper, when the
panel 410 is inserted into the node 405, and prior to the flow of
the adhesive through the socket 495. As shown, the surface layers
440 may conform to the shape of the tapering feature 455. Unlike
conventional manufacturing techniques, such as welding, additive
manufacturing techniques enable the tapering features to be
co-printed inside of the node. It is often difficult to add such
features internal to a structure with conventional manufacturing
techniques. Moreover, the tapering features 455 illustrated in FIG.
4 are merely exemplary illustration of a feature that may be
co-printed with a node to shape a panel or other component
according to the geometry of the tapering feature. In fact, any
co-printed feature that is configured to accept a component, or
portion of a component (e.g., surface layer of a panel) may be
utilized in order to increase customizability without departing
from the scope of the disclosure.
[0034] Thus, additive manufacturing techniques allow for deforming
or deflecting a component such as a panel prior with co-printed
features prior to affixing the panel to a node. The deflections
allow for a more stronger and more customizable interconnection
that was not previously achievable. Stronger interconnections are
beneficial to highly complex manufactured structures that may be
under a lot of stress such as land, sea, and air vehicles. However,
one having ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the above
techniques are applicable to any structure or manufacturing process
requiring strong adhesion and/or faster bonding times.
[0035] FIG. 5 conceptually illustrates a process 500 for utilizing
co-printed internal features in joining a panel with a node. The
panel may be a deflectable panel configured to have greater
flexibility by reducing the stiffness of a core material between
surface layers of the panel. The process 500 may be performed by a
mechanical device. The process 500 begins when instructions to
additively manufacture a part are provided. The process 500 may be
performed in connection with the apparatuses 100, 200, 300, and 400
discussed above with respect to FIGS. 1-4.
[0036] At 505, the process 500 prints a node having a socket by
additive manufacturing. The process 500 interconnects (at 510) a
panel with the node. The panel may include opposing surfaces layers
and a core between at least a portion of the surface layers. As
discussed above, at least a portion of this core may be removed
during the joining process. The process 500 engages (at 515) the
socket with an end portion of the panel. After engaging the socket
with the end portion, the process 500 shapes (at 520) the surface
layers on the end portion of the panel based on the shape of the
socket. For instance, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the deflectable
end portions of the panel may have sufficient flexibility to
compress and fit into a tapered node socket. This may be achieved
by reducing the stiffness of the core. Conversely, as shown in
FIGS. 3 and 4, for example, the deflectable ends may have the
flexibility to expand and fit into a wider socket. Similarly, this
may be achieved by removing at least a portion of the core from the
expanded ends, which reduces the stiffness of the core.
[0037] The ability to additively manufacture nodes creates the
opportunity to shape components such as panels to provide stronger
interconnections. By tapering or expanding the ends of the panels,
simpler and more cost efficient approaches for joining a node and a
panel can be achieved. Additive manufacturing provides the ability
to generate parts with geometric features that are not otherwise
possible using conventional manufacturing techniques.
[0038] The previous description is provided to enable any person
skilled in the art to practice the various aspects described
herein. Various modifications to these exemplary embodiments
presented throughout this disclosure will be readily apparent to
those skilled in the art, and the concepts disclosed herein may be
applied to other techniques for printing nodes and interconnects.
Thus, the claims are not intended to be limited to the exemplary
embodiments presented throughout the disclosure, but are to be
accorded the full scope consistent with the language claims. All
structural and functional equivalents to the elements of the
exemplary embodiments described throughout this disclosure that are
known or later come to be known to those of ordinary skill in the
art are intended to be encompassed by the claims. Moreover, nothing
disclosed herein is intended to be dedicated to the public
regardless of whether such disclosure is explicitly recited in the
claims. No claim element is to be construed under the provisions of
35 U.S.C. .sctn. 112(f), or analogous law in applicable
jurisdictions, unless the element is expressly recited using the
phrase "means for" or, in the case of a method claim, the element
is recited using the phrase "step for."
* * * * *