17988047. SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING A TOWER STRUCTURE simplified abstract (General Electric Company)

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SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING A TOWER STRUCTURE

Organization Name

General Electric Company

Inventor(s)

Norman Arnold Turnquist of Carlisle NY (US)

Biao Fang of Clifton Park NY (US)

Pascal Meyer of Burnt Hills NY (US)

Gregory Edward Cooper of Greenfield Center NY (US)

Collin McKee Sheppard of Greenville SC (US)

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING A TOWER STRUCTURE - A simplified explanation of the abstract

This abstract first appeared for US patent application 17988047 titled 'SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING A TOWER STRUCTURE

Simplified Explanation

The method described in the abstract involves manufacturing a tower structure by printing and depositing layers of wall elements using a variable-width deposition nozzle. The method also includes forming voids within the wall elements and placing reinforcement members within the voids to strengthen the structure.

  • Printing and depositing layers of wall elements using a variable-width deposition nozzle
  • Forming voids within the wall elements
  • Placing reinforcement members within the voids to strengthen the structure

Potential Applications

The technology described in this patent application could be applied in the construction industry for building tall structures such as towers and skyscrapers. It could also be used in the manufacturing of various types of infrastructure where strong and lightweight materials are required.

Problems Solved

This technology solves the problem of efficiently manufacturing tower structures with complex geometries and internal reinforcement. It allows for the creation of strong and durable structures while reducing material waste and production time.

Benefits

The benefits of this technology include increased structural integrity, reduced material usage, and improved manufacturing efficiency. The use of variable-width deposition nozzles allows for precise control over the deposition process, resulting in high-quality and customizable structures.

Potential Commercial Applications

The technology could be commercialized for use in the construction industry for building towers, bridges, and other infrastructure projects. It could also be utilized in the aerospace and automotive industries for manufacturing lightweight and strong components.

Possible Prior Art

One possible prior art for this technology could be the use of 3D printing techniques for manufacturing complex structures with internal reinforcement. However, the specific method described in this patent application, using variable-width deposition nozzles and forming voids for reinforcement, may be a novel approach.

Unanswered Questions

How does this technology compare to traditional methods of constructing tower structures?

This technology offers the advantage of creating complex geometries and internal reinforcement in a more efficient and customizable manner compared to traditional construction methods. It also allows for the use of lightweight materials without compromising structural integrity.

What are the limitations of using variable-width deposition nozzles in manufacturing tower structures?

One limitation of using variable-width deposition nozzles may be the complexity of programming and controlling the deposition process. Additionally, the nozzle size and material properties may affect the final quality and strength of the structure.


Original Abstract Submitted

A method for manufacturing a tower structure, the method including printing and depositing, with at least one variable-width deposition nozzle of a printhead assembly, one or more layers of at least one wall element of the tower structure, the at least one wall element having an outer circumferential surface and an inner circumferential surface. The method also including forming, with the at least one variable-width deposition nozzle, at least one void into the at least one wall element. The method also including placing at least one reinforcement member within the at least one void so as to position the at least one reinforcement member closer to a neutral axis of the at least one wall element than at least one of the outer circumferential surface or the inner circumferential surface.