ELECTRICAL COMMUNICATION WITH 3D-PRINTED OBJECTS
First Claim
1. A method of making an electrical connection to a three-dimensionally printed object, the method comprising the steps of:
- forming the printed object by three-dimensional printing, wherein the printed object defines a socket disposed proximate a printed electrically conductive lead in the printed object; and
inserting a magnet into the socket to form an electrical contact between the magnet and the electrically conductive lead.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
Electrical signal and power transmission between two or more 3D-printed parts, 3D-printed parts and printed circuit boards, and/or 3D-printed parts and standard wire harnesses are facilitated by inserting electrically conductive magnets in sockets formed in each of the 3D-printed parts during 3D printing; by inserting electrically conductive magnets in sockets formed in a first part and inserting a biasable, electrically conductive object in the sockets formed in a second part during 3D printing; by 3D printing an electrically conductive feature having a biasable face in a first part and forming an electrically conductive pad/socket on a second part; or by affixing a printed circuit board in a first part and connecting the first part to a second part having contact pins and contact pads formed in the second part.
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Citations
53 Claims
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1. A method of making an electrical connection to a three-dimensionally printed object, the method comprising the steps of:
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forming the printed object by three-dimensional printing, wherein the printed object defines a socket disposed proximate a printed electrically conductive lead in the printed object; and inserting a magnet into the socket to form an electrical contact between the magnet and the electrically conductive lead. - View Dependent Claims (2, 6, 8, 9, 12, 22, 26)
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3-5. -5. (canceled)
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7. (canceled)
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10-11. -11. (canceled)
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13-21. -21. (canceled)
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23-25. -25. (canceled)
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27. (canceled)
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28. An article comprising:
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a three-dimensionally printed object defining a socket disposed proximate an electrical lead embedded in the printed object; and a magnet disposed in the socket, forming an electrical contact between the magnet and the electrical lead. - View Dependent Claims (29, 30, 31, 34, 42, 44, 46)
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32-33. -33. (canceled)
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35-41. -41. (canceled)
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43. (canceled)
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45. (canceled)
- 47. (canceled)
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49. A method of making an electrical connection to a multi-part, three-dimensionally (3D) printed object, the method comprising the steps of:
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forming a first part of the printed object by three-dimensional printing, wherein a socket is formed in the first part proximate a first electrically conductive lead, the first part further comprising at least one press-fit part; inserting an electrically conductive material into the socket in the first part to form an electrical contact between the material and the first electrically conductive lead; forming a second part of the printed object by three-dimensional printing, wherein a socket is formed in the second part proximate a second electrically conductive lead, the second part further comprising at least one press-fit part; inserting a biasable, electrically conductive object into the socket in the second part to form an electrical contact between the electrically conductive object and the second electrically conductive lead; and press-fitting the first part to the second part to mechanically connect the first part to the second part and to form an electrical communication between the first electrically conductive lead and the second electrically conductive lead. - View Dependent Claims (50, 51, 52)
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53-61. -61. (canceled)
Specification