Direct-manufactured duct interconnects
First Claim
1. A method for forming a duct connector, the method comprising:
- providing a first digital model of a first duct structure, the first duct structure including a first duct section having a passage for conveying a substance, and a first interconnect component moveably and captively coupled to the duct section;
providing a second digital model of second duct structure, the second duct structure including a second duct section having a passage for conveying the substance, and a second interconnect component, wherein the second interconnect component is configured to removeably enter a locked state with the first interconnect component such that, when said second interconnect component is in the locked state, a sealing force between the first and second duct structures is substantially equal to a predetermined value;
forming, via a direct manufacturing procedure, a first physical model corresponding to the first duct structure defined by the first digital model; and
forming, via the direct manufacturing procedure, a second physical model corresponding to the second duct structure defined by the second digital model.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A method for forming a duct interconnect generally includes providing a digital model of a first duct structure and a second duct structure, the first duct structure including a first duct section having a passage for conveying a substance and an interconnect component moveably and captively coupled to the duct section. The second duct structure includes a second duct structure and a second interconnect component. The process includes forming, via a direct manufacturing procedure (e.g., stereolithography), a physical model of the first duct and second structures in accordance with the digital models, wherein the interconnect component has a locked and unlocked state, and wherein the unlocked state corresponds to a predetermined compressive force between the first duct structure and a second duct structure.
339 Citations
12 Claims
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1. A method for forming a duct connector, the method comprising:
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providing a first digital model of a first duct structure, the first duct structure including a first duct section having a passage for conveying a substance, and a first interconnect component moveably and captively coupled to the duct section; providing a second digital model of second duct structure, the second duct structure including a second duct section having a passage for conveying the substance, and a second interconnect component, wherein the second interconnect component is configured to removeably enter a locked state with the first interconnect component such that, when said second interconnect component is in the locked state, a sealing force between the first and second duct structures is substantially equal to a predetermined value; forming, via a direct manufacturing procedure, a first physical model corresponding to the first duct structure defined by the first digital model; and forming, via the direct manufacturing procedure, a second physical model corresponding to the second duct structure defined by the second digital model. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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Specification