Method of generating support structure of tube components to become functional features

Abstract

A method includes building a tubular object by a layer-by-layer additive manufacturing process. A structure integrally connected to the tubular object for supporting a portion of the tubular object is formed during building of the tubular object. The structure provides vibration dampening, heat shielding, heat transfer, stiffening, energy absorption, or mounting after the tubular object is built.

1 . A method comprising:
 building a tubular object by a layer-by-layer additive manufacturing process;   forming, while building the tubular object, a structure integrally connected to the tubular object for supporting a portion of the tubular object with the structure during building of the tubular object, and for providing vibration dampening, heat shielding, heat transfer, stiffening, energy absorption, or mounting after the tubular object is built.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein a portion of the structure comprises a heat-shield structure, mounting structure, honeycomb structure, fin structure, matrix structure, lattice structure, rib structure, filter structure, bushing structure, or slot. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the tubular object includes at least one channel therein extending for the length of the tubular object, and the at least one channel is configured to allow transport of a fluid through the tubular object. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 3 , wherein the structure is disposed within the tubular object and the structure is configured to allow transport of the fluid through the tubular object. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 3 , wherein the fluid comprises oil, fuel, gas, or air. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the tubular object comprises a tube designed for use in a gas turbine engine. 
     
     
         7 . An apparatus comprising:
 a tubular object, the tubular object built by layer-by-layer additive manufacturing; and   a structure comprising a heat-shield structure, mounting structure, honeycomb structure, fin structure, matrix structure, lattice structure, rib structure, filter structure, bushing structure, or slot, the structure integrally formed to the tubular object and positioned to act as a support structure during building of the tubular object by layer-by-layer additive manufacturing.   
     
     
         8 . The apparatus of  claim 7 , wherein the structure is configured to perform at least one of vibration dampening, heat shielding, heat transfer, stiffening, energy absorption, or mounting. 
     
     
         9 . The apparatus of  claim 7 , wherein the tubular object includes at least one channel therein extending for the length of the tubular object, and the at least one channel is configured to allow transport of a fluid through the tubular object. 
     
     
         10 . The apparatus of  claim 9 , wherein the structure is disposed within the tubular object and the structure is configured to allow transport of the fluid through the tubular object. 
     
     
         11 . The apparatus of  claim 9 , wherein the fluid comprises oil, fuel, gas, or air. 
     
     
         12 . The apparatus of  claim 7 , wherein the tubular object comprises a tube designed for use in a gas turbine engine. 
     
     
         13 . A method comprising:
 designing a component having a tubular body and a structure that performs at least one of vibration dampening, heat shielding, heat transfer, stiffening, energy absorption, or mounting, wherein the structure is positioned with respect to the tubular body so that the structure will act as a support to the component during layer-by-layer additive manufacturing of the component;   creating digital files defining the component on a layer-by-layer basis; and   producing the component by layer-by-layer additive manufacturing using the digital files.   
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein a portion of the structure comprises a heat-shield structure, mounting structure, honeycomb structure, fin structure, matrix structure, lattice structure, rib structure, filter structure, bushing structure, or slot. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein the tubular object includes at least one channel therein extending for the length of the tubular object, and the at least one channel is configured to allow transport of a fluid through the tubular object. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein the structure is disposed within the tubular object and the structure is configured to allow transport of the fluid through the tubular object. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein the fluid comprises oil, fuel, gas, or air. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein the tubular object comprises a tube designed for use in a gas turbine engine.