Turbomachine Blade Reinforcement via Superplastic Wire Preform

The patent applies preliminary action by creating a preform structure before final forming. Metal wires are arranged in a three-dimensional configuration matching the desired reinforcement geometry, and an insert is positioned within the wire assembly before hot pressing. This pre-arranged structure reduces the complexity of subsequent machining operations while ensuring geometric precision is achieved during the forming process itself.

The patent utilizes parameter changes by transforming the physical state of metal wires through hot pressing at elevated temperatures and pressures. The metal wires transition from a loose three-dimensional arrangement to a densely packed, sintered structure with properties approaching those of forged material. This parameter change enables the production of complex geometries without extensive machining, reducing both cost and manufacturing time while maintaining geometric precision.

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-assembling the metal reinforcement structure in its near-final configuration before hot pressing. The three-dimensional arrangement of metal wires and insert is constructed to match the target geometry, eliminating the need for complex post-forming tools and rework operations. This preliminary structuring ensures geometric accuracy is built-in rather than achieved through multiple machining steps.

The patent extracts the geometric complexity from the manufacturing process by directly forming the reinforcement in its final shape through hot pressing of the prearranged wire structure. This eliminates the need for separate complex machining tools and multiple rework operations that would otherwise be required to achieve the same geometric accuracy, thereby reducing device complexity.

The patent utilizes parameter changes by applying heat and pressure during hot pressing to transform the metal wire structure into a dense, mechanically sound component with the desired geometry. This thermal-mechanical processing achieves geometric requirements directly during forming, eliminating the need for extensive subsequent machining operations and significantly reducing production time while meeting geometric specifications.

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring the metal wires and insert in their final geometric arrangement before hot pressing. This preliminary structuring ensures that the reinforcement achieves required geometric requirements directly from the forming process, minimizing or eliminating the need for time-consuming machining operations afterward.