Tubular support structure with variable wall thickness

摘要

A support structure may include a metallic tube having two opposing ends. The first end may have a first length, a first wall thickness, and a first outer diameter. The second end may have a second length, a second wall thickness, and a second outer diameter. A transition area may be disposed between the first length and the second length. The first wall thickness may be greater than the second wall thickness thereby providing variable thickness.

主权项

1. A method of making a tubular support, comprising:
drawing a metallic tube having a longitudinal axis to extend its length and selectively changing its wall thickness; forming a first end of the tube having a first length, a first wall thickness and a first outer diameter; forming a second end of the tube having a second length, a second wall thickness and a second outer diameter; and disposing a transition area between the first end and the second end, wherein the second wall thickness is less than the first wall thickness; wherein disposing the transition area between the first end and the second end includes mechanically varying the wall thickness of the tube by manipulating a mandrel positioned within the tube in a radial direction relative to the longitudinal axis to transition from the first wall thickness to the second wall thickness.