Shape memory alloy member for use in polymer or composite seal applications
US10612658B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 3, 2016 |
| Grant date | Apr 7, 2020 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 3, 2036 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF16J15/184
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A sealing system (100) that includes a first component (112), a second component (114) and a polymer seal (116) positioned in a seal recess (118) in the first component. A TWSMA member (122) is positioned in the seal recess (118), wherein the TWSMA member (122) has a retracted shape (122R) and an expanded shape (122E), the TWSMA member (122) transitioning from the retracted shape (122R) to the expanded shape (122E) at a temperature that is less than an installation temperature when the polymer seal (116) and the TWSMA member (122) were positioned in the seal recess (118). In the expanded shape (122E) the TWSMA member (122) exerts a force (130) on the polymer seal (116) so as to urge the polymer seal (116) into sealing contact with the second component (114) and wherein in the expanded shape (122E), at least a portion (122S1) of a surface (122S) of the TWSMA member (122) is positioned at a location that is farther away from a surface (118A, 118X) of the seal recess (118) that the portion (122S1) was when the TWSMA member (122) was in its retracted shape (122R).
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.