Duct with shape memory material, and installation method
US10927987B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 22, 2015 |
| Grant date | Feb 23, 2021 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 23, 2038 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB29K2995/0049
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Ducting and/or duct couplings can be formed from shape memory polymer material, with the material for example being additively manufactured. The use of shape memory polymer material for one or more of the duct portions may allow for easier installation of the ducting, for example allowing the ducting to be warped and/or bent to fit into or through places that are hard to reach or hard to maneuver through, with the ducting then heated to cause it to return to a predetermined memory shape. The coupling of duct portions together may be accomplished by the duct portions including a shape memory polymer material, with for example ends of the duct portions fitted together, and then heated to use a shape memory property of the material to effect coupling. Heating of the shape memory polymer material also softens the material, allowing it to move to a previously set shape.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.