Systems and methods for bonding objects using energetic welding
US11873122B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 2, 2021 |
| Grant date | Jan 16, 2024 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 15, 2042 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB64G5/00
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Systems and methods for bonding objects using energetic welding are disclosed. A representative system includes a launch vehicle portion, one or more landing support elements positioned to support the launch vehicle portion when the launch vehicle portion lands on a landing surface, and a bonding device carried by at least one of the landing support elements and configured to form a bond between the bonding device and the landing surface when the launch vehicle portion is on the landing surface. The bond may include a weld. A further representative system includes a bonding device with an energetic material and an anchor element, wherein activating the energetic material deforms the anchor element onto a landing surface to form a weld between the bonding device and the landing surface. A representative method includes automatically bonding a portion of a launch vehicle to a landing surface in response to landing.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.