Patent · US Active

Shape memory alloy (SMA) tubular structure

US11912078B1 · kind B1 · utility

1Cited by

6References

17Claims

0Family size

Assignee

United States Government Administrator of NASA · US

Inventors

Colin M. Creager · Cleveland, US
Santo Padula · Medina, US
Calvin Young · Portland, US

Key dates

Filing date	Dec 11, 2020
Grant date	Feb 27, 2024
Priority date	—
Expiry date	Jul 3, 2042

Classification

Technology area (CPC C)Chemistry; Metallurgy
CPC primaryC22C19/03
WIPO fieldTransport
WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

The innovation presented herein provides among its embodiments, a non-pneumatic structure such as a vehicle tire, consisting of a matrix of shape memory alloy (SMA) elements. The interlocking layering pattern provides geometries which leverage the SMA material properties to accomplish performance characteristics of traditional pneumatic structures across a spectrum of possible desired uses including normal personal use, recreational use, sport use and commercial use. Embodiments include applying structural design and material properties to provide a fixed or a variable set of performance characteristics. Similar to the fruits of other space program initiatives, the innovation leverages material science developed for extra-terrestrial purposes to accomplish advances over conventional items.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.