Automated bi-stable valve system and method of using the same for composite manufacturing
US12146582B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 6, 2021 |
| Grant date | Nov 19, 2024 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 16, 2042 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02T50/40
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
There is provided an automated bi-stable valve system. The system includes a bi-stable valve mechanism with bi-stable valves. Each of the bi-stable valves is configured to switch between a valve closed state and a valve open state. The system includes a control system coupled to the bi-stable valve mechanism and configured to operably control the bi-stable valve mechanism. The control system includes, (i) at least one traversable bridge apparatus, and (ii) a valve switch mechanism attached to the traversable bridge apparatus, and movable, via the traversable bridge apparatus, over the bi-stable valves. The valve switch mechanism is configured to switch the bi-stable valve(s) between the valve closed state and the valve open state, to allow for selective control of one or more adhesion zones on the bi-stable valve mechanism. The adhesion zone(s) correspond to adhesion area(s) on a surface of a material to be selectively picked up and placed.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.