Spacers, structural support systems, and methods of use thereof
US12163439B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 25, 2023 |
| Grant date | Dec 10, 2024 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 25, 2043 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF05D2300/505
- WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Spacers, structural support systems that includes the spacers, and method of coupling components therewith are provided. The spacers may include a body having oppositely disposed ends, cylindrical sidewalls extending therebetween, and radially outward extending flanges at the ends. Inner surfaces of the sidewalls define a longitudinal bore with openings at each of the ends. The bore is configured to receive a shank of a fastener such that the body is secured between a head of the fastener and a structure to which the fastener is secured. The spacer is formed from a super-elastic shape memory alloy that allows for recoverable deformation without failing when at or above a transformation temperature thereof. The sidewalls have an initial shape prior to undergoing deformation, undergo the recoverable deformation when a load thereon exceeds a first threshold, and recover back to the initial shape once the load drops below a second threshold.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.