Self-deploying structural element
US4978564A · kind A · utility
16Cited by
2References
21Claims
0Family size
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 27, 1989 |
| Grant date | Dec 18, 1990 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 27, 2009 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T428/24008
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A self-deploying structural element formed of a core of temperature sensitive expanding foam, a load carrying component of advanced composite material, and an outer retaining jacket. A heat generating means such as resistance heating wires is included to initiate deployment of the structure. The heating of the structure causes the foam core to expand, unrolling or unfolding the structure. The heat also cures the advanced composite material to a rigid form. The retaining jacket is preferably a heat shrink jacket which contracts around the composite material.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.