Method of fabricating a self-deploying structural element
US5164129A · kind A · utility
9Cited by
3References
9Claims
0Family size
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 16, 1990 |
| Grant date | Nov 17, 1992 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 16, 2010 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB64G1/2225
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A self-deploying structural element formed of a core or 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.