Method of generating force between a structure and an additional member
US6865791B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 8, 2001 |
| Grant date | Mar 15, 2005 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 8, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T403/7061
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A method of generating force between a structure and an additional member, particularly for reinforcing an existing structure so that an additional member can share existing load. Pre-cooled or pre-heated shims of shape memory alloy (SMA) are inserted between the additional member and the existing structure, or between different sub-units of the additional member, or between the additional member and shoes fixed for this purpose to the existing structure. On subsequent warming or cooling the SMA shims expand to apply compressive forces to the portions of the structure, additional member or shoe(s) with which they are in contact on their opposite sides. Further compressive, tensile, flexural or torsional forces will be developed within other parts of the structure and additional member as a result of the shim expansion depending on the particular arrangement. Alternatively the SMA may be of a type which expands when warmed above ambient temperature and remains in the expanded state despite cooling back to ambient.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.