Releasable fastening system based on ionic polymer metal composites and method of use
US6973701B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 7, 2003 |
| Grant date | Dec 13, 2005 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 7, 2023 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T428/24017
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A releasable fastening system comprises a knob portion comprising a knob element, a cavity portion comprising a cavity configured to receive the knob element, and an ionic polymer metal composite actuator disposed at the knob element. The ionic polymer metal composite actuator is operable to mechanically interlock the knob element with the cavity. A method of operating a releasable fastening system comprises contacting a knob portion with a cavity portion to form a releasable engagement, wherein the knob portion comprises a knob element disposed on a first support, and wherein the cavity portion comprises a cavity disposed at a second support; maintaining constant shear forces and constant pull-off forces between the knob portion and the cavity portion; and activating an ionic polymer metal composite actuator at the knob portion to facilitate the interlocking of the knob portion and the cavity portion.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.