Morphing cellular structure
US7582349B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 3, 2005 |
| Grant date | Sep 1, 2009 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 10, 2025 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T428/24149
- WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
The present invention relates to a morphing cellular structure. The morphing cellular structure comprises a group of unit cells with each unit cell configured to have a cellular geometry. The group unit cells are formed of an active material, where the active material has both a first state and a second state. The active material is responsive to an actuation signal such that when the actuation signal is actuated, the active material is deformed from the first state to the second state, thereby changing the volume of each unit cell affected by the actuation of the actuation signal and morphing the cellular structure. Furthermore, both a passive material and at least one additional active material can be attached with the active material, allowing a user to selectively change the shape of the cellular structure.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.