Adaptive structures, systems incorporating same and related methods
US7913928B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 6, 2006 |
| Grant date | Mar 29, 2011 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 30, 2029 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T137/1834
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Adaptive structures, systems incorporating such adaptive structures and related methods are disclosed. In one embodiment, an adaptive structure is provided that includes a first structure and at least one microstructure associated with the first structure. The at least one microstructure may include a microscale beam configured to be displaced relative to the first structure upon the adaptive structure being exposed to a specified temperature. The beam may be formed for example, of a metallic material, of multiple different metallic materials, or of a shape memory alloy. In one embodiment, a plurality of the adaptive structures may be associated with micropores of a skin panel. The adaptive structures may be utilized to control the flow rate of a coolant or other fluid through the micropores responsive to a sensed environmental parameter such as, for example, temperature.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.