Tunable thermal switch
US9025333B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 22, 2011 |
| Grant date | May 5, 2015 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 23, 2033 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF28F2013/008
- WIPO fieldThermal processes and apparatus
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A new multifunctional, thermoelastic cellular structure is described. The new structure provides tunable thermal transport behaviors particularly important for thermal switching. In its simplest example embodiment of a single or unit cell, opposing bimetallic elements bend in response to temperature changes and, below a tunable switching temperature, are separated in an open or insulating position and, at and above the switching temperature, bend to come into contact in a closed or conducting position. Multiple cells are combined in different lattice arrays to create structures that are both switchable and load bearing. The cells can be switched by both temperature and other external fields.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.