Assemblies including shape memory alloy fittings and composite structural members
US9719536B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 3, 2014 |
| Grant date | Aug 1, 2017 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 26, 2035 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF16B2200/77
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Provided are assemblies having composite structures interlocked with shape memory alloy structures and methods of fabricating such assemblies. Interlocking may involve inserting an interlocking protrusion of a shape memory alloy structure into an interlocking opening of a composite structure and heating at least this protrusion of the shape memory alloy structure to activate the alloy and change the shape of the protrusion. This shape change engages the protrusion in the opening such that the protrusion cannot be removed from the opening. The shape memory alloy structure may be specifically trained prior to forming an assembly using a combination of thermal cycling and deformation to achieve specific pre-activation and post-activation shapes. The pre-activation shape allows inserting the interlocking protrusion into the opening, while the post-activation shape engages the interlocking protrusion within the opening. As such, activation of the shape memory alloy interlocks the two structures.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.