Methods and tools for forming contoured composite structures with shape memory alloy
US9808997B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 30, 2016 |
| Grant date | Nov 7, 2017 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 30, 2036 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02T50/40
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Methods and tools for forming contoured composite structures are disclosed. Methods include positioning a sheet of composite material relative to a structure of shape memory alloy, heating the structure of shape memory alloy to deform the structure of shape memory alloy to a deformed conformation and thereby conform the sheet of composite material to a desired contour corresponding to the deformed conformation of the structure of shape memory alloy. Tools include a structure of shape memory alloy and a heat source for heating the structure of shape memory alloy to conform a sheet of composite material to a desired contour corresponding to the deformed conformation of the structure of shape memory alloy.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.