ACTIVE MATERIAL INSERTS FOR USE WITH HOLLOW STRUCTURES
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A modifiable structural assembly comprising:
- a hollow structural member defining an interior opening; and
at least one insert securely positioned within the opening, and formed at least in part of an active material operable to selectively achieve first and second differing states when activated and deactivated respectively,said member and at least one insert being cooperatively configured to present a first assembly characteristic value when the material is in the first state, and a second value when the material is in the second state.
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Abstract
A modifiable structural assembly comprising an active material based insert positioned within a hollow structural member, wherein the insert defines a first insert dimension, is configured, when activated, to change the first insert dimension to a second insert dimension, and selectively achieving the first or second dimension facilitates positioning the insert, or changes a characteristic of the assembly, such as the stiffness, damping effect, or energy absorption rate, once the insert has been positioned.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. A modifiable structural assembly comprising:
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a hollow structural member defining an interior opening; and at least one insert securely positioned within the opening, and formed at least in part of an active material operable to selectively achieve first and second differing states when activated and deactivated respectively, said member and at least one insert being cooperatively configured to present a first assembly characteristic value when the material is in the first state, and a second value when the material is in the second state. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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15. An insert adapted for use with a hollow structural member defining opposite interior surfaces, wherein the surfaces contributively define an opening and an interior dimension, the insert defines a first insert dimension and comprises an active material element configured to change the first insert dimension to a second insert dimension, one of said first and second insert dimensions being less than the interior dimension so as to facilitate insertion into the opening, and the other of said first and second insert dimensions being greater than the interior dimension.
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16. A method of modifying a structural assembly including a hollow structural member defining an opening, said method comprising the steps of:
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a. securing the member so as to selectively engage a condition or event; b. securing at least one insert within the opening, wherein the insert is formed at least in part of an active material operable to selectively achieve first and second differing states when activated and deactivated respectively; and c. activating the material so as to achieve one of said first and second states, and modifying the assembly as a result of activating the material, when the condition or event is engaged. - View Dependent Claims (17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification