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US 11,110,647 B2Granted
Adaptive composite structure using shape memory alloys
AssigneeThe Boeing Company
InventorsJeffery L. Marcoe, Sahrudine Apdalhaliem, Moushumi Shome
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AssigneeThe Boeing Company
InventorsJeffery L. Marcoe, Sahrudine Apdalhaliem, Moushumi Shome
Estimating the term…
Systems and processes that integrate thermoplastic and shape memory alloy materials to form an adaptive composite structure capable of changing its shape. For example, the adaptive composite structure may be designed to serve as a multifunctional adaptive wing flight control surface. Other applications for such adaptive composite structures include in variable area fan nozzles, winglets, fairings, elevators, rudders, or other aircraft components having an aerodynamic surface whose shape is preferably controllable. The material systems can be integrated by means of overbraiding (interwoven) with tows of both thermoplastic and shape memory alloy materials or separate layers of each material can be consolidated (e.g., using induction heating) to make a flight control surface that does not require separate actuation.
An aerodynamic device comprising first and second skins, each of the first and second skins comprising shape memory alloy and thermoplastic material, wherein the shape memory alloy is embedded in the thermoplastic material and wrapped around an inner mold line of the aerodynamic device, and further comprising a first heating blanket adhered to an interior surface of the first skin, wherein the shape memory alloy of the first skin comprises an active portion embedded in the thermoplastic material of the first skin in an area overlapping the first heating blanket, and the first heating blanket comprises conductive foil in a serpentine pattern.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.