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US 12,466,217 B2Granted
Reinforcement of polymers with shape memory alloy elements
AssigneeThe Smart Tire Company, Inc.
InventorsBrian Yennie, Earl Cole, Jim Benzing
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Shape memory alloy elements (“SMAs”) are bonded, encased, or encapsulated with one or more polymers to form an integrated component with unique elastic, pseudoelastic, and load-bearing properties.
Claims16
A tire assembly comprising:
- a body defined by a shape memory alloy structure, the shape memory alloy structure comprising a shape memory alloy element;
- and
- a polymer layer configured to encase the body, wherein the polymer is a first polymer bonded to a second polymer, the first polymer and the second polymer being different materials from each other.
A shape memory alloy assembly comprising:
- a shape memory alloy structure comprising a first spring and a second spring interwoven with each other, the first spring having a larger diameter than a diameter of the second spring, the shape memory alloy structure having a toroidal shape;
- and
- a polymer layer configured to encase the shape memory alloy structure.
A tire assembly comprising:
- a body defined by a shape memory alloy structure, the shape memory alloy structure comprising a shape memory alloy element, wherein the shape memory element is a plurality of shape memory alloy elements, wherein the plurality of shape memory alloy elements are mechanically combined, and wherein the plurality of shape memory alloy elements comprise a plurality of springs configured to be interwoven with each other;
- and
- a polymer layer configured to encase the body.
A tire assembly comprising:
- a body defined by a shape memory alloy structure, the shape memory alloy structure comprising a shape memory alloy element;
- and
- a polymer layer configured to encase the body, wherein the polymer is configured to be 3D printed onto the shape memory alloy structure.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.