Systems and Methods for Dieless Composite Forming
AssigneeNorthwestern University
InventorsSangram Keshari Rout, Jian Cao, Marisa Ravena Bisram
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Abstract
Knitmorphs and methods of knitmophing include knitting one or more yarn materials into knitted structure having a first shape. A thermal load may then be applied to all or part of the knitted structure to deform the knitted structure into a second shape. The thermal load can be removed to return the knitted structure to the first shape or a hardening agent can be applied to lock the knitted structure in the second shape.
Claims20
A method of manufacturing a three-dimensional structure comprising:
- obtaining a first yarn material, the first yarn material having first material properties;
- obtaining a second yarn material, the second yarn material having second material properties;
- knitting the first yarn material and the second yarn material together to form a knit structure having a first shape;
- and
- applying a thermal load to at least one of the first yarn material or the second yarn material to thereby deform the first yarn material and/or the second yarn material and thereby form a second shape.
The method of manufacturing a three-dimensional structure further comprising:
- applying a resin to the three-dimensional shape to thereby lock the knitted structure in the second shape.
A knit structure comprising:
- a first yarn material, the first yarn material having first material properties;
- a second yarn material, the second yarn material having second material properties;
- wherein the first yarn material and the second yarn material are knit together forming a first shape;
- and
- wherein when a thermal load is applied to at least one of the first yarn material or the second yarn material the first yarn material and/or the second yarn material deform thereby form a second shape.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.