Is a
Patent attributes
Patent Jurisdiction
Patent Number
Date of Patent
April 8, 2008
Patent Application Number
11461547
Date Filed
August 1, 2006
Patent Citations Received
Patent Primary Examiner
Patent abstract
A tape-spring shaped, articulating member used in deployable structures having a resilient, compliant hinge region and rigid non-hinge regions, thereby enabling a smaller fold radius and greater packaging efficiency. The increased compliance in the hinge region may be obtained by using a more compliant material in the hinge region or reducing the cross-sectional area in the hinge region. The hinge region may be reinforced with integrated shape memory alloy features serving as folding mandrels, to enhance structural stiffness and strength performance of the hinge, and to exhibit authority over the rate and sequencing of strain release when deployed.
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