초록 ▼

A method for creating an elongate passage of a desired cross-sectional shape and size within a component. A shape memory metal alloy is formed into an elongate element, such as a wire (16), having the cross-sectional shape and size desired of the elongate passage. The wire is embedded within a compo

A method for creating an elongate passage of a desired cross-sectional shape and size within a component. A shape memory metal alloy is formed into an elongate element, such as a wire (16), having the cross-sectional shape and size desired of the elongate passage. The wire is embedded within a component (10) as the component is manufactured, e.g., by laying-up the component from a fiber/resin composite and curing it, or by casting the component in a mold (50) from a liquid that hardens around the memory metal alloy, embedding it in place. The liquid may comprise glass, ceramic, thermoplastic, or metal having a lower melting point than the memory metal alloy. The wire is then pulled from the component, by applying a force sufficient to convert the memory metal alloy from a soft martensitic state to a stress-induced martensitic state, thereby plastically and inelastically deforming it so that it lengthens. As the memory metal alloy wire lengthens, its cross-sectional area decreases. In addition, conversion of the memory metal alloy to its stress-induced martensitic state increases its tensile strength, preventing it from being broken by the applied force. Due to the decrease in the diameter of the wire and its increase in tensile strength, it is easily pulled free from the component, leaving behind a void having substantially the same cross-sectional shape and size as the wire.

대표청구항 ▼

A method for creating an elongate cavity of a desired cross-sectional shape and size within a component, comprising the steps of: (a) forming a memory metal alloy into an elongate element having substantially the same cross-sectional shape and size as that desired of the elongate cavity; (b) fabrica

A method for creating an elongate cavity of a desired cross-sectional shape and size within a component, comprising the steps of: (a) forming a memory metal alloy into an elongate element having substantially the same cross-sectional shape and size as that desired of the elongate cavity; (b) fabricating the component with the elongate element positioned where the elongate cavity is desired, the component conforming around the cross-sectional shape of the elongate element along a substantial portion of the length of the elongate element; and (c) axially pulling the elongate element from the component with sufficient force to substantially convert the memory metal alloy into a stress-induced martensitic state, whereby the elongate element experiences: i. a plastic, inelastic deformation, wherein it stretches axially in length with a substantial decrease in cross-sectional area; and ii. a substantial increase in tensile strength, said decrease in cross-sectional area and increase in tensile strength respectively freeing the elongate element and enabling it to be withdrawn from the component, without breaking; the elongate cavity within the component thus comprising the space previously occupied by the elongate element after it is pulled from the component.