초록 ▼

A multifunctional member with a first active member (30), which is adapted to contract if exposed to a temperature above a first transition temperature range. A second active member (40), which is adapted to contract if exposed to a temperature above a second transition temperature range. A core mem

A multifunctional member with a first active member (30), which is adapted to contract if exposed to a temperature above a first transition temperature range. A second active member (40), which is adapted to contract if exposed to a temperature above a second transition temperature range. A core member (20), which is adaptive for deformation. The first and second active members (30, 40) are attached on opposite or different sides of the core member (20). A heat source operatively connected to the first and second active members (30, 40) to expose them to transition temperatures. The first active member (30) contracts while above the first transition temperature range causing the second active member (40) to expand, wherein the second active member (40) is below the second transition temperature range. The second active member (40) contracts while above the second transition temperature range causing the first active member (30) to expand, wherein the first active member (30) is below the first transition temperature range.

대표청구항 ▼

We claim: 1. A multifunctional member adapted for reversible structural deformation from a first shape to a second shape, the multifunctional member comprising: a first active member, said first active member adapted to contract if exposed to a temperature above a first transition temperature range

We claim: 1. A multifunctional member adapted for reversible structural deformation from a first shape to a second shape, the multifunctional member comprising: a first active member, said first active member adapted to contract if exposed to a temperature above a first transition temperature range; a second active member, said second active member adapted to contract if exposed to a temperature above a second transition temperature range; at least one core member, wherein said first and second active members are connected to opposite sides of said core member; at least one heat source operatively connected to said first and second active members to expose said first and second active members to said first and second temperatures, respectively; wherein said first and second active members are operable to alter the shape of the multifunctional member between said first and second shapes, wherein: said first active member contracts while above said first transition temperature range causing said at least one core member to bend out-of-plane and thereby causing said second active member to expand, whereby said multifunctional member assumes said first shape; said second active member contracts while above said second transition temperature range causing said at least one core member to bend out-of-plane and thereby causing said first active member to expand, whereby said multifunctional member assumes said second shape; wherein said multifunctional member retains each of said first and second shapes after exposure to said first and second temperatures by said at least one heat source has been stopped; and wherein said core is comprised of at least two corrugated layers with a center sheet disposed between adjacent said corrugated layers. 2. The multifunctional member of claim 1, wherein said first and second active members are alternatively exposed to first and second temperature transition ranges, respectively, the multifunctional member is adapted to perform fully reversible cyclic shape changes. 3. The multifunctional member of claim 1, wherein said first and second transition temperature ranges are between about 0 C. to about 170 C. 4. The multifunctional member of claim 1, wherein said first and second transition temperature ranges are between about 20 C. to about 120 C. 5. The multifunctional member of claim 1, wherein said first and second transition temperature ranges are about 50 C. to about 70 C. 6. The multifunctional member of claim 1, wherein said core is bonded to adjacent said corrugated layers, wherein said bond is at least one of brazing bonded, UV welding bonded, laser welding bonded, or diffusion welding bonded. 7. The multifunctional member of claim 1, wherein said first and second active members are made from a material selected from the group consisting of Ni—Ti, Ni—Ti—V, Ni—Ti—Fe, Ni—Ti—Cu, Ni—Ti—C—, Ni—Ti—Cr, Ni—Ti—Nb, Ni—Ti—Pd, Ni—Ti—Fe, Cu—Zn—Al, Cu—Al—Ni and Fe—Mn—Si. 8. The multifunctional member of claim 1, wherein said first and second active members are made from composites formed of one or more of a material selected from the group consisting of Ni—Ti, Ni—Ti—V, Ni—Ti—Fe, Ni—Ti—Cu, Ni—Ti—C—, Ni—Ti—Cr, Ni—Ti—Nb, Ni—Ti—Pd, Ni—Ti—Fe, Cu—Zn—Al, Cu—Al—Ni and Fe—Mn—Si. 9. The multifunctional member of claim 1, wherein said first and second active members are made of substantially planar surfaces that can be contracted or expanded. 10. The multifunctional member of claim 1, wherein said first and second active members are made from a shape comprised from a group consisting of rods, strips, and panels. 11. An air craft comprising: at least one wing; and wherein said multifunctional member of claim 1 is adapted to actuate said at least one wing of the aircraft. 12. A watercraft comprising: at least one propulsion system; and wherein said multifunctional member of claim 1 is adapted to actuate said at least one propulsion system of the watercraft.