System and method for harvesting energy from a moving vehicle

    公开(公告)号:US10063164B2

    公开(公告)日:2018-08-28

    申请号:US14987115

    申请日:2016-01-04

    Abstract: A system and method for harvesting energy from a vehicle, e.g., an aircraft, in operation. A plurality of piezoelectric members are coupled between structural members in the vehicle. A first portion of the plurality of piezoelectric members are non-resonant piezoelectric spacers coupled between structural members subject to a constant load during operation of the vehicle. A second portion of the plurality of piezoelectric members are resonant piezoelectric fillers coupled between structural members subject to a cyclical load during operation of the vehicle. Electrical conversion circuitry is coupled to each of the plurality of piezoelectric members for converting the output of each piezoelectric member to usable electrical energy. The electrical conversion circuitry is coupled to an energy storage device for storing the usable electrical energy and/or to an interface circuit for supplying energy for use in an electrical system in the vehicle.

    ASSEMBLIES INCLUDING SHAPE MEMORY ALLOY FITTINGS AND COMPOSITE STRUCTURAL MEMBERS

    公开(公告)号:US20170292547A1

    公开(公告)日:2017-10-12

    申请号:US15630745

    申请日:2017-06-22

    CPC classification number: F16B1/0014

    Abstract: Provided are assemblies having composite structures interlocked with shape memory alloy structures and methods of fabricating such assemblies. Interlocking may involve inserting an interlocking protrusion of a shape memory alloy structure into an interlocking opening of a composite structure and heating at least this protrusion of the shape memory alloy structure to activate the alloy and change the shape of the protrusion. This shape change engages the protrusion in the opening such that the protrusion cannot be removed from the opening. The shape memory alloy structure may be specifically trained prior to forming an assembly using a combination of thermal cycling and deformation to achieve specific pre-activation and post-activation shapes. The pre-activation shape allows inserting the interlocking protrusion into the opening, while the post-activation shape engages the interlocking protrusion within the opening. As such, activation of the shape memory alloy interlocks the two structures.

    Assemblies including shape memory alloy fittings and composite structural members

    公开(公告)号:US09719536B2

    公开(公告)日:2017-08-01

    申请号:US14323529

    申请日:2014-07-03

    CPC classification number: F16B1/0014

    Abstract: Provided are assemblies having composite structures interlocked with shape memory alloy structures and methods of fabricating such assemblies. Interlocking may involve inserting an interlocking protrusion of a shape memory alloy structure into an interlocking opening of a composite structure and heating at least this protrusion of the shape memory alloy structure to activate the alloy and change the shape of the protrusion. This shape change engages the protrusion in the opening such that the protrusion cannot be removed from the opening. The shape memory alloy structure may be specifically trained prior to forming an assembly using a combination of thermal cycling and deformation to achieve specific pre-activation and post-activation shapes. The pre-activation shape allows inserting the interlocking protrusion into the opening, while the post-activation shape engages the interlocking protrusion within the opening. As such, activation of the shape memory alloy interlocks the two structures.

    Airplane window having infrared heat reflection capability

    公开(公告)号:US09694896B1

    公开(公告)日:2017-07-04

    申请号:US13733535

    申请日:2013-01-03

    CPC classification number: B64C1/1484 G02B5/0808 G02B5/206 G02B5/208

    Abstract: A window assembly particularly for use in a commercial airplane is provided. Many windows are provided on most commercial passenger airplanes. Solar radiation causes the passage of infrared heat radiation through each window assembly into the passenger cabin during daylight hours. The disclosure involves the window assemblies of airplanes and the use of a protective coating that is bonded to the outermost surface of an outermost window pane, with the outermost window pane bonded to an inner window pane of the airplane window assembly. The protective coating has a metallic element component that has the capability of reflecting an effective amount of infrared heat radiation from solar radiation away from passing through the window assembly and into the cabin of the airplane.

    Composite material moisture detection
    59.
    发明授权
    Composite material moisture detection 有权
    复合材料水分检测

    公开(公告)号:US09535022B1

    公开(公告)日:2017-01-03

    申请号:US13944571

    申请日:2013-07-17

    CPC classification number: G01N27/00 B64F5/60 G01N22/04 G01N27/223

    Abstract: A system for detecting moisture characteristics of a material of a complex structure while the material is in situ or forms part of the complex structure. The system includes at least one moisture detection sensor positioned proximate the material of the complex structure while the material is in situ. The system also includes a controller in data receiving communication with the moisture detection sensor.

    Abstract translation: 一种用于在材料就地或形成复杂结构的一部分时检测复合结构材料的水分特性的系统。 该系统包括至少一个位于复合结构材料附近的水分检测传感器,同时材料在原位。 该系统还包括与湿度检测传感器进行数据接收通信的控制器。

    Manufacturing composite tubular structures using adjustable cylindrical mechanical pressure device and process
    60.
    发明授权
    Manufacturing composite tubular structures using adjustable cylindrical mechanical pressure device and process 有权
    使用可调圆柱形机械压力装置和工艺制造复合管状结构

    公开(公告)号:US09527126B2

    公开(公告)日:2016-12-27

    申请号:US14328702

    申请日:2014-07-11

    Abstract: A system for manufacturing a composite tubular structure. The system includes an outer tube configured to remain rigid up to at least a first threshold pressure. The system includes an inner tube internal to the outer tube and substantially coaxial with the outer tube. The inner tube has a first outer surface and a first inner surface. The inner tube is configured to remain rigid up to a second threshold pressure that is less than the threshold first pressure. The system includes a composite tubular layup laid on the first outer surface of the inner tube. The system includes an assembly of a plurality of separate segments disposed inside the inner tube, each segment adjacent to two other segments, to form a segmented inner cylinder having a second outer surface of a cylindrical shape and an inner channel of a first conical shape.

    Abstract translation: 一种用于制造复合管状结构的系统。 该系统包括配置成保持刚性达到至少第一阈值压力的外管。 该系统包括在外管内部并与外管大致同轴的内管。 内管具有第一外表面和第一内表面。 内管构造成保持刚性直到小于阈值第一压力的第二阈值压力。 该系统包括放置在内管的第一外表面上的复合管状叠层。 该系统包括设置在内管内部的多个分离段的组件,每个段邻近两个其它段,以形成具有圆柱形形状的第二外表面和第一圆锥形形状的内通道的分段内筒。

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