Cornerstone Research Group, Inc.

Spirit Aerosystems, Inc.

Eric W Traxler

David Ernest Havens

Matthew C Everhart

Brandon Charles Kirby

Michael Jeffrey Fisher

Joel J Everhart

Kristin M Cable

Carl Ray Fiegenbaum

Jeffrey W Priest

Jaime Beverly Vanderhorst

Kodi Elizabeth Ann Caster

Kevin J Heitkamp

Jamie B Vanderhorst

A method and apparatus for removing a SMP apparatus from within a cured composite part. The method may comprise the steps of triggering the SMP apparatus from a rigid state to a malleable state, inducing a pressure differential that drives the SMP apparatus, in the malleable state, away from the cured composite part and toward an inner mandrel tool, and removing the inner mandrel tool with the SMP apparatus resting thereon out of the cured composite part. The inner mandrel tool may comprise an outer surface having varying contours such that a surface area of the outer surface is great enough to prevent the SMP apparatus from folding over onto itself or creasing when driven toward the inner mandrel tool. A maximum straight line distance between points on the outer surface may be small enough to allow the inner mandrel tool clearance for removal from the cured composite part.

Method for removing a SMP apparatus from a cured composite part

The disclosed device primarily consists of a band, ring, or other piece of shape memory polymer (SMP) or SMP composite in various embodiments that allows or disallows containment. When the SMP reaches its transition temperature (Tg) the SMP provides the means for releasing containment of the pressurized material so as to prevent ignition or explosion of hazardous material. At normal operating temperatures, the SMP is in a deformed shape maintaining an environmental seal to protect the contents of the container. When environmental conditions cause the SMP or SMP composite to exceed its Tg, specified by the operating requirements, the SMP returns to its memory shape in a controlled geometry, rather than simply melting. The return of the SMP to its memory shape causes the venting of the container in different manners depending on which embodiment is utilized.

Venting mechanisms for containers

Growing community of inventors

Beavercreek, OH, United States of America

Eric W Traxler