Robert Bruce MacCurdy

Title: Innovator Spotlight: Robert Bruce MacCurdy

Introduction: Robert Bruce MacCurdy, a prominent inventor based in Belchertown, MA, has made significant contributions to the field of additive manufacturing and auxetic structures. With a total of two patents to his name, MacCurdy's work explores innovative approaches to creating viscoelastic materials and unique structural designs that have broad applications across industries.

Latest Patents: MacCurdy's latest patents showcase his expertise in novel manufacturing techniques. The first patent, titled "Additive Manufacturing of Viscoelastic Materials," describes a method for forming structures with viscoelastic properties. This method involves depositing layers of both solidifying and non-solidifying materials according to a specified occupancy matrix, which is generated through a probabilistic function. By curing the solidifying material with ultraviolet radiation, subsequent layers are added to create the final viscoelastic structure.

The second patent, "Non-Planar Shearing Auxetic Structures, Devices, and Methods," presents a groundbreaking take on auxetic structures. This invention features mathematically compact surfaces with auxetic patterns comprised of repeating unit cells. These structures can transition between contracted and expanded configurations, generating net shear on their surfaces. The versatility of these shearing auxetic structures allows for applications in deployable systems such as space habitats, soft robotics, and various fluid-carrying vessels.

Career Highlights: Robert Bruce MacCurdy is affiliated with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), where he has been at the forefront of research and innovation. His work focuses on developing advanced materials and structures that push the boundaries of traditional engineering.

Collaborations: Throughout his career, MacCurdy has collaborated with esteemed colleagues, including Daniela Rus and Jeffrey Ian Lipton. These collaborations have enabled the exchange of ideas and fostered advancements in the fields of robotics and materials science.

Conclusion: Robert Bruce MacCurdy's inventive spirit and dedication to innovation continue to impact various industries. By developing cutting-edge techniques in additive manufacturing and auxetic structures, he stands as a beacon of ingenuity in contemporary science and engineering. His contributions hold promising potential for the future of materials and structural design.