Patent ID: 7550189
Filing Date: 2009-06-23
Classification: B32B,B64C,E04C,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A variable stiffness structure comprising: a) a plurality of constant stiffness material layers; b) a plurality of variable modulus material layers arranged in alternating layers with the plurality of constant stiffness layers, the plurality of variable modulus material layers comprising a material capable of changing elastic modulus in response to one of (1) an electric field; (2) a magnetic field; or (3) a thermal field so as to be capable of reversible coupling and decoupling of stress transfer between successive layers of the plurality of constant stiffness material layers to provide a change in a bending stiffness of the variable stiffness structure; and c) each of the plurality of constant stiffness material layers comprising segmented portions separated by gaps and arranged such that successive layers of the plurality of constant stiffness material layers comprise segmented portions overlapping the gaps between segmented portions of an adjacent constant stiffness material layer.