Patent ID: 7638921
Filing Date: 2009-12-29
Classification: B29C,B60N,C22F,F03G

Abstract:
1. A reconfigurable connecting structure adapted for facilitating the interconnection and disconnection of pluralities of parts presenting differing configurations, said structure comprising: at least one hub; a plurality of arms presenting distal connectors, and attached to and extending from said at least one hub, wherein at least a portion of the arms and/or the hub are cooperatively configured to interconnect a first plurality of parts, so as to define a node, and is formed of an active material adapted to change at least one attribute of the arms or hub in response to an activation signal, the change in the at least one attribute changes a modulus property, a shape orientation, or a combination thereof, and the node is configured such that the change enables interconnection of a second plurality of parts differing in geometric configuration or relative positioning from the first plurality of parts; an activation device in operative communication with the active material and operable to provide the activation signal; and a controller in operative communication with the activation device.