Smart Self-Repairing Cryoseal Technology

Shape Change Technologies, LLC proposes to deliver engineering designs for a prototypical smart self-repairing cryo-fluid seal for remote applications, such as deep space, lunar or planetary environments, such as on Mars. The seal utilizes new material solutions of cryogenically compatible elastomers and discrete smart actuation materials to provide a seal surface which can be shielded from debris, allow for shape recovery after being compressed from sealing or from local damage. The concept includes a smart shroud to protect the cryocoupling and seal from debris. This elastomeric shroud serves as a reusable, low power, retrofittable secondary seal with embedded sensors for leak detection. The technology scales with size, so both small and large cryo- seal applications are accessible with this technology.