CPC F16L 3/221 (2013.01) [F16L 3/1058 (2013.01); F16L 3/2334 (2013.01)] | 13 Claims |
1. A system comprising:
a spacer element configured to engage a plurality of tubular structures, to spatially separate the plurality of tubular structures from one another, and to distribute stress in the plurality of tubular structures, the spacer element comprising:
a planar end; and
at least two radially extending arms configured to engage a tubular structure of the plurality of tubular structures, the at least two radially extending arms each having a planar surface and a curved surface, the planar surface and the curved surface engaging the tubular structure; and
a fastening element comprising a shape memory alloy (SMA) band and configured to be received in the planar end and extend around at least a portion of an outer surface of the plurality of tubular structures to fasten and swage the plurality of tubular structures to the spacer element in an adaptively spaced configuration.
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