Patent application number | Description | Published |
20080200570 | VOLUME-FILLING MECHANICAL ASSEMBLIES AND METHODS OF OPERATING THE SAME - A method of operating a volume-filling structure, comprising sensing an impact event and expanding the volume-filling structure from a non-expanded state to an expanded state upon the sensed impact event. The volume-filling structure comprises an open celled material, a first end cap connected to one end of the open celled material and a second end cap connected to a second end of the open celled material. The volume-filling structure further includes an activation mechanism regulating expansion of the open celled material from the non-expanded state to expanded state in response to an activation signal, and the activation mechanism includes an actuator interfaced with the end caps. Embodiments may include triggering a pneumatic device to force the second end cap from the first end cap. Additionally, embodiments may include triggering a mechanical event to force the second end cap from the first end cap. | 08-21-2008 |
20120104292 | ACTIVE DRAIN PLUG FOR HIGH VOLTAGE BATTERY APPLICATIONS - A drain plug assembly that has particular application for sealing a drain hole in a high voltage battery compartment on a vehicle. The plug assembly includes a plug that inserted into the drain hole. The plug assembly further includes a return spring coupled to the plug and causing the plug to be biased into the drain hole. The plug assembly also includes at least one shape memory alloy device coupled to the plug and a support structure. The SMA device receives an electrical current that causes the device to contract and move the plug out of the drain hole against the bias of the return spring. | 05-03-2012 |
20120324671 | ENHANCED VEHICLE WIPER BLADE USING ACTIVE MATERIALS - A vehicle wiper assembly includes a wiper blade having a length, and an active material disposed along the length of the wiper blade and coupled thereto. The active material includes a shape memory alloy material with a crystallographic phase that is changeable between austenite and martensite, and is elastically deformable and operatively applies a spring force against a portion of the wiper blade when the crystallographic phase is martensite. | 12-27-2012 |
20120324672 | VEHICLE WIPER BLADE INCLUDING ACTIVE MATERIAL DE-ICER - A wiper assembly includes a wiper blade having a length and an active material actuator provided along a portion of the length of the wiper blade and coupled thereto. The active material actuator is configured to impart a degree of motion to a portion of the wiper blade in response to an electrical actuation signal. | 12-27-2012 |
20130000776 | SHAPE MEMORY ALLOY-BASED DEVICE FOR CONTROLLING OR MONITORING PRESSURE IN A SYSTEM - A device is provided that may be adapted to control or monitor the pressure level of a fluid system. The device includes a member composed of a shape memory alloy in a superelastic state. The member is configured to undergo a phase change from a high modulus Austenitic phase to a low modulus Martensitic phase and stretch in response to an activation stress. In one embodiment, the member defines two ends such that one end of the member is operatively connected to a fixed point. Another end of the member is operatively connected to a movable element. As the member stretches in response to the activation stress, the movable element is translated relative to the fixed point. In another embodiment, the member includes two plates with respective holes that are selectively aligned when the first and second plates stretch or deform in response to the activation stress. | 01-03-2013 |
20130042426 | ELECTRONIC VEHICLE WIPER BLADE PARKING MECHANISM - A vehicle wiper assembly includes a wiper blade configured to wipe a surface, an armature, and an actuator. The armature has a first end spaced from a second end, and is coupled with the wiper blade at the first end, and coupled to a pivot mechanism at the second end. The pivot mechanism is configured to allow the wiper blade to articulate about the second end in a direction substantially away from the surface and between a wiping position and a parked position. The actuator is provided in mechanical communication with the armature and is configured to receive an electrical actuation signal to transition the wiper blade between a wiping position and the parked position, where the wiper blade is in contact with the surface while in the wiping position, and is separated from the surface while in the parked position. | 02-21-2013 |
20130069387 | PROTECTIVE DEVICE FOR VEHICLE WIPER ASSEMBLY - A protective device for a vehicle wiper assembly is provided. The protective device is configured to selectively at least partially cover the wiper assembly and prevent the wiper assembly from being pulled away from the vehicle. For example, the protective device may prevent entanglement of the wiper assembly with external elements such as those found in automatic car wash facilities. The device may include a member movable between first and second positions such that the member in the second position is configured to at least partially cover or encapsulate the wiper assembly. An active material actuator may be used to move the member between the first and second positions. In another embodiment, the device includes a member operatively connected to and configured to stiffen a pivot point of the wiper assembly. | 03-21-2013 |
20130098029 | PUMPING ASSEMBLY USING ACTIVE MATERIALS - A pumping assembly is provided. The assembly includes a first movable element selectively movable within a first pump housing and an actuator including an active material. The active material is configured to undergo a change in attribute in response to an activation signal. The active material is operatively connected to the first movable element such that the change in attribute causes the first movable element to move within the first pump housing. In one example, the active material is a shape memory alloy material having a crystallographic phase that is changeable between Austenite and Martensite in response to the activation signal. | 04-25-2013 |
20140211010 | DEPLOYABLE CAMERA SYSTEMS - A deployable camera system for a vehicle includes a body defining a cavity therein, and a camera including a housing having an exterior surface. The camera is reversibly transitionable between a stowed position in which the camera is recessed into the cavity and the exterior surface is substantially flush with the body, and a deployed position wherein the camera protrudes from the cavity and the exterior surface is not substantially flush with the body. The deployable camera system includes a first shape memory alloy element transitionable between a first state and a second state in response to a first thermal activation signal. | 07-31-2014 |