Systems, apparatuses and methods using self-limiting inflatable elements for cargo retention

US10668850B1 · kind B1 · utility

Assignees

• GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC · US
• THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN · US

Inventors

• Paul W. Alexander · Ypsilanti, US
• Diann Brei · Milford, US
• Jonathan E. Luntz · Ann Arbor, US
• Jesse Velleu · Ann Arbor, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Feb 14, 2019
• Grant date: Jun 2, 2020
• Expiry date: Feb 14, 2039

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B60R2011/0092
• WIPO field: Transport
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

Systems, apparatuses and methods are provided for object restraint including a trench; a pneumatic bending actuator (PBA), the PBA and the trench configured on the surface for clamping of the object to the surface; a part of the PBA constrained in the trench and a part of the PBA left unconstrained by the trench; a primary actuation mechanism for constraining in the trench the constrained part of the PBA to remain flat at the surface for resting the object on the surface, and for leaving the unconstrained part of the PBA configured as the curved segment to exert a clamping force to the object on the surface; and a secondary constraint mechanism to retain the constrained part of the PBA in the trench to prevent a portion of the constrained part of the PBA from exerting an upward force counter to the clamping of the unconstrained part of the PBA.