Pneumatic articulating structure system with internal tile architecture

US11125253B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC · US

Inventors

• Paul W. Alexander · Ypsilanti, US
• Wonhee M. Kim · Royal Oak, US
• Jonathan E. Luntz · Ann Arbor, US
• Diann Brei · Milford, US
• Koray Benli · Ann Arbor, US
• Tiantian LI · 东风镇, CN
• Laura Alejandra Giner Munoz · Ann Arbor, US
• Jeff E. Nasca · West Bloomfield Township, US
• Nancy L. Johnson · Northville, US
• Paul E. Krajewski · Troy, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Sep 9, 2019
• Grant date: Sep 21, 2021
• Expiry date: Nov 19, 2039

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B62D25/105
• WIPO field: Transport
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A pneumatic articulating structure includes a plurality of tiles, a flexible cover, and a plurality of resiliently flexible hinges. Each tile has a first surface and a second surface facing in opposite outward directions. An area of at least one respective first surface is greater than an area of at least one respective second surface. The cover is constructed to cover the tiles. The second surface of each one of the tiles is attached to the cover. Each tile is engaged to an adjacent tile by a respective hinge, and are proximate to the first surface. A vacuum chamber is define by at least the plurality of tiles and the flexible cover.