Selectively rigidizable membrane

US11299084B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignees

• GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC · US
• THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN · 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
• Sarah M. Sober · Pinckney, US
• Laura Alejandra Giner Munoz · Ann Arbor, US
• Nancy L. Johnson · Northville, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Oct 16, 2019
• Grant date: Apr 12, 2022
• Expiry date: Jul 26, 2040

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B33Y80/00
• WIPO field: Transport
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A selectively rigidizable membrane for cargo management comprises a vacuum bladder, and a first architectural layer and a second architectural layer, each of the first and second architectural layers including a plurality of tiles interconnected by flexural elements, each of the tiles of the first and second architectural layers including at least one constraining element extending therefrom, wherein, when atmospheric pressure is present within the vacuum bladder, the first and second architectural layers are slidably moveable relative to one another and the membrane is flexible, and further wherein, when negative pressure is applied to the vacuum bladder, the first and second architectural layers are forced into engagement with one another, the constraining elements of the first and second architectural layers providing mechanical interference and preventing sliding movement of the first and second architectural layers relative to one another, causing the membrane to become substantially rigid.