Shape memory alloy rearview mirror
US6364496B1 · kind B1 · utility
23Cited by
7References
10Claims
0Family size
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 23, 2001 |
| Grant date | Apr 2, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 23, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB60R1/072
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A rearview mirror assembly having a pivot structure and first and second pairs of helical structures consisting of shape memory alloy wires which serve to adjust the position of the mirror. The wires may be individually heated by conducting an electrical current to effect the contracted memory position. When the current is switched off, a wire cools and can easily be stretched to mechanically transform the wire to a martensitic phase.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.